Join local authorities, operators and designers in the journey towards decarbonisation. "Tackling low carbon sport buildings" will be the theme of the second session of Day 2 of the Dublin event. The 2-day event will showcase expert speakers sharing innovative strategies for activating urban spaces and increasing participation in sport as well as discussing solutions for the future of the industry.
Meet Aisling Cleary, John O'Sullivan and Padraig Byrne and scroll down to have a look at the pressing topics they will be dealing with on the 3rd of October.
Day two will take place at the world-class Aviva Stadium and will include a stadium tour.
Speakers and more details: Programme
credit: Aviva
How do we meet the decarbonisation challenge in pools?
John O’Sullivan, Head of Public Sector and Regulatory Programmes at Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)
In this presentation, John will provide an overview the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) programme support, including insight on future scope and funding. This will be set within the broader framework of Irish public sector targets and the challenges in achieving them. John will highlight the significance of public sector leisure centres in the national effort to save energy and decarbonise. Additionally, he will discuss the significant challenges in financing and capacity of the broader value chain to meet target timeframes. Attendees will gain insights into SEAI programmes, desired outcomes, and potential impacts on energy efficiency and sustainability. We will share examples of ongoing projects supported by SEAI’s Pathfinder programme, demonstrating the level of activity and commitment.
John O’Sullivan, Head of Public Sector and Regulatory Programmes at SEAI, leads the strategy and delivery of programmes to support the Irish public sector in achieving national and EU directive targets for emissions and energy reduction. He also oversees regulatory responsibilities, including market surveillance, the National Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme, and the Triple-E products register.
An operator's perspective
Padraig Byrne, Property Director, Aura Leisure
Padraig will set out Aura's decarbonisation journey as a nationwide leisure centre operator. His presentation will map out the challenges and opportunities to be found in targeting carbon reductions in these buildings. Padraig will offer insights into retrofit projects undertaken and compliance with governmental targets as well as explore concepts for the future of low-carbon sports buildings.
Meet Padraig Byrne
Padraig joined the Aura Holohan Group in 2010 where he heads up the property team. Padraig is a Building Services Engineer with over 20 years’ experience, who is responsible for the energy efficiency and sustainability of Aura’s 13 swimming pools. A member of the IAKS Swimming Pool Experts Circle, Padraig is a regular speaker at Irish and International conferences on swimming pool energy management and sustainability.
He has specialized in energy management and developed the award winning 5 point energy plan which has resulted in over 45% reduction in the overall energy consumption for the Aura group.
A new whole life carbon roadmap for sports buildings
Aisling Cleary, Associate, FaulknerBrowns Architects
The unique energy profile of leisure centres is a key focus for local authorities, operators and designers in the journey towards decarbonisation. Drawing on FaulknerBrowns' 50+ years' research and delivery of this typology, Aisling will present findings that challenge current industry thinking and look towards a new blueprint for the future of sustainable sports buildings.
Meet Aisling Cleary
She is an associate architect with FaulknerBrowns Architects. Aisling worked in New York, Dublin and Amsterdam before joining FaulknerBrowns in 2021 to assist in establishing the Dublin studio. Aisling has ten years of experience in designing innovative buildings with a focus on sustainability, and is currently leading a number of high-profile sports projects for local authorities and government agencies in Dublin.
A tutor and examiner at TU Dublin, Aisling is an advocate for design that supports healthier cities and communities.
