Focus on Austrian Passive/Solar Technology on TV tonight Forum

Green technology is rapidly becoming one of the key drivers in western economies, offering Ireland a real chance of moving out of recession and into growth.

 The opportunity is there for Ireland to benefit from Austrian experience on its path towards energy autonomy and a smaller carbon footprint. Today, 30% of Austria’s energy comes from renewable sources. Since 1996, Austria has built 8,000 passive houses and apartments and a further 5,000 are currently under construction.

 Indeed, it was Austria’s reputation as a world leader in passive house construction that brought eco-architect Duncan Stewart and his “About the House” TV team to Linz.

 First stop for Duncan was “Solar City”, a low-energy housing complex in Linz. Planned in the nineties and completed in 2004, Solar City is a model town for sustainable living. Some of the apartment buildings were designed by big-name architectural practices including Norman Foster and Richard Rogers.

 Duncan then travelled north to the world’s only passive house show village in Grossschoenau. Under the slogan “Try Before You Buy”, prospective house-buyers can spend a weekend in the show house of their choice and learn about living in a high-tech, eco-friendly home.

 The Austrian Trade Commission supported and accompanied the programme makers on the shoot.

 To see Ireland’s most popular eco-architect in action in Austria, don’t miss the prime-time show entitled “About the House” on Tuesday, 1 December at 8.30 pm. You can also watch it the next day online on RTÉ Player (http://www.rte.ie, then click “RTE Player”, “A to Z” and select “About the House”).

For information on the show: http://www.advantageaustria.org/ie