The Office of Public Works (OPW) is delighted to announce it has been awarded a Grand Prix at the prestigious European Heritage/Europa Nostra Awards 2026 for its training programme to improve energy efficiency in Heritage properties.
The European Commission and Europa Nostra presented five projects with the Grand Prix and one winner with the Public Choice Award for 2026 at the awards ceremony in Cyprus on Thursday night, May 28th.
Having been among 30 category winners in the EU-wide annual awards, the OPW was selected from among this year’s laureates by the Board of Europa Nostra, based on the recommendation of an independent jury of experts.
The OPW’s project developed practical guidance and a technical training programme to help public authorities improve the energy performance of historic buildings without compromising their heritage value.
The Board of Europa Nostra noted, “This initiative conveys a truly impactful message, demonstrating what can be achieved through climate-focused approaches in the cultural heritage sector, while establishing clear methodologies and training frameworks that are both replicable and transferable. Cultural heritage values and climate action go hand in hand, paving the way towards a sustainable future.”
SIX UNIQUE PROPERTIES
In 2026, the OPW’s initiative was chosen by the Awards’ Jury from among 261 eligible applications submitted by organisations and individuals from 40 European countries, highlighting its significance and impact within the sector. This initiative was delivered by bringing together the expertise within the OPW and specialists in the private sector with the following contributors; Trinomics; Shaffrey Architects; Passivate Building Energy Consulting; ARUP Engineering; Technological University of the Shannon (TUS).
The initiative was first launched in 2021 when the OPW developed practical steps around how to address the complex challenge of enhancing energy efficiency in these unique properties without losing any of the heritage value. A guidance document called ’OPW Approaches to Improving the Energy Performance of Heritage Properties in State Care’ was developed along with six case studies covering a range of heritage building types.
Five of the six case studies were desk-based, however the energy upgrade of the Block M Offices at Dublin Castle is now complete. The case studies were carried out on the following premises: No. 7 Merrion Square, Dublin 2; Block 11, Collins Barracks, Dublin 7; 88 Merrion Square, Dublin 2; Oldbridge House, Co. Meath and 23 Kildare Street, Dublin 2.
In 2025, the initiative which was co-funded by the European Union culminated in a three-day training programme, attended by over 400 stakeholders from across the public sector.
This training, was delivered by 35 leading Irish and international experts, and was designed to upskill and empower public sector professionals to commission and design sensitive, effective and innovative energy improvement works for heritage properties.
Accepting the award, Assistant Principal Architect OPW, Tomás O’Connor said that the initiative demonstrated ‘that climate action and heritage buildings do not have to be at odds’.
“By developing the guidance and upskilling over 400 professionals, we are building the tools and the knowledge to attempt to future-proof Ireland’s historic buildings without compromising their essential fabric and heritage value, making them relevant and helping to secure their future. We are very proud to share this work and hope it will provide rich information for others working with historic buildings across Europe,” he said.
The awards ceremony in Cyprus gathered some 500 heritage professionals, volunteers, enthusiasts and supporters from across Europe and beyond.
