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Bonham Quay – Meeting the One Planet Living standard
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5 NEWS
29,851 residential unit completions recorded by CSO in 2022 Tough market puts ‘Housing for All’ target of 29,000 completions in 2023 at risk 6 Public consultation opens on LDA and Dublin City Council 148-home plan on Dublin’s northside 6 Streamlined Safe Pass renewal system moves online 7 Mitchell McDermott – Almost 50,000 housing units per annum needed 9 Iarnród Éireann and John Sisk & Son sign €65m contract for Foynes Freight line works 13 Home Building Finance Ireland grows loan approvals 49% to €1.25bn in 2022 14 Construct Innovate Construction Technology Centre issues call for membership 15 Cairn reports 1,526 home sales during 2022
INTERVIEW
16 Embodied carbon is the elephant in the room that needs to be addressed – Robbie McGrath, Head of Sustainability, D/RES Properties 19 “We need to be more open and collaborative if we are serious about decarbonisation” – Juan Morillas, Chairperson of the IGBC Whole Life Carbon Committee
EVENTS 16 INTERVIEW
29 National Construction Summit: National Construction Summit: 21 March 2023, Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin. Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin. 51 Healthy Homes Ireland forum calls for industry engagement to inform indoor environmental air quality
PROJECTS
23 Bonham Quay sustainable campus brings global players to Galway city centre – John Sisk & Son 29 National Construction Summit –21st March 2023 - Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin 31 Mallow Castle Park conservation project brings new life to town centre – Vision Contracting
OPINION
38 Untangling delay and disruption – Peter McCarthy, Principal, Conlex Consulting
19 INTERVIEW
SUSTAINABILITY
40 Closing the sustainable building skills gap – Marion Jammet and Linda Onzule, Irish Green Building Council 43 BAM launches new sustainability strategy 43 Coopers Cross becomes Ireland’s first platinum SmartScore-certified commercial development 45 EY report highlights the critical role of innovation in ensuring a sustainable construction sector 45 Ecocem welcomes government commitment to reducing carbon emissions from industry and enterprise by 35% before 2030
SECTOR FOCUS
46 CIS reports 23,800 residential scheme unit completions in 2022 48 Modern Methods of Construction: The importance of strategic collaboration and coordination – Liz Carroll, Construction Professionals Skillnet
23 PROJECTS
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PUBLISHER Foundation Media Ltd 1 Northumberland Place, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin. Tel: +353 (0)1 677 3157 EDITOR Robbie Cousins robbie@foundationmedia.ie DESIGN Joanne Birmingham CONTRIBUTORS Barry McCall, Peter McCarthy, Marion Jammet, Linda Onzule, Liz Carroll. PRINTER WG Baird Ltd ADVERTISING SALES Joe Connolly joe@foundationmedai.ie Tel: +353 (0)86 396 6158 ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES To advertise in Irish Construction News or on www.constructionnews.ie, or to request a ratecard or details of promotional opportunities, contact Joe Connolly at joe@foundationmedia.ie CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @constructionnews.ie Linkedin: Constructionnews.ie Facebook: Constructionnews.ie COVER IMAGE: BONHAM QUAY, GALWAY.
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From the editor T he publication of a new CIF/ EY report, entitled A Detailed Description of Needs for the Irish Construction/Built Environment Sector, stresses that Irish construction is at a critical juncture. The report calls for the prioritisation of innovation and digital technology to sustain economic growth and attract foreign direct investment into Ireland. It states that modern methods of construction approach to building could increase the speed of new home delivery by 30% and reduce costs by a potential 25%. It also calls for the publication of a Sustainability Action Plan from Construct Innovate, the new National Construction Technology Centre, within its first 90 days. In this issue of Irish Construction News, we look at the practical challenges of incorporating sustainable practices into the construction of new buildings. Robbie McGrath, Head of Sustainability, D/RES Properties, discusses how the country’s third largest housebuilder is working with its supply chain and customer base to reduce the embodied carbon of its developments. Juan Morillas, Chair of the IGBC Whole Life Carbon Committee and Sisk Head of Sustainable Design, says that reducing embodied carbon first requires designers and builders to “use less stuff ”, whether that be in design and specification or just not over-ordering materials on site. He also emphasises that the sector needs to be much more open and collaborative if it is serious about decarbonisation. In our project case study section, we are delighted to feature Phase 1 of Edward Capital’s Bonham Quay business campus
in Galway. This sustainable modern office complex in the heart of Galway is a firstof-a-kind project for the city. Built by John Sisk & Son, its sustainability credentials, which include it being the first development in Ireland to achieve the One Planet Living® leadership standard, makes it a very attractive offering from an ESG perspective for global blue-chip tenants to set up European headquarters on the western seaboard. Vision Contracting’s project management showcase at the Mallow Castle Regional Playground, Spa House Grounds and Tip O’Neill Park project saw the reboot of the historic space to become a very popular local amenity and major tourist attraction for the north Cork town. The Irish Green Building Council’s Marion Jammet and Linda Onzule outline how developing a national sustainability skills roadmap is critical to the building of highquality, sustainable, healthy homes. Elsewhere, we have all the latest construction, engineering and sustainability news and analysis. Please take a moment to scan the QR code below and sign up for our free e-newsletter. And, if there are any issues or stories you would like to see featured in Irish Construction News, email me at robbie@foundationmedia.ie Regards Robbie Cousins Scan to subscribe to free e-newsletter
irish construction news 3 February/March 2023
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NEWS
CSO reports 29,851 residential unit completions in 2022
A
ccording to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), the number of new dwellings completed in 2022 reached 29,851 units. The CSO said this represents an increase of 45.2% on the numbers completed in 2021 and 41.3% on the numbers completed in 2019 - pre-pandemic. In Q4 2022, there were 9,148 completions, a rise of 31.4% from Q4 2021. The number of apartments completed in 2022 was 9,166, up 78.7% from 2021. This is more than the number of apartments completed in 2020 and 2021 combined. The CSO states that in 2022, 50.8% of completions were scheme dwellings, 30.7% were apartments, and 18.5% were single dwellings.
There were 15,163 scheme dwelling completions in 2022, up 41.9% from 2021, while 5,522 single dwellings were completed, a rise of 16.6% from 2021. Close to six in 10 completions in Q4 2022 and the whole of 2022 were in Dublin or the Mid-East (Kildare, Louth, Meath, and Wicklow). All regions saw an increase from 2021 to 2022 and from Q4 2021 to Q4 2022. By local electoral area, the most completions in 2022 were in Killiney-Shankhill, with the most in Q4 2022 in GlencullenSandyford. There was a drop of 2.8% in seasonally adjusted new dwelling completions from Q3 2022 to Q4 2022. Commenting on the release, Justin Anderson, Statistician, CSO, said, “The number of new dwelling completions in 2022 was 29,851, an increase of 45.2% from 2021. This was up 41.3% from 2019 prepandemic numbers. “In October, November, and December (Q4) 2022, there were 9,148 completions, a rise of 31.4% from the same quarter in 2021. “From 2021 to 2022, the largest relative increase was in apartments, with growth of 78.7% from 5,130 in 2021 to 9,166 in 2022. This is more than the number from 2020 and 2021 combined. The number of scheme dwellings completed also rose by 41.9% to 15,163 in 2022, and there was growth of 16.6% in single dwellings to 5,522 in 2022. Of all completions in 2022, 50.8% were scheme dwellings, 30.7% were apartments, and 18.5% were single dwellings. Analysis of the data shows that the proportion of apartments being built has been rising over recent years from 16.5% of completions in 2019 to 30.7% in 2022,” Justin Anderson concluded.
Tough market puts ‘Housing for All’ target of 29,000 completions in 2023 at risk
I
n its annual Irish construction industry review, infrastructure consulting firm AECOM states that Ireland will not experience any industry growth in 2023, but growth should remain on par with 2022 levels. The review states that while the value of construction output in 2023 will be in the region of €34bn, with €32bn recorded in 2022, the marginal gain will be affected by inflation. While inflation will remain a challenge next year, with AECOM predicting a 5% tender price inflation rate across the industry, it is significantly lower than the 12% that was recorded in 2022, resulting in a record year for inflation for the sector. AECOM says there is a significant risk that the Hosuing for All target of 29,000 completions this year may not be met due to inflation, interest rate rises and market uncertainty generally, impacting viability. 2022 saw the number of house completions increase significantly compared to 2021. It projects a total of around 27,000 completions in 2022, exceeding the government’s goal of 24,600 for the year. The government’s average annual target is 33,000 to 2030.
AECOM also states that the rolling 12-month average number of residential commencements peaked at 35,000 in March 2022 and has been declining since. Skills shortages continue to affect many sectors, including construction, and, in particular, the retrofit sector. The numbers employed in the construction sector increased to 171,000 in the third quarter of 2022, an increase of 16.5% from prepandemic levels in 2019. John O’Regan, Director, AECOM Ireland, commented, “2022 represented an important step towards recovery for the construction
sector as it was the first full year of activity since the Covid-19 pandemic. However, political, social, and economic shocks resulted in more unpredictability. The single biggest issue and subject of discussion and debate within the industry over the past 18 months has been in relation to energy, materials and labour costs inflation and their impact on tender prices. We are forecasting a 5% increase in tender prices for this year, which is a national average and will vary according to location, sector, scale, and complexity, amongst other factors.”
irish construction news 5 February/March 2023
NEWS
Public consultation opens on LDA and Dublin City Council 148-home plan on Dublin’s northside
T
he Land Development Agency (LDA), in partnership with Dublin City Council (DCC), is seeking to develop 148 social and affordable homes in Coolock, Dublin. Public consultation on the Cromcastle Project opened on 27 January, with an application for planning permission scheduled for later this year. The scheme, which includes cost rental and social housing [13 social homes and 135 cost-rental (affordable) homes], is proposed for a site opposite the Northside Shopping Centre with excellent access to local amenities, services and transport. The proposed development includes: • 148 new residential homes • 342 sq metres of commercial space • Public open spaces and communal amenities with new landscaping • New public plaza and pedestrian routes • Ancillary car and cycle parking • Sustainable development with new green spaces to enhance biodiversity. Phelim O’Neill, Head of Property, LDA, says, “The LDA’s mission is to increase the supply of affordable housing and make the best use of public land. This northside Dublin area badly needs new residential homes, and this development is the right project for a site that is currently under-utilised. It will be well-served by ready access to all local amenities and essential services and will improve the neighbourhood for the local community with new pedestrian routes and public spaces. “With 148 cost rental and social housing units, this development will provide housing supply for those locked out of the rental market by high prices, as well as those on housing waiting lists. Cost rental is an increasingly important solution for people who are not in receipt of social housing supports and now have access to properties
A computer-generated image of the LDA’s proposed Cromcastle development. where the rent is based on the cost price of building, managing and maintaining the homes.” Dave Dinnigan, Director of Housing Delivery, DCC, comments, “DCC are very excited about the delivery of much-needed homes on this important site. Continuing our collaboration with the LDA, we will see the delivery of 148 homes in a mix of social and cost rental tenures providing much-needed housing in Dublin 5.” The public is invited to visit www.lda.ie/projects/cromcastle, where the consultation document, including visuals of the proposed development, is now live and give their views during a consultation phase, which will run until early March.
