Mount Lucas Training Truck Visits KORE Retrofit

KORE had the pleasure of hosting the Mount Lucas National Construction Training Centre training truck here at our premises in Kilnaleck, Co. Cavan. Running from November 14th-20th, trainers from the NZEB and Retrofit Centre of Excellence offered participants hands on learning and in-depth knowledge on the general principles and practices of NZEB and retrofit standards.  

Teaching the next generation of construction professionals

Starting off our week of learning, we had sixth year construction studies students from St. Clare’s Secondary School in Ballyjamesduff, Cavan. The students began with a very hands-on experience with the two trainers Suzanne and Cathal, starting off with exploring key components of nZEB in the classroom, followed by airtightness membrane installation, then onto the building fabric (insulation) installation, ventilation and renewable energy 101. Finishing the day, they built their own A-Rated homes in virtual reality!

Pictured here is an NZEB module diagram (reference Mount Lucas) that featured during the classroom learning sessions, where students looked at the 7-Steps to NZEB as part of Part L & Part F building regulations, encompassing building physics (U-values, thermal energy, heat loss), building fabric (insulation, thermal bridging, air permeability), building services (space heating, controlled ventilation, lighting), and renewable energy.  

We had three days of study with the students of St. Clare’s, with fifth years completing their NZEB & Retrofit Awareness courses and gaining a digital certification badge from Mount Lucas. 

Up-skilling with retrofit principles and practices

KORE employees and subcontractors attended training on the final two days, where they completed the nZEB Retrofit course, which consisted of principles and practices needed to effectively retrofit dwellings to reduce energy demand and carbon emissions while improving comfort. Key themes included thermal bridging, insulation, thermal envelope and building physics, airtightness, ventilation, heating and renewable energy.  

This classroom-led course offered the participants valuable knowledge on the fundamentals of retrofit, and how they can effectively employ their skills in the retrofit industry.  

We would like to thank Mount Lucas and its trainers for supplying high-class training for our team and community, and to everyone who attended, thank you for your participation and eagerness to learn and develop your skills.  

If you would like to learn more about Mount Lucas National Construction Training Centre and the courses available, please visit their website here.