Trial / Demo
Dublin’s Heuston Station is a historic Irish landmark, built in 1845, that has never been modelled before. The project was commissioned by Irish Rail to review the potential energy and carbon savings that could be achieved using IESVE, enabling the building to meet the Emergency Net Zero Strategy 2050 climate requirements.
The objective of the energy modelling was to optimise the performance of the existing built assets, test potential retrofit scenarios, plan to mitigate risks throughout the retrofit process, and then make post-retrofit updates to both the site capture and the model updates to confirm that the retrofit performed as intended. From both an environmental and economic perspective, retrofitting existing buildings not only preserves architectural heritage, but also offers a more sustainable alternative to demolishing and rebuilding, thus minimising the carbon footprint associated with construction.
The project presented a number of challenges, particularly in accurately modelling the existing historic building due to its age and the limited available information. The lack of comprehensive records posed significant difficulties for the design team and engineers when attempting to recommend energy upgrades for such a historically significant structure.
Since the station buildings are protected by heritage regulations, Delap and Waller were constrained in their approach to modifications because any changes had to be in line with legal and preservation guidelines. Additionally, conducting a precise survey of the building was crucial to obtaining the correct geometry and structural data, which in turn affected the accuracy of the proposed energy efficiency improvements.
Delap and Waller conducted the analysis in line with the standard energy hierarchy options (Be Lean, Be Clean, Be Green), providing an itemised breakdown on the energy savings and carbon emissions reduction for each option. Reducing energy demand (Be Lean) for things like fabric upgrades was prioritised in the first instance, followed by increasing the efficiency of energy delivery (Be Clean) and finally, focusing on incorporating on-site renewable technologies to offset energy and carbon from operational use (Be Green).
Figure 3: Energy hierarchy analysis of Heuston Station
The analysis modelled each option individually to provide CIÉ/Irish Rail and the design team with a list of actions to be considered when the necessary funds and programme can accommodate the works. Certain options, when combined, will provide further carbon emissions reduction. For example, the energy and carbon reduction achieved through heating upgrades will be enhanced further through upgrades to the building’s fabric and overall air tightness.
The overall carbon reduction of options 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11 and 12 is estimated to be in the region of 67.46% beyond current carbon emissions.
Figure 4: Heuston Station Decarbonisation, based on 12 model options
This innovative project required a unique, multidisciplinary, almost room-by-room analysis and varied modelling options, in order to advise the client on implementing energy upgrades in the historic landmark building, while still preserving its character. This modelling approach offers flexibility in the analysis structure and allows the client to implement suitable measures whenever funding becomes available. A fabric first approach was recommended initially.
Through the various modelling, the building energy rating can potentially be improved from a F – B3 contributing an energy saving of over 62%. This is a significant achievement for a 180-year old building.
Delap and Waller's energy model of Heuston Station has successfully identified significant carbon savings crucial for their net zero 2050 target. Through IESVE simulation and careful consultation with heritage experts, the analysis outlines financially feasible energy upgrades that respect the station's historical importance.
"Understanding the historical significance of Heuston Station was paramount. Our extensive site visits and consultations with conservation architects, engineers and government bodies, alongside detailed IESVE modelling, ensured that our proposed energy upgrades were not only financially viable but also respectful and appropriate for this landmark building."
David Neylon, Senior Sustainability Engineer, Delap and Waller