Streamlined Safe Pass renewal system moves online
T
he Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, has launched the online Safe Pass renewal system. This is a new and alternative option to renew Safe Pass went live on 23 January 2023. The Safe Pass renewal process is part of efforts to reduce barriers in construction careers, an objective of Housing for All. Speaking at the announcement at St Andrew’s Resource Centre, Dublin, Minister Harris said, “Having this new streamlined option for Safe Pass renewal is a simple but highly effective way of removing some of the barriers facing construction workers. Over 30,000 people will avail of this option within the first 12 months of the programme going live. And that’s just the start, as we see increasing numbers of Safe Pass applications all the time.
6 irish construction news February/March 2023
“This is part of a number of reforms we intend to take over the next few months as we continue to promote careers in our construction sector.” The new renewal system will be cost-efficient and time-efficient, with the renewal process taking just 45 minutes to complete. It is a streamlined service that is cost-effective for all workers in construction. Workers needing to renew their Safe Pass card can now attend a computer-based test in an approved Pearson VUE exam centre. The minister has also launched the new QQI Level 3 Construction Skills programme. The course is run in partnership with SOLAS and the National Construction Training Campus in Mount Lucas. The course programme includes the practical application of skills: • Mixing and laying concrete • Laying of blocks • Use of small tools and equipment • Levelling • Moving, loading and unloading materials • Fabrication of hoarding • Job workshops • Interview skills. The QQI Level 3 Construction Skills programme offers core skills sought by employers and is a first step on a pathway to a successful career in construction and retrofitting. It is an intensive three-week course, free to all participants and has no entry requirements.
NEWS
Almost 50,000 housing units per annum needed Mitchell McDermott Annual Construction Sector Report 2023 shows construction costs of apartments rose by 9.6% in 2022
T
he construction costs of a two-bed mid-range apartment increased by 9.6% or between €21,000 to €25,000 last year, according to the Mitchell McDermott Annual Construction Sector Report 2023. The consultants found that the hard cost of building a two-bed, medium-rise suburban apartment is now over €240,000. The main contributors to the increase are mechanical and electrical services, up 18%, concrete up 27%, brickwork, up 39% and reinforcement steel, up 17%. The €240,000 figure excludes indirect costs, parking, siteworks, margin and VAT. If those are included, the total cost of delivering the apartment is in the region of €460,000; the sales price would have to equal or exceed this. After a rollercoaster of a year, general construction inflation increased by 12% in 2022 but is expected to moderate to between 5% and 7% in 2023. The reason apartment cost inflation is lower than general inflation is because the facades of offices comprise expensive materials such as metals, glass, steel and aluminium, and these products were more exposed to price increases.
CONSTRUCTION COSTS
Paul Mitchell, one of the report’s authors, said that while 2022 was a year of two halves, there are some signs we may be coming to the end of the current inflationary cycle. “Construction inflation was on the rise in the early months of 2022 but really began to take off following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, mainly due to the dramatic rise in materials such as steel and other energy-intensive materials costs such as aluminium and brick. Material prices began to moderate in Q3 and encouragingly plateaued in Q4. For apartment cost inflation, the figure for H1 was 6.8%, while in H2, it was 2.8%. So, we are trending in the right direction.”
CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYMENT
“Although the number of people employed in construction increased by 25,000 in 2022 to 171,000, we will need another 20-30,000 in the short-term if we are to push inflation lower while increasing apartment output. Given Ireland’s low unemployment rates and the departure of many workers to their home countries post Covid, this
Paul Mitchell, co-author of the Mitchell McDermott Annual Construction Sector Report 2023. will be a real challenge.”
JUDICIAL REVIEWS
According to the report, there was a 79% drop in the number of judicial reviews (JRs) taken against Strategic Housing Developments. This was even though 2021 saw the highest number of SHDs ever submitted in advance of the scheme being phased out in place of a new Large-Scale Residential Development scheme. Paul Mitchell says they discovered the reduction was due in large measure to a massive drop off in the number of decisions being made by An Bord Pleanála on SHDs. “Our analysis of SHD applications in 2022 found that while An Bord Pleanála had granted permission for 26% of applications or almost 13,000 units, it has yet to decide on 59% of submissions made – a total of 28,786 units. Everyone knows the Bord has had its issues last year but to have so many units delayed amid a housing crisis is unacceptable. You would imagine this backlog could easily be addressed by drafting in additional temporary resources from private practice here or from the UK, and we believe this should be done straight away. “Delays due to judicial reviews and spiralling construction inflation have all contributed to the dramatic drop off in commencements we are seeing. The fact institutional investors have begun moving away from property investment as interest rates continue to rise has created a very challenging environment and one in which the government will clearly struggle to hit their Housing for All targets of 33,000 units per annum.”
ALMOST 50,000 HOUSING UNITS PER ANNUM NEEDED
“However, we believe the real need is closer to 50,000 units a year, and in order to scale up supply, the priority must be to put a functioning planning system in place. An average apartment block of 150 units can take four years from site purchase to delivery of the first unit. This excludes JR’s and planning delays. While there was a major fall in the number of JRs last year, our analysis shows a total of 31,125 units in SHDs which received planning permission have been subjected to judicial reviews over the past five years. Just 10% or so have gone ahead, 10,727 units were quashed, while 17,805 are still awaiting a decision from the courts – a total of 28,532 units,” Paul Mitchell concluded.
irish construction news 7 February/March 2023
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NEWS
Iarnród Éireann and John Sisk & Son sign €65m contract for Foynes Freight line works
I
arnród Éireann (Irish Rail) has awarded John Sisk & Son the contract for the first phase of works to reinstate the Limerick to Foynes rail line for freight services, with mobilisation and physical works set to commence in early February. The project for phase one of the works has been funded by the Department of Transport and will focus on track and track bed works, vegetation clearance, fencing, as well as works at bridges, level crossings and public road crossings. The 42km railway line between Limerick and Foynes originally opened in 1858 but closed to passenger traffic in 1963. Freight services continued until 2001. The line’s reinstatement is a key element of Iarnród Éireann’s Rail Freight 2040 Strategy to dramatically increase the levels of freight on Ireland’s rail network. With vegetation clearance already underway, the major physical works will begin next month (February 2023) and will be complete by late 2024. Phase two of the project will include the provision of a signalling system for the route, CCTV level crossings, train communications system and track connections and upgrades at Limerick and in Foynes Yard. Subject to funding allocation for phase two, it is anticipated that the route will open for freight services in 2025. Iarnród Éireann chief executive Jim Meade said, “There is real momentum behind the Foynes line reinstatement project. With Exchequer funding having been confirmed in November, we are delighted to be able to announce the contract award to Sisk just weeks later. In partnership, we look forward to bringing this critical, sustainable infrastructure to fruition as we contribute to
Jim Meade, Chief Executive, Iarnród Éireann and Paul Brown, CEO, John Sisk & Son. the decarbonisation goals for transport in Ireland. Commenting on the project, Paul Brown, CEO, John Sisk & Son, said, “We are delighted to be delivering more vital rail infrastructure as part of the ongoing investment by Iarnród Éireann in the network, reconnecting the 42km stretch of railway between Limerick and Foynes, which has been out of use since freight service stopped in 2001.”
Dublin Airport North Runway awarded Engineering Ireland Engineering Endeavour of 2022
D
ublin Airport North Runway, the first international runway constructed in Ireland in over 30 years, has been awarded Engineering Endeavour of 2022 by Engineers Ireland. Delivered by an international project team comprising Arup, SENER, and a Construction Joint Venture made up of FCC Construcción and Roadbridge Ltd, Dublin Airport North Runway was chosen by the public and members of Engineers Ireland as the top engineering project of 2022, having featured in Engineers Ireland’s Engineering Excellence Digital Series, held in association with ESB, and following an online vote. The development of North Runway, considered one of Ireland’s largest infrastructure projects, involved the building and installation of over 340,000 sq metres of new runway and taxiways, 6km of internal airport roads, 425km of electrical cable and 2,500 runway and taxiway lights. The industry-leading decision to continuously consider whole-life costs throughout the project also ensures that North Runway can be operated and maintained in the most
Dublin Airport North Runway. efficient and reliable manner, providing a long-term, resilient asset and a safe working environment for operators on a day-to-day basis. Commenting on the achievement, Aidan Cleary, Ireland Transport Infrastructure Leader, Arup, said, “Arup is proud to be part of the team delivering another piece of critical national infrastructure in Dublin Airport, which will support the continued socio-economic development of the airport, Dublin and Ireland in the years ahead. “Arup, along with our design joint venture partner, SENER and the Construction Joint Venture collaborated to draw upon the international expertise of the delivery team
across Ireland, the UK and Spain to deliver Ireland’s first international runway in over 30 years – undoubtedly a legacy project, which the entire team is extremely proud to have been part of. We are honoured that Dublin Airport North Runway has been selected as Engineering Endeavour of 2022.” Highlighting the key features of the project, Cleary added, “Sustainable design and construction practices were at the core of this project, including maximising material re-use in line with circular economy principles and achieving an onsite earthworks balance, ensuring a resilient asset that supports daa’s future plans and ambitions.”
irish construction news 9 February/March 2023
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10 irish construction news February/March 2023
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An ideal heating solution for new builds, Grant’s Uflex underfloor heating system offers convenient and highly efficient heating. This unobtrusive heat source is embedded within the floor construction and is fitted as part as the floor’s assembly process therefore causing no delays in construction. The pipework is available in PERT and ALUPERT and is positioned and clipped into place using Grant’s tracking and staple system once the flooring’s insulation and membrane has been fitted. After this a flow screed is laid over the top and allowed to fully dry before heat is introduced. As the system is designed for continuous operation
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Home Building Finance Ireland grows loan approvals 49% to €1.25bn in 2022
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ome Building Finance Ireland (HBFI), set up by the government to fund the delivery of new homes, has grown total loan approvals to €1.248bn at the end of 2022, an increase of 49% on the €835m at the end of 2021. In its year-end performance update, HBFI said that at the end of 2022, it had approved funding for 5,717 new homes in 99 developments in 21 counties. Social housing accounts for 25% of the new homes approved for funding. A total of 1,245 HBFI-funded units have already been sold, with a further 1,819 contracted for sale or sale agreed as at the end of 2022. Of the €1.248bn approved, drawdowns have taken place in respect of facilities totalling €909m (73%), for 60 developments totalling 4,132 units where construction is in progress or has been completed. HBFI typically expects a time lag of between three and six months between a loan being approved and its first drawdown. 70% of homes funded by HBFI consist of three- two-bed units aimed at the first-time buyer market. Individual loan facilities range from €1m to €94m, with an average size of €13m. Commenting on the update, Dara Deering, Chief Executive, HBFI, said: “We’re continuing to make a difference for owner-occupiers, renters and people who need social and affordable housing by adding much-needed new supply to all of these sectors. We’re lending to large and small housebuilding firms, extending our reach to improve supply as much as we can. “The first half of 2022 was our busiest-ever six-month period in terms of loan approvals and, while we saw a lower level of applications and new approvals in the second half reflecting a
Dara Deering, Chief Executive, Home Building Finance Ireland. slowdown in construction activity across the market, feedback from housebuilders indicates that demand for new funding is resilient.” The Minister for Finance Michael McGrath, commented, “HBFI was established as an important government initiative to address a shortfall of finance available for the construction of residential housing in the State. Through its broad product range, and agile business model, HBFI plays a key role in the government’s strategy to meet the targets set out under Housing for All.”
