Department of Justice & Civic Offices, Tipperary Town
On Thursday May 2 2013, a group from the Network visited the Department of Justice & Civic offices in Tipperary town, both LEED buildings. LEED stands for Leadership in Environmental & Energy Design. The visit was guided by the architect of the buildings, Paul Lennon of Coady Partnership Architects and by Nellie Reid, Network member and LEED consultants of the buildings. Promoting a holistic approach to sustainability, LEED recognises performances in five key areas which includes sustainable site development , materials selection, water efficiency, energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality.
Both buildings are temperature controlled, with sensors detecting temperatures and automatically opening or closing windows as required. The windows can also be opened and closed manually. The buildings are flooded with natural light, which is both energy efficient and provides a pleasant and healthy environment for staff and visitors alike. The external horizontal slats help to reduce glare.
The Apple Farm, Moorstown, Cahir, Co. Tipperary
After a very informative tour of the Dept. of Justice and Civic Offices, we went on to visit The Apple Farm, which is owned by one of the Network members, Con Trass and his family. It is located just outside Cahir in County Tipperary. Apples have been grown in this part of the country for hundreds of years, and since 1968 Con has been planting more orchards to increase their supply. As well as apples, pears, plums, sweet cherries, strawberries and raspberries are also grown. They also have a Camping and Caravan Park on the farm and it provides an ideal location from which to explore South Tipperary. There is a farm shop on site where you will find apple juice, and mixed juices from the other fruits; all made on the farm. The shop also stocks sparkling apple juice, and cider vinegar all made on the farm. Finally you must try some home made ice cream and sorbets made by Con’s son also available in the shop – well worth trying – it’s absolutely delicious.
Rita Guinan (CEO North Tipperary County Enterprise Board), Kate Walsh, (Coordinator TGBN) Photo: Caroline Shanahan
Con is testing biochar on the farm. Biochar – can increase soil fertility and can provide protection against some soil borne diseases. It is also being investigated as a method of capturing carbon in the soil.
Apple cider vinegar from the farm shop
Some of the benefits of Apple cider vinegar
Tipperary GBN(https://www.tipperarygbn.org)