Published on: June 19, 2025
Tullow Men’s Shed, located in County Carlow, is an active community group and a proud member of the SEAI Sustainable Energy Communities (SEC) network. The group recently completed an energy audit, which became the foundation for a major transformation of their building.
After spending several years in a cold and inefficient building—with no heating system, poor insulation, and single-glazed metal windows—the group recognised the need for major upgrades. Many older members stopped attending during the winter due to uncomfortable conditions.
With support from Carlow Development Partnership, the group received a €25,000 grant from Carlow County Council to improve the building. A key requirement of the grant was to carry out an Energy Audit, which led them to partner with South East Energy Agency.
The Energy Audit provided by South East Energy Agency offered a clear and practical roadmap to improve the energy performance of the building. It focused on increasing comfort, reducing energy costs, and creating a more sustainable, welcoming space for all users.
Thanks to the audit and funding support, the building underwent a full energy upgrade:
✔️ Walls were pumped with insulation
✔️ Single-glazed windows were replaced with PVC double glazing
✔️ The entire building was rewired
✔️ A rooftop solar PV system was installed to generate renewable energy
These upgrades have transformed the Shed into a warm, energy-efficient community hub—helping to boost attendance, support social connection, and reduce long-term energy bills.
Watch the short film below to discover the positive impact that a Energy Audit and energy upgrade works have made at Tullow Men’s Shed.