Nominations for 2023 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year close on 02 March
EY Established Entrepreneur Of The Year 2022 winners Tom O’Connor and Kieran Cusack, co-founders of Conack Construction.
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he EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme 2023 has opened for nominations. Entrepreneurs from emerging, established and international businesses operating across all industry sectors on the island of Ireland are invited to submit their nominations up to 02 March 2023. The theme for this year’s EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme is ‘The Art of Entrepreneurship’, recognising entrepreneurs who apply their unique vision and skill to create and build businesses that leave a valuable and lasting impact on the local communities and the economies in which they operate. Roger Wallace, Partner Lead for EY Entrepreneur of the Year Ireland, comments: “We are very excited to invite entrepreneurs
from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to submit their nominations for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 programme. Over the past 26 years, this programme has become an important part of our entrepreneurial ecosystem.” Twenty-four finalists will be selected by an independent judging panel comprising former winners and chaired by Anne Heraty of CPL Resources plc. Nominees must either be Irish or run a company based on the island of Ireland. Nominees must own a minimum of 5% of the company and be primarily responsible for the recent performance of a company to be eligible to apply. Award categories Nominees in the ‘Emerging Category’ must run businesses that have been trading for a minimum of two years. The ‘Established Category’ is for long-standing businesses with a pedigree of growth and innovation, contributing significantly as employers on the island of Ireland. The ‘International Category’ consists of entrepreneurs who are global players. The ‘Sustainability Award’ recognises the critical importance of innovation leadership in meeting our collective sustainability challenges. Last year, Tom O’Connor and Kieran Cusack, co-founders of Limerick-based Conack Construction, were named 2022 EY Established Entrepreneur of the Year. For more details, visit www.ey.com/en_ie/entrepreneur-of-the-year
irish construction news 13 February/March 2023
NEWS
Construct Innovate Construction Technology Centre issues call for membership
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rior to Christmas, then Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar officially launched Construct Innovate, the new Enterprise Ireland Technology Centre hosted at the University of Galway. Construct Innovate will be at the forefront of initiatives to meet the demands of major building and investment programmes as part of Project Ireland 2040 and the National Development Plan 2021-2030; Housing for All; and the Climate Action Plan. The centre has been established with funding of €5m over five years to accelerate research and innovation in the construction sector and put the built environment industry at the cutting edge of developments by utilising the strengths of a network of government, industry and academia. Speaking at the launch, Leo Varadkar said, “Construct Innovate is one of the actions we are taking under the government’s ‘Housing for All’ plan to drive innovation, productivity and structural change in the construction sector. “The centre will help Irish construction companies to develop competitive advantage, using cutting-edge products and services that are better performing, more efficient, more environmentally sustainable, and more effective for their customers. It is a welcome addition to Enterprise Ireland’s
L to R: Joe Healy, Enterprise Ireland; Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President, University of Galway; Dr Magdalena Hajdukiewicz, University of Galway and Construct Innovate; An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar; and Prof Jamie Goggins, University of Galway and Construct Innovate at the launch of Construct Innovate. existing industry-led Technology Centre Programme, which underpins Ireland’s Research, Development and Innovation capabilities.” The Construct Innovate consortium is the first of its kind in Ireland, and as well as the University of Galway includes Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and University College Cork, working with the Irish Green Building Council, sectoral bodies and construction companies. It brings together a critical mass of experts and thought leaders, offering a single point of contact for industry to access the best combination of skills, equipment and knowhow in the Irish research system. The official launch of Construct Innovate
coincides with the formal opening of a call for members among construction companies. President of University of Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “University of Galway is dedicated to excellence and sustainability as core values, and it is a huge credit to our community that by embedding those values in our research endeavours that we have been selected to host Construct Innovate – a national technology centre supporting the quality of the work of one of our largest indigenous employers.” To learn more about membership of Construct Innovate, visit www.constructinnovate.ie
JJ Rhatigan appoints new chief people officer to lead talent management
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J Rhatigan & Company has announced the appointment of Deirdre Bennett as its first-ever chief people officer (CPO). In this newly created role, Deirdre Bennett will be responsible for providing strategic and operational HR support to the business and overseeing all aspects of employee engagement and development as the company - and, indeed, the industry continues to evolve and transform. Ger Ronayne, Chief Executive Officer, Rhatigan, commented, “We are delighted to welcome Deirdre to our team as our CPO,” he said. “The construction industry globally is undergoing a huge transformation right now, and JJ Rhatigan is committed to leading this talent and technological change in Ireland and the UK. As we continue to grow and evolve as a company, it is crucial that we have a dedicated leader in place to ensure that our employees are engaged, supported and empowered to succeed. Deirdre’s extensive experience in human resources and leadership makes her the ideal candidate
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Deirdre Bennett, Chief People Officer and Ger Ronayne, Chief Executive Officer, JJ Rhatigan & Company. for this role.” With over two decades of experience, Deirdre Bennett is a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management and is certified in Strategic Workforce Planning. Her proven track
record of success in creating a positive and inclusive culture and driving employee engagement and retention spans the financial services, pharmaceutical and aviation industries. Speaking about her appointment, she said, “I am honoured to be joining such a respected company and excited to take on this new role at such a critical time for the construction industry,” commented Deidre Bennett. “I look forward to working with the JJ Rhatigan & Company team to build a culture that values and supports our employees, helps them achieve their full potential and develops their careers within the company. The key focus areas of my team will be to implement within our three pillars of HR, Learning & Development (L&D) and Talent.” JJ Rhatigan & Company is committed to creating a positive and inclusive work environment for all of its employees, and the appointment of a CPO is a key step in achieving this goal.
NEWS
Glenveagh revenues rose 36% to €649m in 2022 from €476m in 2021
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omebuilder Glenveagh Properties has reported that its revenues rose by 36% to €649m in 2022 as a result of a 50% increase in sales of suburban homes. The company closed sales for 1,354 suburban units at an average price of €330,000 in 2022, up from 902 units at €308,000 a year earlier. It had made an operating profit of €70m, up 38% on 2021. The company said it has a forward order book of 408 units contracted or reserved for 2023. In 2022, Glenveagh acquired nine new suburban sites for a total of €34m. It expects to deliver 1,150 units on those sites in the coming years, but suburban completions are expected to be unchanged in 2023 due to planning delays. Glenveagh CEO Stephen Garvey commented, “The strong underlying demand in the Irish market continues to be driven by a robust economic environment, a fastgrowing population and increasing levels of inward migration. This is putting further pressure on what is an already undersupplied housing market. Addressing this significant undersupply continues to be obstructed by
Stephen Garvey, CEO, Glenveagh Properties. dysfunctional planning policy. “The government’s demand-side initiatives have been supportive, most notably for first-time buyers. The increased recent focus on planning system reform is also to be welcomed and is an important first step to alleviate near-term planning gridlock. However, we would now strongly encourage that planning policy reform is expedited to solve the longer-term structural supply issues the sector faces.” Garvey further commented that the
company has made good progress across the business in 2022 and continues to focus on scaling its operations to deliver high-quality, sustainable homes. “We have delivered strong suburban unit growth and have actively de-risked our urban land portfolio,” Garvey continued. “We have also advanced our off-site manufacturing capabilities and look forward to using our sustainable and innovative manufacturing technologies to deliver for Irish homebuyers in the years to come.”
Cairn reports 1,526 home sales during 2022
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n its trading update for 2022, Cairn Homes says it has delivered over 1,500 new homes during the year, recording a 46% rise in revenues. However, it points out that inflation across the year has seen the cost of construction rising by around €20,000 per home. “The cost of building new homes in Ireland remains significantly elevated compared to two years ago, with our build costs having increased by about €35,000 per new home in this period,” the company said. This also reflects an elevation from two years ago, with build costs for the company now up by around €35,000 since this period. Cairn was active on over 20 sites nationwide during the year. Overall, it closed 1,526 new home sales for the year ended 31 December, up from 1,120 in 2021. Cairn generated total core revenue of around €610m in the same period, a jump on the €419m in revenue reported the prior year. The company anticipates an operating profit of €100m for the year, in line with
Michael Stanley, Chief Executive Officer, Cairn Homes. existing guidance. The full-year gross margin is also expected to be around 21.5%, a rise from 19.8% in 2021. During 2022, Cairn was granted approval
for its new “masterplan” for its Montrose site in Donnybrook, including 688 apartments and a 192-bedroom hotel, during 2022. The company is starting 2023 with its largest-ever forward sales pipeline of over 1,100 new homes and is confident of making further financial progress in the year ahead. Chief executive officer Michael Stanley said that a lack of new apartment developments close to areas of high employment or public transport links remains a challenge in Ireland. He said the focus to date has been on lower-density homes in suburban or residential areas, and he called on the industry, alongside the government, to tackle this “damaging supply imbalance.” “Today, there are over 80,000 planned apartments in the pipeline, all of which meet new design and size standards,” he said. “While many have been held up by our planning system or objections, nearly one-third have full planning permission and should be under construction.”
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INTERVIEW Tinakilly Park, Rathnew, Co Wicklow, a development by D/RES Properties in association with Ardale Properties.
Embodied carbon is the elephant in the room that needs to be addressed IGBC BuildingLife Ambassador and D/RES Properties’ Head of Sustainability Robbie McGrath speaks with ROBBIE COUSINS about how the housebuilder has radically reduced the embodied carbon of its residential schemes.
