Having set the benchmark for sustainable design in Ireland in the Green Building, Temple Bar, MÓLA have used the research and Innovation as a basis for application throughout each building sector. The lessons learned in this mixed-use building have informed what can be done, both in active and passive heating systems. We believe that every building can and should be a sustainable building, inherent in its design, construction and life.

Sustainability as we see it, ranges from site selection, the embodied energy inherent in material, right through to cost in use analysis of the different energy systems.
With new EU legislation in the form of Energy Labelling of Buildings, we want to future – proof our designs for the highest achievable mark.

An agreed definition of this word would require more reflection and page space than this statement would permit. On the assumption that the concept relates to the aspiration to minimise environmental impact as well as maximising resources for the future Murray Ó Laoire Architects feel we contribute significantly by:

1. Ensuring Inherent Energy Efficiency
   The various issues which can be addressed are extensive; they may be broken down into the following groupings:
   • Building fabric
   • Thermal performance
   • Daylighting and electrical lighting
   • Comfort
   • Ventilation (mechanical and natural)
   • Infiltration
   • Services systems
   • Energy consumption
   • Control
   • Shading/overshadowing
     
2. Minimising CO2 & CFC Emissions
   Given that buildings account for 50% of total CO2 emissons, we investigate not only the emissions during the life of the building, but also the energy taken to produce the building material in the first place: embodied energy
   
3. Ensuring the Material Specification is Durable and Renewable
   The principles of ISO 14001 are adopted to examine the ways materials are used, what type of energy is used to produce them, extraction costs and transportation costs
   
4. Ensuring Adaptability
   The structural and architectural forms render the building easy to adapt over time as circumstances change
   
5. Cost in Use analysis
   With in creased insulation values on the way in changing legislation that will tackle carbon emissions in line with the Kyoto Protocol, the mechanical and electrical consultants on each project prepares a complete environmental control strategy at the beginning of the design concept for lighting, heating, ventilation etc. This audit includes assessment of daylight levels, solar gain and glare so that any potential problems in these areas can be identified and can be eliminated at early on in the design process.

Related Documents:
  - Urban Planning
  - Daylighting & Ventilation
  - Thermal Mass & Renewable Materials