Number Two Grand Canal Square office, completed in September 2009 and substantially occupied by law firm Byrne Wallace in August this year, set a landmark in commercial office development by combining world-class design with sustainability - reconciling the architecture of Daniel Libeskind with achieving both a Breeam Excellent rating and an A3 BER certificate. Paul Dunne, sustainability and M&E director for Arup, outlines some of the project’s history and its achievements

US secretary for energy Dr Steven Chu will speak in Dublin this Friday, 5 November. He will speak at the Pathways to 2050 International Energy Conference, which will take place at the National Convention Centre, Dublin.

The deadline for submitting entries to the Isover Energy Efficiency Awards (EEA) has been extended until October 11.

The inaugural awards scheme is being targeted at building professionals including architects, engineers, builders and developers, across Ireland, who have worked on both new build and renovation projects with very low energy demand.

People planning to build a new home could save themselves thousands of euro each year by developing a passive house, according to the Passive House Association of Ireland (PHAI), a new low energy design initiative comprising passive house designers and contractors.

The RIAI, in partnership with Joseph Little Architects, has announced the launch of an intensive one day programme on home energy upgrades designed specifically for architectural professionals. The course will be delivered through lectures and workshops.

The Irish Architecture Foundation has announced the highlights of the fifth annual Open House Dublin, which takes place from 7 to 11 October 2010. Over the weekend architecturally significant Dublin buildings will open their doors the public, with free tours available.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) today announced that it is inviting submissions from manufacturers and suppliers to the new Accelerated Capital Allowances (ACA) equipment categories announced by the government as part of the Finance Act.

Energy Minister Eamon Ryan yesterday announced the government’s new support price structure for bio-energy. The guaranteed support price will range from 15 cent per kilowatt hour to 8.5 cent an hour depending on the technology deployed.

Green for Growth, a coalition of leading Irish businesses set up to demand strong government leadership on green procurement, will be launched tomorrow, Friday 14 May 2010 in The Annesley Suite, Alexander Hotel, Merrion Square, Dublin 2 at 12pm. The coalition has been organised by Construct Ireland magazine.

Energy minister Eamon Ryan has announced that the government plans to recoup some of the profits big electricity generators have made through the EU's emissions trading scheme.