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/RES Properties is Ireland’s thirdlargest housebuilder. The Durkan brand has been synonymous with house building in Ireland since 1971. Its core target markets are first-time buyers and owner-occupiers, and its development portfolio stretches across the greater Dublin, Wicklow and Kildare areas, all within a 40-kilometre radius of Dublin. As part of its ethos, it maintains involvement in the residential schemes that it builds to facilitate community development and cohesion. It also supports sustainability initiatives such as recycling and sustainable waste management. More recently, it has been offering homeowners green energy packages should they wish to upgrade their homes from an A2 to an A1 BER rating either before or after taking up residency. D/RES is also a gold member of the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) and is actively involved in its programmes, most recently the #BuildingLife campaign. D/RES Properties head of sustainability and BuildingLife ambassador Robbie McGrath joined the company in 2021, having worked as a sustainability consultant for one of the Nordic regions leading bluechip property management companies for the previous 13 years in Finland. During that time, he was engaged in sustainable commercial, healthcare and educational
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developments. He worked with the Finnish Green Building Council using many of the sustainability tools it had introduced. He also contributed to its working groups and think tanks on sustainability issues. He comments, “The Nordic region has been ahead of the game regarding sustainability and developing energyefficient buildings. Globally, developers of commercial buildings have been the leaders in sustainable building design, considering how efficiently buildings perform once completed and how tenants might use them.” He explains that when he was looking at returning to Ireland, D/RES attracted him because it not only took its sustainability responsibility very seriously. It also maintained an interest in the communities it built. “D/RES was the most progressive company that I talked to in terms of sustainability ambitions. There is no ‘greenwashing’ with them. They are proactive on sustainability and are not afraid to embrace innovation to achieve their goals. I also liked that they maintain an interest in the communities they build and use this to inform decisions they make for future developments. I saw them as giving me the most scope to impact the sustainability space in Ireland.” He says that in recent years, D/RES has integrated ESG into all aspects of
its operations, and, as part of his job, he oversees the delivery of the ESG function. “The D/RES team works together to ensure that all governance, environmental, and social criteria are kept in focus. We provide extensive information on how we operate and manage the company. We use GRESB (Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark) certification to align and benchmark ourselves against European peers.” GRESB is a statement of operational excellence of investor-driven ESG benchmarking that presents all credentials to potential investors in a structured way. “We use GRESB as an ESG toolkit to ensure that we’re aligned with global best practice and to see where we stand compared to, say, a German or Swedish equivalent company. We have built this into our continuous operational improvement in order to take a holistic approach to how we address ESG. Rather than reinventing the wheel, GRESB covers everything about how we interact with stakeholders and customers and communities where we develop.”
D/RES DEVELOPMENT APPROACH
He adds that D/RES defines its function as developing communities rather than housing estates. “When first looking at a new development, D/RES analyses the feasibility and impact of making changes to building design or materials or the equipment being installed in houses to minimise the embodied and operational carbon in our developments. We plan homes to be sustainable and, when in use, to save owners money.” He continues, “The traditional model
INTERVIEW of housebuilding is that once a house is sold, the housebuilder moves on. D/RES has a two-year period after completing development when we have an aftercare service to facilitate the creation of robust communities. In many instances, we still support community initiatives in developments that we have completed three or four years ago. Examples of this include working with waste management providers to bring in recycling skips a couple of times a year. These initiatives keep us involved and inform decisions made for future developments, and it’s a model that we’re continually working to improve.”
BUILDINGLIFE CAMPAIGN
When working in Finland, Robbie McGrath had a close connection with the Finnish Green Building Council and was delighted to get the opportunity to develop a connection with IGBC in Ireland. “The IGBC provides strong leadership in the sustainability space and does excellent work with the small resources that it has.” He says it brings together a broad base of members to address the sustainability challenges that the Irish construction industry is facing. “The BuildingLife campaign is a perfect example of cross-sector collaboration at work. Everyone has been coming together to develop practical solutions that will address the challenge of reducing embodied carbon in the sector. “It has been easy to get on board with BuildingLife because a lot needs to be achieved in a short space of time. Small changes are no longer good enough; we need radical step changes to reduce the carbon footprint of the construction sector dramatically. BuildingLife has highlighted the issues, and the IGBC’s Roadmap to decarbonise Ireland’s built environment across its whole life cycle sets out clear, achievable steps to deliver a zero-carbon sector.”
Robbie McGrath, Head of Sustainability, D/RES Properties. and it is an easy way to show people the impacts of their decisions. It is good to see it moving to the mainstream within the industry in Ireland. “D/RES has now pretty much transferred completely to timber frame and away from concrete block. This has helped to substantially reduce the embodied carbon of our developments. By switching to timber
frame and concentrating on the fabric of our buildings, we have cut our emissions for starter homes from 12,000 kgs of CO2 per sq metre to 430 kg per sq metre, and there is still a lot of scope to get this down further. The industry objective is to reduce carbon emissions by 51% by 2030. We’re already at that point and are pushing to get it further down.”
EMBODIED CARBON
Embodied carbon refers to the emissions associated with all the activities of procuring, mining, harvesting raw materials, transforming these materials into construction products, transporting them to site and incorporating them into a building, and subsequently maintaining, replacing and removing and disposing at the end of their life. At the heart of the BuildingLife campaign is the objective of reducing the embodied carbon of Irish construction. Robbie McGrath explains that D/RES Properties has made great strides in reducing the embodied carbon in its developments. “Addressing embodied carbon is a big focus for D/RES. I have been carrying out life cycle assessments (LCAs) of buildings since 2010. LCA is very close to my heart,
Interior of a Tinakilly Park home.
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INTERVIEW
D/RES Properties offers residents a Positive Living Upgrade product with energy partner Pinergy, which futureproofs homes with an A1 renewable electrical energy upgrade.
ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATIONS
Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are a standardised way of providing data about the environmental impacts of a product through the product life cycle. Robbie McGrath says that EPDs have become essential to help D/RES make sustainable decisions. “The house building sector is at a point where we are re-engineering how we build homes. D/RES analyses every small part of the process before we start building. We take a fabric-first approach to make sure we have the building envelope the way we want it, having the lowest viable carbon impact. We look for materials that will contribute to keeping the embodied carbon of our developments low. EPDs are essential in helping us choose the right products to do this. “I work closely with our supply chain to inform and educate them about what we want to achieve and what is required to get to our target level of emissions. This approach has proven to be a win-win for everyone, as our suppliers are benefiting from improving the sustainability of their product offerings. “Ultimately, we need transparency on the materials we use to select the right balance for our housing. EPDs facilitate quick decision-making at the all-important design stage.
DECARBONISATION
Robbie McGrath explains that D/RES Properties is now offering its customers options to upgrade their energy supply with green loan packages from AIB. “For our recent Tinakilly Park residential development with Ardale Properties in Rathnew, Co Wicklow, we made a decision to have zero-fossil fuels for heating provision. Each home has electrical heat pumps with mechanical heat recovery
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ventilation. “We have also introduced our Positive Living Upgrade product with our energy partner Pinergy to give residents the option to futureproof new homes with an A1 renewable electrical energy upgrade option. This community-based housing energy model is developed on a microgrid basis. “As part of the Positive Living Upgrade package, residents can get 7.5KW batteries to store generated energy and manage the energy flow throughout the house during the day. All the houses on the estate are connected over a microgrid to support the energy demand in the area on the national grid. Neighbours will be able to share energy peer-to-peer when possible in the coming years. Our goal is to give customers more energy security and self-sufficiency. “We offer the upgrade as part of the build, or owners can take up the offer three or more years down the line. There is also a Green Loan package available from AIB.”
SUSTAINABLE BUILDING MATERIALS
McGrath says that significant progress has been made recently in addressing carbonemission reductions, especially on the product side. “A growing number of new and smaller manufacturers are disrupting the market and driving change through innovation, while some established larger players have been slow to change. “Smaller manufacturers, by their nature, tend to be agile. They are getting their EPDs in line and using low-carbon materials. This is getting them out in front in being able to offer the products that the market needs now. This is an exciting prospect and shows that solutions are coming down the line. We want to work with these types of companies to help them build up economies of scale. He mentions that he sees mass timber as being a very important material for future
construction. “One of my passions is mass timber. Fire resistance, structural integrity and environmental attributes are making new tall mass timber buildings among the most innovative structures in the world. But there needs to be a change in Irish building regulations in order for such buildings to be constructed here. “D/RES is currently looking at mass timber. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is used all over Europe for taller buildings. D/RES is looking at testing CLT as a solution for creche buildings, so we are ready to integrate it into our housebuilding operations when the time is right. We need building and fire regulations that will enable this. Services also need to be resourced so that it is safe to go higher with mass timber frame buildings.”
BIODIVERSITY
Biodiversity has become a vital feature of all D/RES Properties developments in recent years. “Biodiversity is an integral part of the design process in every D/RES development. We use biophilic design, whereby we aim to integrate nature into our buildings. We consider the material makeup of our interiors to give residents an indirect connection to nature. For example, we include features such as exposed wood and maximise natural daylight in spaces with the height of windows and the connection to nature outside. We also have green spaces and pockets all over our developments. Every house that D/RES Properties builds has a maximum of a five-minute walk to a green space.” “In our Tinakilly Park development with Ardale Properties, we are putting in Wicklow’s largest park, comprising 14 acres of new parkland with not just mature trees, but grass and wild meadows with a biodiverse interconnected ecosystem of water bodies connected to the wildflower meadows so that amphibians can move from one water body to another. “Our overall goal is to have a net positive impact for all of our developments.”
IN CONCLUSION
In closing, Robbie McGrath refers back to the IGBC’s BuildingLife campaign, commenting that embodied carbon is the elephant in the room that people have ignored for far too long. “As we have improved the energy efficiency of our buildings, embodied carbon is now standing out more. It is the elephant in the room that can no longer be ignored. This is a challenge we can address if we work together as a sector with government and regulatory bodies to ensure that we can deliver on the goals in the government’s Climate Action Plan,” he concludes.
INTERVIEW
Juan Morillas, Chairperson, IGBC Whole Life Carbon Committee.
“We need to be more open and collaborative if we are serious about decarbonisation”
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he construction sector and built environment account for 37% of Ireland’s carbon emissions, about the same as agriculture. This comprises the operational emissions associated with the energy used to run our buildings (23%), with the remainder being accounted for by embodied carbon. Up until the publication of the 2021 Climate Action Plan (CAP), embodied carbon was effectively ignored when setting Ireland’s decarbonisation targets. That year’s CAP included, for the first time, a commitment to introduce life-cycle assessment (LCA) requirements for buildings and construction products and processes. This will be a crucial action for the sector, given that built environment emissions will likely increase by approximately 4 million tonnes of CO2 if embodied carbon intensity remains consistent with today’s levels. While challenging targets have been set for the reduction of operational emissions in
Chairperson of the IGBC Whole Life Carbon Committee and Head Of Sustainable Design at John Sisk & Son, Juan Morillas, shares his thoughts on sustainable building design. BARRY MCCALL reports. buildings, embodied carbon will have to be tackled as well if the construction industry is to achieve the net-zero target set for all industry sectors by 2050.
