How EDC Delivered a High-Performance Energy Retrofit for Clayton Hotels

Project Overview:

EDC were engaged to produce this decarbonisation report for Clayton Hotel, Lapps Quay, Cork which includes identification of possible solutions for reducing or removing carbon dioxide (CO2) output into the atmosphere which is currently generated from the energy sources serving this building. The main objective of the project is to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of the building by minimum of 51%. EDC carried out M&E visual surveys to inspect existing systems and assess possible solutions. EDC then conducted a desktop feasibility study for the decarbonisation of the Clayton Hotel through the use of low zero carbon technologies.

EDC also worked closely with the Energy Efficient Design Expert (EED) to initially identify current baseline including production of Energy Service requirements and input in the Action and Opportunities element of the project.

The development consists of an active hotel that has approximately 197 bedrooms and is located at Lapps Quay, Co. Cork.

EDC Scope of Works:

·       Isolate existing LTHW and CHW pipework

·       Strip out of existing LTHW and CHW pipework

·       Strip out of existing FCU’s in bedrooms

·       Strip out of the existing CHP plant & plantroom

·       Installation of a new HVRF system for bedrooms heating and cooling

·       Replace existing chiller with a new chiller.

The Core Challenges

Fossil Fuel Dependency: The hotel is currently reliant on natural gas boilers, which are a major source of carbon emissions. Transitioning away from this infrastructure presents both technical and financial hurdles.

Decarbonisation Target: 51% Reduction in Energy Use: In line with national and EU climate targets, EDC is aiming to cut the hotel's energy consumption by at least 51%, a significant and ambitious goal.

Innovative Solutions

Electric Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs): EDC is proposing the use of electric air source heat pumps, which are a low-carbon, energy-efficient alternative to gas boilers. These systems extract heat from the outside air and can provide both heating and cooling.

Advantages of ASHPs:

• Can be powered by renewable electricity, further reducing carbon footprint.
• Lower operating costs over time compared to gas.
• Flexible integration into existing heating systems with minimal disruption.
• Qualifies for green financing and grant support.
  
  

1. Significant Reduction in Energy Usage: Upgrading building systems and implementing energy-efficient technologies leads to lower energy consumption, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and improving operational efficiency.
2. Lower Operational and Utility Costs: Energy-efficient upgrades result in reduced utility bills, allowing for substantial long-term cost savings and improved profit margins for the business.
3. Compliance with EU Climate and Energy Directives: Retrofitting ensures the building aligns with EU mandates and upcoming requirements for energy reduction, helping avoid future regulatory penalties or restrictions.
4. Positive Environmental Impact: Energy retrofits contribute to lower carbon emissions, supporting global and national goals for climate neutrality by 2050.
5. Enhanced Reputation and Marketability: Hotels that are environmentally conscious can attract eco-conscious guests and corporate clients.

EDC’s approach to this energy retrofit goes far beyond equipment replacement - it’s a fully integrated, data-led strategy grounded in engineering innovation and sustainability-first thinking. Through advanced energy modelling and scenario analysis, our team assessed the hotel’s entire energy profile, identifying inefficiencies and unlocking targeted opportunities for carbon reduction.

Using tools and processes like dynamic simulation modelling, decarbonisation strategies, Part L energy assessments and NZEB alignment, we were able to forecast performance, optimise load profiles, and propose tailored interventions that aligned with both operational demands and long-term ESG goals. We worked with live occupancy profiles to access live predictions of the retrofit, also allowing for minimal disruption to operations.

Our ability to integrate renewable-ready technologies and coordinate across disciplines has allowed us to develop a retrofit solution that is not only technically sound, but scalable across the hotel group’s wider portfolio - a clear example of EDC’s capability to drive meaningful change in the commercial and hospitality sectors.