A joint energy initiative from Dublin Corporation and Temple Bar Properties has won a major international environmental award.
The Combined Heat and Power system (CHP) uses surplus heat from the generator in Dublin Civic Offices at Wood Quay to heat 243 apartments, five hotels, 24 businesses and Christchurch Cathedral.
Tim Cooper who is Director of Buildings at Trinity College Dublin explains that in comparison to a conventional heating system where excess heat is dumped, here it is channelled to other buildings via a district heating system.
There's no carbon dioxide, no greenhouse gases being emitted.
Local businesses have successfully used the heating network for the last four years. General Manager of the Harding Hotel and Kinlay House Robin Hickey says CHP runs itself and,
Saves us money and doesn't cause us any problems at all.
The prestigious Bremen Partnership Award recognises environmental partnerships between businesses and local authorities, and Dublin Corporation beat off competition from international rivals from Denmark, Holland and Canada to take first place. This particular CHP system could act as a blueprint for similar schemes around the country.
In addition to a reduction in the cost of heating bills, the environmental benefit is a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, which the designers say
It's the equivalent of planting 400 acres of rainforest here in the heart of the city.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 27 April 2001. The reporter is Fergal Ryan.