ZERO-CARBON ROADMAP
The Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) published Building a Zero Carbon Ireland: A roadmap to decarbonise Ireland’s built
environment across its whole life cycle in October last year. The roadmap details a series of actions to accelerate the transformation of the built environment over the next decade. Following the initial development of the roadmap, as chair of the IGBC Whole Life Carbon Committee, architect Juan Morillas was part of the cross-sector team that reviewed and advised on its content. He explains that embodied carbon includes all carbon emissions related to a building before it comes into use. This includes the emissions generated when materials are extracted from the earth, transported for processing, the emissions from the manufacturing process itself, and then their transport to the site. He is an advocate of good-quality lean design. “Will Arnold is head of sustainability with the Institution of Structural Engineers in the UK,” Juan Morillas comments. “He
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INTERVIEW has described it as ‘use less stuff ’. If you use smaller quantities, you have less embodied carbon. That’s mathematics. People often get fixated on materials. They say, ‘let’s use timber’ because it’s greener. But that’s not always the case. It’s not always a lean or efficient way to build if you need to use a lot of it. A good example is the use of posttensioned slabs rather than flat slabs. There can be a 30% reduction in the embodied carbon of the structure by simply changing the slab type.” Morillas expands with the example of a building with very wide spans that require thicker slabs. “It’s simple stuff if you want to design a building like that more sustainably. You start from the basics and use less. If you play with the plans and put the columns closer together and they are organised rationally, you can reduce the embodied carbon in the frame quite significantly.”
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN VERSUS TRADITIONAL DESIGN
Juan Morillas is quick to debunk the myth that sustainable design is more expensive than the traditional alternative. “I’ve attended many forums and events where architects say they can design sustainable buildings, but they can’t afford the materials,” he explains. “It doesn’t have to be more expensive if you design more effectively and efficiently. Where are you building? What resources are available in the region? If you use what’s there, you reduce transport costs, and so on. And, if you use materials like natural stone, you reduce the need for manufacturing. You can design to reduce the need for materials. You don’t need to design massive spans that need very big beams.” Designing in sympathy with the receiving environment is also important. “The Normans didn’t have air conditioning and central heating and had to design the local climate into buildings,” he notes. “We
IGBC’s Building a Zero Carbon Ireland: A roadmap to decarbonise Ireland’s built environment across its whole life cycle.
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have forgotten about that since we have had electricity available to us. We need to design for the climate. Old stone buildings have thick walls with thermal mass. Look at the size of windows in modern buildings. They are responsible for a lot of heat loss. We must be mindful of the decisions we are making when we are designing buildings.”
ELEPHANTS IN THE ROOM
This approach doesn’t necessitate radically new thinking. “I gave a talk at TU Dublin last year, and it was attended by academics from five or six countries rather than the student audience I expected. I pointed out that we need more education, more data, and plenty of common sense. The director of the TU Dublin School of Architecture agreed with me. Architects can have design freedom, but they must use common sense to make buildings more sustainable.” He points to what he describes as “two elephants in the room” when it comes to the life-cycle assessment of a building. “When you look at the embodied carbon of a building, the structure is the largest component. That’s obvious, and that’s where the cement and steel are. The second is the envelope – the façade and the roof, and so on. The third is services.” So far, so straightforward. The first of his elephants is services. “We still don’t measure them properly,” he notes. The other is the fit-out. “When you calculate the embodied carbon of a building, the structure might be 70%, and the fitout might come in at 10%. But when you carry out the whole-life assessment of a commercial building, tenants might change every five to 10 years, and that might mean there are between five and 10 fit-outs during its expected lifetime. In that case, fit-out becomes the highest embodied carbon component. We focus a lot on structure, but we need to look at fit-out more.”
And that leads him to a relatively simple way of using less stuff – designing structures where the materials can be exposed as a feature of the interior. That naturally means fewer fit-outs over time. Another way is to look for decorative finishes. While u-values have to be achieved for walls, this can be done with almost any number of layers. Looking for the most effective way to achieve the u-value with the minimum number of layers is another way of reducing embodied carbon using less stuff. This does not mean going back to 20thcentury brutalist concrete box buildings, he argues. “I talk to many architects who say this approach might limit their freedom,” Juan Morillas comments. “I say they have to be more creative with the tools that they have. If you look at Ireland, you have a lot of lovely villages with all the houses built with the same stone and roof tiles. They all look different, and yet they are all lovely.”
THE COST OF SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
It is not only the architects that require convincing; quantity surveyors are essential in this. “There is a widespread belief that sustainable materials are more expensive,” he continues. “That makes quantity surveyors nervous. Less stuff is cheaper. It can’t be more expensive. That stands to reason. The key to that is at early-stage design. Decisions have to be made early on in the process to use less stuff. If huge spaces and windows aren’t aligned, you need transfer beams. Once you get planning permission for the building you have designed, you are more or less stuck with it. Any changes to use less stuff need to be made at a very early stage.” Aesthetics and status come into the equation as well. “I have been collaborating with an African country where, for status reasons, people want to live in glass buildings. They get roasted in them, but they don’t care. They are willing to trade the discomfort for status. Developers build these homes, saying it’s what people want, and people say they want them because they are what developers are building and what other people are living in. It’s a vicious circle. We need to change those attitudes.” There is also the lure of the seemingly exotic. “Many people think something imported is better than something bought locally. They want to be different and stand out. They look for ever more extravagant designs for the sake of being different. We need to appreciate that local materials like stone are beautiful. But what exactly is beautiful? That’s highly subjective. If a building uses sustainable resources suitable for the Irish climate in a bioclimatic design, then it’s beautiful.”
INTERVIEW
“Architects can have design freedom, but they must use common sense to make buildings more sustainable” REAL CHANGE TAKES TIME
Juan Morillas acknowledges that changing mindsets and the approach to designing and constructing buildings will be a slow process. “Construction is a very conservative industry. It is slow to change for very solid reasons. If you have been doing something for 100 years and it has been proven to be safe and reliable, you are not going to change overnight just because someone says they have found a cheaper and more sustainable way to do it. It needs to be tested and proven to be safe and to meet all the standards and regulations.” He cites the example of the special recipe the Romans developed for self-healing concrete. “It took the Romans hundreds of years to get to that. You can’t change overnight. The most important thing is that buildings don’t fall down. You need to comply with building regulations, be insurable and so on. If you start changing things and start doing things differently, you are unlikely to get insurance for the building. It’s a showstopper. That’s why it takes a lot of time to change things. It’s a slow process.” But that begs the question, why can’t Ireland simply import the timber construction methodologies which have been in use in other countries for hundreds of years? “Those other countries have the resources and the skills. In Ireland, we have three main ways of building; concrete, brick, and blockwork. Changing to timber is not easy. Is there timber available? Ireland is a net exporter of cement but is not so rich in timber resources. If we import timber from overseas, we have to ask if that’s sustainable. And, if we import from countries like Austria, will they have enough for their own needs? There are no silver bullets. There is not enough timber in the world to support the volume of building globally.” Timber, while renewable, has to be viewed as a finite resource as well. “I have spoken to people in the timber construction business. Their business is growing exponentially. But trees take 30 to 40 years to mature. Where will they get the
raw materials to sustain their growth over time? They have no answers to that. We have to change our ways if we want to meet our targets in Ireland. We need to use less stuff and make construction as efficient as we can. The argument is not about timber or concrete. Even though it’s built with timber, it may not be a sustainable design if it’s not efficient and a lot of timber is required.
RE-EXAMINE SUSTAINABLE DESIGN METRICS
Durability is another dimension to be taken into consideration. “We need long-life buildings,” he contends. “We want to build to last. A life-cycle assessment is done over a 60-year lifespan. If the building is only designed for a 20-year life, you have to multiply the assessment result by three. It’s important to take lifespan into account.” Morillas believes the metrics used to determine sustainable design need to be looked at as well. “At the moment, we use emissions per square metre. However, you could have a 100 sq metre apartment in a five-storey building occupied by a family of four. It’s in a shared space in a city with access to public transport. On the other hand, you could have a single-storey 500 sq metre house in the countryside with lower embodied carbon per square metre than the apartment. However, if it is only used by three people, its embodied carbon per person is much higher.” The usage of buildings needs to be taken into account as well, he argues. “How often a house or other building type is being used is also very important. If a house in the country is a holiday home, which is only used at weekends, its true embodied carbon measurement is much higher still. Football stadiums are prime examples. Huge stadiums are only used once a week or maybe twice during the busiest part of the season. That happens with many other buildings. We can’t afford that as a society.” He points to English football league club Forest Green Rovers, which has submitted a
planning application for an all-timber 5,000seat stadium. “This is better than concrete, but it will still only be used once a week. Schools are only used from nine in the morning until mid-afternoon. They are fantastic buildings which could be used after hours for community and other social purposes. If that was done more widely, it could have a big impact. We need proper mixed-use. Not in the sense of office or residential over retail, but in the sense of putting the same space to a variety of uses.” Circularity is also important. “Construction is a linear process at the moment - design, build, demolish, and go to recycling or landfill. We can’t afford that. Why do materials have to go to landfill? It is estimated that 10 to 15% of building materials go to recycling without ever being used. The way the industry works is to over-order to ensure materials are available on site when needed and that there are no shortages. Recycling should be the last resort. It uses a lot of energy and consumes a lot of other resources. Circularity is the key. We need to reuse rather than recycle or send to landfill, and we need to design for that.”
SHARE THE KNOWLEDGE
Finally, Juan Morillas believes knowledge sharing will play a key role in advancing the cause of green building in future. “We need to be more open and collaborative if we are serious about decarbonisation. I am passionate about this because it’s the right thing to do. As an architect researching the area, I couldn’t find enough information about it, and I couldn’t find case studies to use. That’s why I founded the www.shareyourgreendesign.com website. It allows people to share knowledge. We don’t have time to keep things to ourselves, and we must share research, news and knowledge. We can then decide on the design that is best to use for a particular project. There is a wide range of views out there, and it’s up to everyone to decide what is best for them after reviewing the options available,” Juan Morillas concludes.
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PROJECTS CGI of Bonham Quay, Galway.
Bonham Quay sustainable campus brings global players to Galway city centre Designed by BDP Architects, the John Sisk & Son built Bonham Quay (Phase 1) for Edward Capital is the first section of a state-of-the-art zero-carbon office campus designed and built to attract global blue-chip clients in to Galway city centre.
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hen completed, the three-phase Bonham Quay business campus will comprise 33,405 sq metres of grade-A office space, with 2,000 sq metres of retail and restaurant space, basement parking, student accommodation and public realm. With phase one completed in 2022, Bonham Quay was primarily designed by BDP Architects to accommodate a working community of 2,600 people. The 33,405 sq metres of office space will be spread across four seven- and eight-storey blocks, alongside two public squares, all connected via landscaped bridges. Additional amenities will include restaurants, shops, a cultural arts facility and a fitness centre. In addition to its high-profile waterside
location with views of Galway city and the Atlantic Ocean, Bonham Quay is ideally located adjacent to Ceannt Station on a former industrial site. With a zerocarbon target set for the development, environmental performance is critical.
