NZEB & Retrofit Centre of Excellence Collooney, Co. Sligo
Discover the future of sustainable construction at MSLETB’s state-of-the-art NZEB and Retrofit Centre of Excellence in Collooney, Sligo. As Ireland accelerates toward its climate targets, our cutting-edge facility is at the forefront of delivering industry-leading training in Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) and deep retrofit practices. Designed to meet the evolving demands of the construction and retrofit sectors, our courses equip learners with the essential skills and certifications needed to thrive in a low-carbon, energy-efficient future.
Whether you're a seasoned professional looking to upskill or a newcomer entering the construction industry, our expert-led programmes combine practical, hands-on training with the latest building technologies and standards. Located in the heart of the Northwest, the NZEB Centre of Excellence provides accessible, high-quality education that supports both personal career development and national sustainability goals. Join us in building a greener, smarter Ireland—one project at a time.
Our courses offer
Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) refers to buildings that are highly energy-efficient, with very low energy demand, most of which is met through renewable sources. NZEB standards are now a legal requirement for all new buildings in Ireland. Retrofit involves upgrading existing buildings to improve their energy performance—this can include measures like insulation, window replacement, and renewable heating systems. Together, NZEB and retrofit are key to reducing carbon emissions and creating healthier, more sustainable homes and workplaces.
The training courses below are now available in Collooney, with more courses becoming available as this new centre develops.
NZEB Fundamental Awareness
This introductory course is designed to give learners a solid understanding of the core principles and practices behind Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB). It’s ideal for anyone looking to build their knowledge of energy-efficient construction and sustainable building design.
What You’ll Learn:
- NZEB Principles: Key elements of Building Regulations, including Part L (energy efficiency) and Part F (ventilation).
- Building Physics: How heat and ventilation losses occur, understanding U-values, and the causes of condensation and mould.
- Building Fabric: Best practices for insulation, preventing thermal bridging, managing air tightness, and selecting energy-efficient windows and doors.
- Building Services: Energy-efficient systems for heating, hot water, ventilation, lighting, and the role of smart technologies.
- Renewable Energy: Introduction to solar PV systems, smart meters, and renewable energy requirements.
- Communication & User Awareness: The importance of clear communication during construction and providing useful information to building occupants.
This course provides a strong foundation for further training in NZEB and retrofit practices.
Duration: 1 day
Certification: City & Guilds Assured, CIF Recognised, 7 CIRI CPD Points
Thermal Insulation Installation
This hands-on course is designed to give learners the knowledge, skills, and confidence to select and safely install a wide range of insulation and draught-proofing systems in construction settings. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to enhance your expertise, this course will equip you with practical techniques aligned with current energy efficiency standards.
What You’ll Learn:
- Understand the properties of various insulation and draught-proofing materials, both natural and synthetic.
- Read and interpret industry-standard symbols, terminology, and measurements.
- Get familiar with current energy conservation laws and your responsibilities on site.
- Learn how heat is lost in homes—and how insulation helps prevent it.
- Explore design strategies to boost energy efficiency, including insulation types, construction methods, and green technologies.
- Safely install insulation in walls, floors, and attics, and apply draught-proofing to doors, windows, and service points.
- Gain practical skills in cutting, shaping, and securing insulation materials.
- Consider the environmental impact of insulation materials and how to handle waste responsibly.
- Calculate insulation performance values and understand how to maintain insulation systems over time.
- Recognise common health and safety hazards and learn how to minimise risks during installation.
This course provides a strong foundation for working on energy-efficient construction and retrofit projects, in line with Ireland’s drive toward sustainability and NZEB compliance.
Duration: 8 days
Certification: QQI Level 5 Minor Award (15 credits)
Who is this for?
If you are looking to learn NZEB and retrofit skills, then our courses are for you. Whether you are:
- Working in the construction or retrofit sector at any level (e.g. tradesperson, project manager, site supervisor, architect, architectural technician)
- An apprentice working in the construction or retrofit sector
- Interested in pursuing a career in the construction or retrofit sector
- Employed and looking to develop new digital skills for your job
- Currently not in the labour force but wish to upskill for future employment.Programmes cater for beginners to intermediate to advanced learners, with training groups customised for the sector.
Programmes cater for beginners to intermediate to advanced learners, with training groups customised for the sector.
