Sustainability Case Study

Air to Water Heat Pump System

Background

Parknasilla Resort & Spa is located on a 500 acre parkland estate which is a designated special area of conservation in Kenmare Bay. Therefore, environmental impact is very much on the minds of the team. Comprising of five star luxury accommodation, food and beverage, leisure and spa facilities; the resort has used LPG as its main source of fuel for many years.

Factors leading to the change

Sustainability

A desire by the management team to improve the sustainability of the resort. Increasing demand from guests for more sustainable experiences.

Aging heating system

The current LPG heating and hot water system is coming to the end of its useful life.

Inefficiencies

The plant room was located 80m away from the leisure centre which resulted in heat loss between the locations.

Rising fuel costs

The costs of non-renewable fuel sources has increased significantly in recent years.

The Planning Process

Role

The role of the energy consultant is to oversee the entire project from start to finish and provide a single point of contact between the client and the multiple businesses that are engaged with for each aspect of the project.

Integrated Environmental System (IES) Analysis

The journey began with the energy consultant undertaking a detailed energy audit with the aid of IES modelling software which produced room-by-room heat loss calculations, an analysis of electricity/gas/oil bills and mapped out a list of opportunities (heat recovery/ ventilation/ windows/ insulation, etc.). This also allows the consultant to size the plant equipment based on the demand of the building, also considering potential future demand based on any expansion plans that the business has.

Phased Plan

From the list of opportunities identified in the energy audit, a 3-5 year phased plan was developed in consultation with the client and structured based on Cap Ex availability each year and also build this around other hotel works. Typically when a hotel has a leisure centre, this is the first recommended upgrade works because they are generally the biggest energy users. At Parknasilla, a 36 bedroom wing was the first phase to check performance on a smaller scale project first. The overall delivery of the project entailed a detailed design process, tendering and appointment of contractors, installation and commissioning of the energy upgrade works.

The Solution:

Heating and Hot Water for 36 Bedrooms

Total Investment: €72,000 Grant Aid: €18,720 - SEAI Better Energy Community Scheme (BEC) Estimated Annual Energy Savings: 130,440kWh Estimated Annual Carbon Savings: 21,571 kg CO2

Leisure Centre, Pool and Spa

Total Investment: €495,000 Grant Aid: €128,700 - SEAI Better Energy Community Scheme Estimated Annual Energy Savings: 893,340 kWh Estimated Annual Carbon Savings: 145,614 kg CO2

Heating and Hot Water for 52 bedrooms

Total Investment: €198,000 Grant Aid: €51,480 - SEAI Better Energy Community Scheme (BEC) Estimated Annual Energy Savings: 279,050kWh Estimated Annual Carbon Savings: 49,301 kg CO2

The infinity pool is a high grade polished stainless steel pool with combination of bubble loungers, water jet back massage bench and a combination of bubbles and massage jets. It is a unique solution for outside luxury bathing. Our outdoor infinity pool, with a capacity of 40m³, is efficiently heated to 36 degrees Celsius using a 35kW monobloc inverter drive heat pump. This technology provides precise temperature control while minimising energy consumption. Guests can enjoy the pool with the assurance that our heating system is designed to operate sustainably, reducing environmental impact. This case study highlights our commitment to integrating advanced heating solutions that prioritise both comfort and eco-friendliness.

Solar PV

Exploring solar pv options for the original building, the woodland villas, the courtyard lodges and the staff accommodation facilities.

Implementation Process Timeline

Meet the Client, Conduct an Energy Audit and Present Proposed Plan

Q4, 2021 - Q1, 2022

Phase 1 - 36 Bedroom Wing

Q4, 2022

Phase 2 - Leisure Facilities

Q1, 2024

Phase 3 - 52 Bedroom Wing

Q1, 2024

Phase 4 - Infinity Pool

Q1, 2024

Phase 5 - Solar PV

Future phase to be confirmed

Air to Water Plant Life-Span

15-20 years

Let's talk about the main numbers....

Phases (combined)

€765k

Capital Expenditure

€199K

Grant Aid at 26% via BEC Scheme

€92k

Annual Savings

Benefits

Reduces Environmental Impact

With significant carbon savings this is reducing the environmental impact of the resort. The systems allows for easy recording and analysis of data which will be beneficial for future ESG reporting.

Resonates with Guests

When guests are aware of the system being used, they are interested and pleased as it helps them to have a more sustainable holiday without any effort.

Return on Investment

With the BEC grant and the fuel cost savings the return on investment is relatively short – 6-8 years, depending on measurement and verification exercises. It also future-proofs the business.

A More Attractive Employer

Initiatives such as this one reflect the values of many employees and potential future employees.

A Winning Move....

From a business perspective, cost saving is very strong, efficiency and layout of plant rooms is quiet, modern and effective with easy remote control. There is a good feeling of not being left behind in the endeavour to improve what we do. From a guest perspective, using less fossil fuels and producing an even temperature throughout the day and night pleases the guest. We can promote it as a positive initiative to guests. Staff find it a good move and maintenance staff find it easier to maintain and control.

Tony Daly, Managing Director, Parknasilla Resort & Spa.

Case study developed in collaboration with....