MASTERPLAN OBJECTIVE
When master-planning Bonham Quay in 2017, Edward Capital, which has a successful track record of developing innovative residential, retail and commercial schemes, saw it as a unique opportunity to attract global clients to establish European bases on Ireland’s west coast. Paddy McDonald, Director, Edward Capital, explains that the developer wanted to deliver a world-class sustainable office
campus in the centre of the city, which offered tenants an alternative to tried and tested European cities. “We set about benchmarking it against campuses across leading capital cities, such as London, Amsterdam and Dublin, to deliver a space that would attract global companies and a young talented professional workforce. The ambition from the start has been to bring 2,600 new quality jobs into Galway and have those workers living, working and spending their money in the centre of the city. We can easily compete with these other cities on rent, but we also have the expansive western seaboard as an added incentive for workers.” BDP Architects took on architectural responsibilities. It also designed the campus
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PROJECTS Bonham Quay Block C and D.
M&E services, acoustics and landscaping, and is the sustainability and WELL Building consultant. Civil and structural engineering design was by Barrett Mahony Consulting Engineers, with the façade by Arup. i3PT, the assigned certifier, oversaw quality, and Richard Crumlish was the archaeologist on the project. Michael Mullen, Principal, BDP, explains the firm’s approach to the project. “Back in 2016, Galway had no lettable office space available to attract any of the bigger global companies into its city centre. It’s a medieval city, so it just didn’t have the product that would bring leading global players into the city centre. “Edward Capital’s vision was to develop a modern, sustainable and future-proofed city centre office campus that would stand the test of time and contribute to the daily life of the city. The site also offers stunning views of Galway Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. “We designed the buildings and campus with all these things in mind, particularly the carbon footprint. It will be nearly a decade from the start of this project to when it is finished in 2026, and the sustainable thinking that went into it will mean the asset will still be relevant and ahead of other benchmarks. When completed, the campus will be an ecosystem filled with shared spaces, bridges, balconies, terraces, roof gardens, public squares and a street, all with a strong focus on creating community.”
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
Paddy McDonald says that Edward Capital brought BDP and Sisk on board the project at the earliest point possible. “We have a
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long-standing relationship with Sisk. They are an exceptional contractor with immense expertise and insight. By having their early contractor involvement, they were able to advise on the overall buildability, delivery programming and materials procurement. This input was crucial to ensuring the project hit its sustainability objectives and that the budget could be properly planned.”
to remediate a disused limestone quarry. Sisk collaborated with its supply chain partner and recycling and resource recovery solutions specialist, Enva, to remediate the site. Enva’s national and international contacts delivered the most effective rehabilitation solutions, combining reuse, treatment, and export of material.
SITE REMEDIATION
PROJECT CHALLENGES
The site was originally the Galway Gasworks and was more recently used as a bulk oil storage depot. This resulted in significant levels of contamination in the ground. The project scope included the remediation of the site, which was achieved initially by detailed categorisation of contaminants and their locations within the site. This information allowed the most effective methods to be implemented, which included: • Local reuse of inert materials • Non-hazardous materials utilised for capping an existing landfill as part of its decommissioning • Treatable hazardous material was processed by Sisk’s supply-chain partner Enva in Portlaoise • 8,000 cubic metres of material that could not be processed in Ireland was exported from the adjoining harbour to Langøya (an island off Norway), where it contributed to a Norwegian state project
Bonham Quay is being built over three phases. Two notable programming issues that arose during phase 1 (14,000 sq metres) resulted in amendments to the programme in phase 2, currently on site. Sisk senior contracts manager Cathal Whiriskey explains, “In the first phase, the façade was a bespoke version of a traditional aluminium ‘stick built’ façade, where each component was delivered to site with minimal preassembly. The façade was then constructed on site by assembling the multitude of components to build the frame before glazing, sealing and finishing. “While this process delivered the quality the project demanded, it was labourintensive and time-consuming on site. It also required extensive access platforms to be established and maintained on the façade for the project’s duration.” He continues, “After analysing this, in the second phase, the team is implementing a ‘unitised’ façade system, which comprises
PROJECTS the fabrication of complete ‘units’ of façade offsite for modular assembly on site. The unitised system will maintain the highest quality standards but offers the benefits of reducing labour hours required on site and reducing the work at height hours.” This methodology also has eliminated the need for elevated working platforms while accelerating the weathering of the building and allowing the bulk of the façade assembly to be completed in factory conditions off site. Sisk also reviewed the methodology of constructing the reinforced concrete frame and cores. “We believed that we could reduce both the programme risk and the risks associated with the limited availability of skilled operatives, if we could extend the overall period for the concrete frame without increasing the contract programme,” Whiriskey adds. “We achieved this by introducing jump-form technology to construct the building’s central stair and lift cores. This allowed sequencing of groundworks to enable the cores to commence earlier in the overall construction programme, thereby taking them off the critical path and reducing the scope of works required to complete each floor deck, as well as having the benefit of ‘resource levelling ‘, requiring a lower maximum number of carpenters on site at one time. This de-risked the concrete frame from a time and resource point of view.”
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Throughout the works, the site team has been showing sensitivity to neighbours by, for instance, using an odour control unit when removing contaminated ground with the potential for nuisance odours. Sisk has also been providing goodwill gestures on request, supporting local interests where feasible, and it hosted a display of flags for Galway 2020 (European City of Culture promotion). The environmental and safety approaches have benefited from the use of Sisk’s certified ISO systems and protocols with regular inspections, monitoring and follow-up. Standard measures for dust prevention were implemented. Covered waste bins were used, and there was a separate contract for the disposal of domestic waste. Designated persons also ensured that the site compound and relevant areas were fully maintained. The site also has bird and bat boxes on the perimeter, and, at one point, the team engaged in the rescue of a distressed bird.
ESG CRITERIA
Edward Capital’s Paddy McDonald says that from the outset, they benchmarked the development to deliver best-in-class sustainability. “ESG was going to be at the forefront of decision-making for office occupiers. We aimed for Bonham Quay
to be delivered against the LEED Gold Standard. We also targeted meeting the WELL standard, achieving the highest standard of air quality. We adopted the One Planet Living framework plan and have since become the first development in Ireland to achieve the One Planet Living leadership standard. “All of the international sustainability certifications achieved means that when having a conversation with potential tenants, Edward Capital can show that Bonham Quay is a best-in-class building from an ESG perspective, possibly one of the most sustainable commercial developments in the country at this time.
EUROPEAN HEADQUARTERS
Phase one of Bonham Quay, comprising two
buildings with circa 135,000 sq feet of office space, was delivered towards the end of 2021. Phase Two, comprising about 100,000 sq feet of office space, is due for delivery in March 2024. Phase Three, comprising 120,000 sq feet, is planned to commence in 2023. The construction phase of Bonham Quay is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with all additional works finished in the spring of 2026. Phase 1 of Bonham is now fully occupied. Paddy McDonald explains that Edward had several leases signed up during the global pandemic. “Our first tenant was US-based Genesys International, which has set up its European headquarters in 36,000 sq feet across four floors.” Diligent Corporation, based out of New
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PROJECTS Bonham Quay Block C and D.
York, leased an entire building comprising 37,000 square feet. It has also set up its European HQ here. “We have also partnered with Signify Health, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. And they’re moving to Galway for the first time with 18,000 square feet of office space. Finally, we have a French fintech company called Planet Payment, which has taken the remaining floor space.”
CLIENT REACTION
Paddy McDonald adds that from a client perspective, Sisk’s commitment to delivering excellence was evident from the outset, and despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the whole project team’s dedication was unwavering. “The integrity and commitment displayed during a period of uncertainty, in the face of public health concerns during a global
pandemic, was outstanding,” he comments. “Sisk’s active engagement with the project stakeholders during this period, which included Edward Capital, BDP, Galway City Council, Irish Water, ESB, all subcontractors and the local community, ensured a seamless vision for the end product. “Phase 1 of Bonham Quay now stands as the iconic regeneration development we envisaged for the heart of Galway city, and
SUSTAINABILITY AT BONHAM QUAY
incorporate the One Planet Living standard into the delivery programme. Implementing the One Planet Living standard involves utilising 10 principles that cover all aspects of social, environmental and economic sustainability. The 10 One Planet Living principles are: • Health and happiness • Equity and local economy • Culture and community • Land and nature • Sustainable water • Local and sustainable food • Travel and transport • Materials and products • Zero waste • Zero carbon energy Sisk supported One Planet Living with initiatives including its approach to remediation works on the contaminated site, remote energy management, smart meters for lighting, heating, site power and crane usage. Sisk also offset 115 tonnes of carbon on Bonham Quay by
sponsoring and supporting tree planting. Combining office, retail, restaurant, and cultural space, Bonham Quay was designed to create a healthy, greener work environment where it is easy to make sustainable choices. Edward Capital is engaging with tenants to create a culture of sustainability – a tenant handbook will provide practical One Planet Living guidance, including a sustainable food charter and support to eliminate single-use plastics. Bonham Quay also meets the WELL Standard and has LEED Gold and WIRED Score Platinum certification. Its sustainable features include a highly-efficient air-source heat-pump system, photovoltaics and an optimised façade to reduce energy consumption. From a biodiversity perspective, when completed, extensive landscaping will include green roofs, green balconies and green walls, which will increase the scheme’s ecological value.
Bonham Quay is the first development in Ireland to achieve the One Planet Living® leadership standard from the international sustainability charity ‘Bioregional’. This is a sustainability charity with over 25 years of experience helping create sustainable communities and products. One Planet Living is a vision of thriving regional economies that meet more of their needs from local, renewable and waste resources, enabling people to live happy, healthy lives within the planet’s natural limits. It takes a holistic approach to sustainability and not only evaluates traditional measures of sustainability, like transport, energy and waste, but also quality of life issues, such as health and happiness. Edward Capital sought out Bioregional at an early stage of the project and worked with BDP Architects and Sisk to
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PROJECTS
BIM AT BONHAM QUAY
Bonham Quay Block B and C. it is a world-class workplace for hundreds of people each day. He concludes, “I wish to thank all of the Sisk project team for their dedication on Bonham Quay, specifically during the exceptionally challenging pandemic. The leadership demonstrated by Cathal Whiriskey and his team has been a credit to the company.”
LOCAL GAIN
More than 500 jobs have been created in Galway city centre during the construction phase of Bonham Quay. In addition to a biodiversity-rich state-of-the-art green office development, the people of Galway
will have a go-to dedicated arts/cultural and multipurpose space, which will be highly visible and flexible for the use of corporate clients and the city of Galway. The 3,700 sq metres of new public squares and plazas have been designed by BDP to be multifunctional and adaptable. They could be used for impromptu and organised events such as pop-up markets, performances and outdoor cinema screenings. The spaces will also be available to local community partners and arts groups. A significant design feature is an option to incorporate sliding doors and walls, which open out to provide a significant connection with the docks and Galway Bay.
