Improving the Energy Performance of Heritage Properties in State Care Initiative

To support Ireland’s climate action commitments and the EU’s decarbonisation targets, the Office of Public Works, the state body responsible for managing Ireland’s governmental property portfolio, launched a research initiative to examine how historic buildings could contribute. Prior to this, there was no clear framework for upgrading the energy performance of historic buildings without putting their heritage value at risk.

Launched in 2021, the initiative developed detailed technical guidance, six in-depth case studies and a national training programme aimed at public-sector professionals. Rather than endorsing generic energy retrofit measures, the initiative established a methodology for assessing traditional buildings, which behave differently from modern structures and require careful consideration of condensation and mould-growth risks, material compatibility and long-term hygrothermal performance.

The six case studies covered a range of historic building types. Each included on-site testing, energy analysis and heritage impact assessments, leading to tailored upgrade proposals. One building was used as a “live laboratory” to monitor long-term performance. Cost-benefit analysis demonstrated that carefully designed energy renovations can deliver positive economic, environmental and socio-cultural outcomes.

A three-day training programme was delivered to more than 400 participants from across the Irish public sector, including representatives from the local authorities, government departments and heritage organisations. The training covered recent and upcoming changes to national and European policies, technical evaluation tools and techniques, and practical case-based learning. It established a shared understanding of how to balance climate action with heritage conservation principles.

The guidance, case studies and training were published open access and are now available beyond Ireland. The initiative provides a model for other European countries to develop comparable case studies across different types of heritage buildings, contexts and climates.

Through this initiative, the Office of Public Works has embedded a structured methodology within their organisation to guide the energy renovation of heritage properties within their care. The guidance and training continue to be used in retrofit planning across a broad portfolio of protected structures.

The initiative was developed in two phases, with funding from Ireland’s Public Service Innovation Fund, the European Commission’s Technical Support Instrument and the Office of Public Works.

The Awards’ Jury stated: “The initiative strengthens the capacity of public authorities and heritage professionals to apply European energy-efficiency standards in historic buildings in a structured and practical way. It combines high technical quality with a balanced approach that safeguards heritage value while contributing to long-term climate goals.”

Contact: Audrey Farrell | Office of Public Works | audrey.farrell@opw.ie | www.gov.ie/en/office-of-public-works/campaigns/improving-the-energy-performance-of-heritage-properties-in-state-care