High heating costs and poor energy performance in existing housing stock present a critical barrier to national decarbonisation targets.
Transitioning these homes requires a coordinated strategic approach combining fabric upgrades, smart technology integration, and sustainable financing. This conversation explores how to navigate these technical and financial complexities to achieve comfortable, low-carbon living spaces.
David McCourt, Director of Asset Management and Property Services at Cooperative Housing Ireland, joins the host to share hard-won insights from executing deep energy retrofits across large residential portfolios.
Things We Spoke About
Defining successful retrofits through tenant comfort and energy savings
Scaling energy upgrades with portfolio data and tenant engagement
Prioritising fabric-first measures like insulation, windows, and doors
Leveraging community energy grants for complex apartment block upgrades
Transforming residential portfolios into active energy generators and stores
GUEST DETAILS
David McCourt serves as the Director of Asset Management and Property Services at Cooperative Housing Ireland. He possesses extensive expertise in building performance, energy retrofitting, and large-scale asset management within the social housing sector. His leadership drives the Improving Warmth and Wellbeing Programme, delivering deep energy retrofits to communities.
Contact David:
Website: www.cooperativehousing.ie
Social Media: www.linkedin.com/in/davidmccourt
MORE INFORMATION
About The Energy Canvas Podcast
The Energy Canvas is brought to you by Celtic Dynamics, exploring the intersection of engineering innovation, sustainability, and business success in Ireland's evolving energy landscape. Each episode features conversations with industry leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs driving real climate action and decarbonisation solutions.
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Get In Touch
Have a question about energy systems, hydrogen technology, or want to suggest a future guest? Contact us at www.celticdynamics.com or connect with Celtic Dynamics on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/celtic-dynamics.
This podcast is produced by DustPod.io, creating compelling audio content that drives conversation and action in the energy and sustainability sectors.
QUOTES
For me, it does. It comes back to that idea of using homes as part of the energy system in general. We're consumers; we can be generators, and we store energy. - David McCourt
And the best way of doing that is by seeing the tenant and the member of the cooperative as a very important stakeholder in this project, and the earlier you can get them involved in the project, the better and more successful it's going to be." - David McCourt
Because actually, if you get that right, that's whole life type of improvement. That's protecting and future proofing the asset going forward." - David McCourt
KEYWORDS
#DeepEnergyRetrofit#CommunityEnergyGrants#TenantEngagement#SocialHousingSector
What is The Energy Canvas with Celtic Dynamics?
The Energy Canvas breaks down what actually works in energy saving and compliance requirements.
We bring you straight talk from energy experts with real stories from businesses that have cut costs and hit their sustainability targets. No jargon, no fluff—just practical advice on audits, compliance, grants, and energy savings that impact your bottom line today.
Whether you're managing facilities, controlling budgets, or leading sustainability efforts, you'll hear how companies like yours are turning energy challenges into wins.