Sisk senior contracts manager Cathal Whiriskey explains that the contractor employed BIM for Project Delivery 3D, 4D and 5D technologies to deliver the project. “As early contractor engagement was an integral part of the contract, Edward Capital, BDP and Sisk benefited from previous experiences of having delivered similar developments and local knowledge of Galway,“ Cathal Whiriskey says. ”In preparing for the works, the Sisk Digital Project Delivery team completed a fully coordinated design of 3D models, and 4D planning and construction sequencing with advanced communication and visualisation. The use of 3D BIM modelling enabled us to carry out design reviews, identify clash detection, coordinate logistic planning, carry out health and safety reviews, as well as identify hazards.” BIMCollab BCF Manager – an online platform with plug-ins for Revit and Navisworks – was used to monitor, track and report on BIM coordination. BIM 4D applications were used for construction sequencing and simulation, progress reviews (actual vs planned), method statements, traffic management, visualisation and walkthroughs, health and safety reviews and hazard identification.” The site team generated usable quantities from a 5D BIM model for accurate cost estimation.
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Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin - March 21st 2023
Solid Foundation - Stronger Future Connecting Key Stakeholders Responsible for Delivering a Sustainable Construction Industry in Ireland KEY THEMES • Architecture & Design • Modular & Offsite Construction • Data Centres • BIM • Smart & Green • Lean Construction • Passive Construction and NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) • Facilities Management • QEHS Join your industry peers for a engaging and thought provoking event which will stimulate debate on how Ireland can rebuild its construction and property industry in a sustainable manner to meet the real needs of Ireland and create a stable long term future of the industry and the country.
www.nationalconstructionsummit.ie Contact Colin at colin@prempubevents.com or on 01 6120881 for more information
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EVENTS
National Construction Summit –21st March 2023 Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin
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xpected to attract visitors from across the country, the 2023 National Construction Summit, which will be held on Tuesday, 21st March, at the Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown in Dublin, has become firmly established as an All-Ireland ‘must-attend’ event, which successfully connects key stakeholders across the full spectrum of the construction industry. The 2023 National Construction Summit will cover all aspects of the construction landscape, from €1bn development projects down to the humble building block. Indeed, the purpose of the National Construction Summit is simple — To bring together construction companies, developers, policy-makers, project owners, building owners, government and municipal bodies, lenders and private investment firms, architectural and design firms, planners, facility managers, property managers, large industrial companies, technology companies, legal and tax professionals, equipment and machinery providers, building material providers, professional advisors, energy and environment professionals and other suppliers or products and services – in order to stimulate debate, enrich knowledge and connect stakeholder’s involved in the finance, design, construction and management of Ireland’s buildings, infrastructure and industrial projects. The 2023 National Construction Summit will be held in conjunction with a number of related events. It will incorporate a comprehensive conference agenda, a series of seminars and workshops, accompanied by an extensive array of exhibition stands showcasing the latest products, services and technology for the construction, engineering, sustainable building, maintenance and architectural sectors. Key conference themes at the 2023 National Construction Summit include Jobs, Skills, Training and Education; Infrastructural Investment; Public & Private Housing; Finance; Building Materials & Services Innovation; Foreign Direct Investment (FDI); Project Ireland 2040, €4 Billion Housing For All Plan; Smart Design for Off-site Construction; Construction 4.0; Green Technology; and Sustainability. The construction industry provides the necessary infrastructure required to sustain Ireland’s economic growth and competitiveness and to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). The value of Irish construction output is projected to reach €35.2bn in 2024, according to a recent EY Economic Advisory report. However, the Irish construction industry faces significant
challenges, such as rising materials costs, skills shortages and difficulties in planning and public sector procurement.
CO-LOCATED EVENTS
The 2023 National Construction Summit, in conjunction with a number of co-located events, will attempt to present solutions to these challenges. Visitors are free to move between the different co-located events, which include: • The Architecture, Design and Planning Expo; • BIM & Digital Construction Show • The Data Centre and Critical
• • • • • • • •
Infrastructure Expo; Health & Safety; The Lean Construction Show; Modern Methods of Construction; Modular & Offsite Construction Show; The Engineering Summit; The National Facility Management and Maintenance Show; Passive Construction & NZEB; The Smart & Green Building Expo.
Registration to attend the 2023 National Construction Summit is now open. Register for free at: https://www. nationalconstructionsummit.ie/register/
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PROJECTS Mallow Castle park and its surrounding parkland.
Mallow Castle Park conservation project brings new life to town centre Vision Contracting’s conservation and reconfiguring of structures and parklands around Mallow Castle Park has delivered bio-diverse rich green spaces and amenities for locals and visitors to enjoy, making the castle house once more the focal point of the north Cork town.
M
allow Castle dates back to 1185, when King John of England ordered the construction of the first castle in Mallow. Now in possession of Cork County Council, Mallow Castle and its surrounding parks are a catalyst for the rejuvenation of Mallow town centre, with the castle and its grounds becoming a major tourist attraction. Over the past couple of years, Mallow Town Park, Mallow Castle Grounds and Mallow Castle Lower Park have all been interconnected by Cork County Council to create a unique 84-acre amenity park, with over 5km of pathways now catering for walkers, runners, and bicycle users. Vision Contracting carried a substantial part of these works reconfiguring the
grounds, Spa House Demesne and Tip O’Neill Park into a picturesque route into Mallow town centre. It has also restored a number of historical buildings and structures along the route and created and inserted a custom fairy-tale universally-accessible playground into the space.
PROJECT SCOPE
The project, completed in January 2022, included new walkways through Mallow Castle grounds and gardens, restoration of historic remnant stone walls, new pedestrian and vehicular access points and the creation of a fairy-tale universally-accessible playground. The light-columned route through Tip
O’Neill Park is lined with native semi-mature trees. Its parklands include biodiversity gains such as pollinator-friendly planting and a new wildflower meadow, new paving, seating and signage and resurfacing of the Spa House car park. The site was an extremely sensitive heritage location of national importance. Protected under provisions of the National Monuments Act, all works were carried out in compliance with exacting archaeological standards and practise. Vision Contracting completed the work in the various locations simultaneously under the direction of landscape architects Brady Shipman Martin and the archaeological team in conjunction with Cork County Council in a planned and controlled fashion.
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PROJECTS The work scope comprised: • Construction of new public access to the grounds of Mallow Castle/House with a new vehicular and pedestrian entrance • Provision of a 28-space car park with accessible parking and drop-off point and construction of new entrance gates, railings and landscaping • Construction of accessible pathways from the entrance through the former walled gardens to the grounds of Mallow Castle/House • Construction of a nature-themed, inclusive, public children’s playground; • Repairs, conservation and restoration work to existing remnant stone walls, walled garden features and glasshouse • New boundary fencing, gates and planting within former walled gardens; • Connections to existing public water supply, storm sewer, and public utilities
WORKS PROGRAMME
Initially, a six-month programme was envisaged to run from October 2020 to April 2021. This was extended due to the second sector Covid-19 lockdown. The client then expanded the brief to include restoration works to a hot house, granary buildings, window conservation, repointing, seating and pathway upgrades to the Spa House demesne and Tip O’Neill Park. The revised programme was completed in January 2022.
PROCUREMENT
To secure this project, Vision Contracting entered into a prequalification process along with all other contractors. After completing a comprehensive prequalification submission, including detailed work proposals setting out mitigation strategies for new works and approaches to safeguarding site heritage, and demonstrating relevant skills, knowledge and experience in completing heritage projects of this scale, the contactor was shortlisted using the public works tendering process. The contract utilised was the Public Works Contract for Building Works Designed by the Employer (PW-CF1). Before starting on site, the contractor had numerous meetings with the client, design team and conservation consultants to review work proposals to ensure it had correctly interpreted them. Vision Contracting has tried and trusted systems and operating procedures, accredited to the latest internationally accepted ISO standards (ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001), to ensure that it meets its commitments.
PROJECT TEAM
Vision Contracting’s extensive experience with similar projects meant that it could assign a skilled team with the right attitude, which was supported by a hands-on management structure.
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Tip O’Neill Park, a picturesque route linking to Mallow town centre. The site team was led by Vision Contracting construction director Mick Allen. Mick Allen explains the project management team composition, “We appointed a dedicated project manager, Donal Coleman, with overarching responsibility for completing the project. His primary role was to manage the construction processes and coordinate with the conservation architect, design team members, the archaeologist consultant and site team to help with information flow and timely decision-making. “We developed and agreed on mitigation measures and plans with the client to manage the heritage and archaeological significance of the site. The successful integration of the new works was a critical component in the success of this process. “At site level, we deployed an experienced foreman with responsibility for the management of day-to-day operations. We integrated external specialists to provide technical support with landscaping elements, playground design and installation.” The site management team ensured that the necessary RAMS and Safe Plans of Action and appropriate permissions/ controls and permits were all in place for any high-risk works, such as excavation works at the playground area or repair works to the existing structures.
SPECIALIST PROJECT MANAGEMENT
The works required a high degree of project management, supervision and specialist advice and working in conjunction with the resident archaeology team to comply with mitigation strategies to safeguard the heritage significance of the Mallow Castle complex. Critical components of successful project delivery included having a well-resourced team and quality, committed subcontractors fully aligned with the project objective, who were not simply appointed based on the lowest price. Project manager Donal Coleman takes up the story, “We organised and chaired regular progress and client meetings, daily archaeological whiteboard meetings with representatives from all subcontractors on site (where the planned daily works of each contractor were reviewed and discussed). We held regular internal meetings with our site management staff to ensure that key information, particularly around biodiversity and heritage protection, was being disseminated throughout the wider site group. “This attention to project detail resulted in a series of design review meetings with specialist domestic subcontractors and suppliers to ensure all contingencies were addressed. For example, the repointing team and designer developed a hot-lime pointing
PROJECTS The fairy-tale playground includes tower assemblies that enable children to climb to a height and view the castle through the surrounding tree canopy.
The wall repointing team and designer developed a hot-lime pointing specification for the existing garden walls. specification for the existing garden walls. As the project started in the late autumn/winter months, it was critical that the lime mix proposed would be suitable for application in low temperatures and be in keeping with traditional stone construction methods.”
PRE-CONSTRUCTION MAPPING OF THE SUB-SURFACE ARCHAEOLOGY
A 3D radar scanning of the entire site was carried out before commencement and identified the exact location of sub-surface archaeologically significant structures to be retained and recorded. The design of the works was coordinated to ensure minimal penetration of the ground and new work interventions in areas of high archaeological interest. A detailed dilapidation survey determined the condition of existing structures and planting, and an in-depth report was issued
to the client team before commencing work. The project allocated time for an eightweek archaeological excavation of the car park area. When heavy rain delayed excavations, Vision Contracting resourced the archaeological team so that they could hand the site back to the contractor ahead of schedule. “Because of our extensive preparations and the collaborative approach taken, this work was completed in 30 days,” comments Mick Allen.
ADDRESSING THE SKILLS GAPS
As there is a scarcity of suitably qualified trades personnel and capacity issues within the industry, Vision Contracting aims to appoint suitable subcontractors and suppliers as early as possible in any contract. “One of the key issues on this project was to source suitably experienced, heritage-qualified stonemasons,” Mick Allen continues. “This was critical to the meticulous restoration of the garden walls. This helped mitigate any potential impact procurement of specialist materials and components within these elements may have had on the programme.”
PROTECTING THE SITE
Tree protection zones were delineated on site, and tree protection measures such as the erection of specially adapted temporary fencing were employed for existing trees to prevent damage during construction and avoid soil compaction to root zones from the passing of heavy plant. A bespoke temporary roadway was formed over the long walk, which was to be retained and remain
undamaged due to its historical importance. The team carried out soil decompaction as part of the contract scope before final landscaping of the area surrounding the root protection zones. This aerated the soil and provided a healthy root system to aid the nutrient uptake of the trees.
WALL RESTORATION
Vision Contracting worked with a conservation consultant to create the adaptable hot lime mix to deal with the colder temperatures experienced during the winter months when pointing the walls. Donal Coleman explains, “The initially specified mix design was not setting quickly enough in colder temperatures. Our specialist conservation masonry contractor was concerned the new lime mortar pointing might break down over time. So, test batches were formed onsite, and adjustments made to the mixes in conjunction with the conservation consultant to match the original pointing. “Thorough care was taken to ensure that existing stone wall construction details were mirrored throughout the project. When we removed the overgrown vegetation from walls, there were numerous historical construction details uncovered. Some were still intact, and some were partially eroded/ damaged. We also reclaimed stone from the site for use in the rebuilding of the damaged walls.”
FAIRY-TALE PLAYGROUND
Comprehensive consultations took place between the client, landscape architect Brady Shipman Martin, Vision Contracting
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PROJECTS Fallen trees on site before construction were repurposed for seating areas or carved into deer by a master woodcarver.
and the playground supplier Spraoilinn to detail playground structures that fit into the existing landscape. The performance design criteria for the playground called for specific materials and products to ensure that it was in keeping with its heritage surroundings in Mallow Castle. As a result, the bespoke playground accounted for a large proportion of the budget. Donal Coleman explains, “By partnering with Spraoilinn at tender stage, we developed customised playground elements, which were a key component of the tender proposals and award criteria. Spraoilinn drew up a detailed 3D plan and walkthrough model of the playground structures to allow the Architect to make subtle changes to ensure the units blended into the heritage landscape and looked natural within the site.” He continues, “Furthermore, the location of the playground equipment was carefully coordinated to ensure it did not interfere with the archaeology of the ground beneath. One piece of bespoke equipment, a tower assembly, enables children to climb to a height and view the castle through the surrounding tree canopy.”
CHALLENGES
Vision Contracting understood that mitigation strategies were crucial for carrying out the project works without impacting the heritage and archaeological significance of the site. Mick Allen explains, “An approach of minimal intervention and maximum re-use of historic fabric and materials was
The client expanded the brief to include works such as the restoration of a hot house, granary buildings, and window conservation. implemented for all repair works on garden structures and landscape features. Repair works employed traditional techniques, heritage-approved tradespeople and materials. The introduction of modern materials and technologies was only considered when unavoidable.” All repair and new construction works that could have resulted in the loss of surviving historic fabric were supervised by a suitably experienced conservation Architect/ Archaeologist. New surfacing for existing pedestrian and avenue routes, new pathways and car parking areas was designed and constructed to minimise visual impacts on the historic garden areas and the broader Mallow Castle House grounds. The surfacing to the existing pathways, avenues and other routes was coordinated, planned and permanently protected to ensure that the existing historic fabric
and materials would not be lost due to the improvement works. New fencing, lighting, signage and gates were carefully designed and constructed to avoid excessive visual impacts in the garden areas and broader grounds. New planting adds biodiversity but does not interrupt historic views between Mallow Castle House and garden areas, surviving demesne lands and the deer park.
RECLAIM AND RE-USE
The project team’s goal was to minimise interventions and maximise the re-use of historic fabric and materials on all repairs to garden structures and landscape features. Donal Coleman explains, “We diligently re-used materials on site and employed traditional techniques wherever possible rather than sourcing new materials. We re-used excavated site stone to remediate damaged walls. Limestone boulders were
irish construction news 35 February/March 2023
PROJECTS The custom fairy-tale universally-accessible playground.
achieved the quality benchmarks we required. We conducted The project allocated time for an eight-week numerous archaeological excavation of the car park area. benchmark samples on wall pointing handpicked from a local quarry to match and planting, and we prepared mock-ups existing stone and for repurposing as seating. of gravel-bound paths, car park walkway “We also processed onsite topsoil to paving, lighting, metal railing and resin remove plastic waste for re-use in the surfaces.” landscaping. Fallen trees on site before construction were repurposed for seating LOCAL GAINS areas or carved into deer by a master Since completion, there has been a woodcarver. And we used surplus soil to significant rise in footfall from local and reshape the deer field with undulating curves surrounding visitors to the castle grounds to match the existing terrain of the adjacent and the lower castle walks network. The deer paddock. This technique was also used grounds have become the number one to aesthetically insert the playground into attraction in Mallow, and the local economy the natural landscape.” has benefitted from the increased number of A specialist wildflower consultant tested visitors. park soil to determine the most suitable Since the opening, several concerts wildflower seed mix to ensure wildflowers and events have also been organised on would flourish. the castle grounds, including pipe band championships, park run start points, PROJECT ACHIEVEMENTS concerts and art exhibitions. This project showcased Vision Contracting’s The accessible playground development ability to complete complex restoration and has enabled the castle grounds to bring in a enhancement works, combining traditional younger, broader, new generation of visitors skills and modern construction techniques. and showcase other attractions to these Mick Allen notes that Vision Contracting’s visitors. quality management, environmental management and safety management CLIENT REACTION systems are independently certified and Speaking about the scheme, Tim Lucey, audited by Certification Europe to ISO 9001, Chief Executive, Cork County Council, 14001 and ISO 45001 standards. “The project commented, “The works delivered by scored very highly on all fronts in a rigorous Vision Contracting Ltd, designed and independent surveillance audit carried out overseen by Brady Shipman Martin and by Certification Europe. part funded by the Department of Housing “We set site benchmarks regarding quality Planning and Local Government through standards and safety culture requirements. the Urban Regional Development Fund, This approach, with rigorous control have ensured that the Spa House, originally sampling, the creation of 3D walkthroughs constructed in 1828, was extensively and to show the playground would not impact carefully renovated and will continue to views, and mock-up processes for all critical serve the people of Mallow and north Cork materials, finishes and feature detailing,
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for another 200 years. Our ambitious plans for Mallow were further enhanced with the opening of the regional playground in the grounds of Mallow Castle, and the works to Tip O’Neill Park have enhanced connectivity between Mallow town centre and Mallow Castle, encouraging visitors to spend time discovering all that Mallow has to offer. “Quality construction is key to the longevity of this project for the people of Mallow and north Cork, and I would like to thank all who have played a vital part in bringing these projects to fruition.”
IN CONCLUSION
Commenting on the importance of the project, Vision Contracting managing director Niall O’Meara says, “It is gratifying to be involved with a contract that has such a positive impact on a local community. We had an excellent in-house and subcontracting team who worked very closely with Cork County Council. Working with all project stakeholders, we collectively pulled out stops to deliver a high-quality project for the people of Mallow. We are all very proud of what was achieved on this project, and we look forward to getting the opportunity to work on similar projects in the future.”
PROJECT TEAM Client: Cork County Council Main Contractor: Vision Contracting Ltd Landscape Architect: Brady Shipman Martin Conservation Architect: JCA Architects Structural Engineer: Horgan Lynch Mechanical & Electrical Consultants: Varming Consulting Engineers Quantity Surveyor: Harris Coyle Breen PSDP: ASM Group
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extensive knowledge of the industry both in Ireland and the UK. Henry Hathaway Solicitors provides bespoke training and development progammes for construction companies, which cover areas of contract formation and interpretation, claims in loss expense, and interim and final account disputes. These programmes are suitable for companies that require advice on the compiling of claims, that have payment disputes and to support those who require legal assistance in the process of administering their contracts.
irish construction news 37 February/March 2023
OPINION Peter McCarthy, Principal, Conlex Consulting.
Untangling delay and disruption PETER MCCARTHY, Principal, Conlex Consulting, writes that when it comes to claims, from a contract perspective, delay and disruption are two distinct concepts, and it is essential to distinguish one from the other.
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n a construction project, it is common for events to occur that delay or disrupt the progress of the works and may, as a result, affect the contractor’s or subcontractor’s ability to complete the works by the completion date. Case studies show that when time lost as a direct consequence of a disruption event accounts for only 3.57%, it was found that the interruptions flowing from the same event can cause a productivity loss of up to 38.99% overall. Therefore, delay or disruption can seriously impact a contractor’s balance sheet if not accountedfor. [1] Experience has shown that when claims for delay and disruption are made, very often, the term delay and disruption is used as meaning the same. But, in fact, they are two distinct concepts, and from a contract perspective, it’s important to distinguish one from the other. This article aims to untangle delay and disruption by explaining what both concepts mean, the importance of linking cause and effect, how both delay and disruption can be measured and what to be mindful of when making claims for both.
WHAT IS DELAY?
In the context of a construction project, delay refers to the works being affected by events that have a critical effect on the progress of the works and means that the contractor will not be able to complete the works by the completion date. The implications of delay, both for the employer and the contractor, depend principally upon whose fault (under the contract) the event that caused the delay is. If delay is caused by the employer, the contractor will get an extension of time and possibly also additional money (often known as loss and expense). In addition, liquidated damages will not be payable to the employer if the contractor fails to complete the works by the completion date.
WHAT IS DISRUPTION?
The Society of Construction Law Delay and Disruption Protocol (SCL Protocol) describes disruption as being a disturbance, hindrance or interruption to the contractor’s normal working
38 irish construction news February/March 2023
methods, which reducesefficiency/productivity. [2] The key difference between delay and disruption is that disruption does not necessarily lead to the contractor failing to complete the works by the completion date - ie, it is non-critical. If disruption is significant or prolonged, it may subsequently cause the contractor to fail to complete the works by the completion date, but, unlike delay, this is not necessarily so in all cases. Disruption does not entitle the contractor to claim an extension of time, but depending on the terms of the contract, it may be entitled to claim compensation to recover any loss and expense that it has incurred in association with the disruption.
CAUSE AND EFFECT
A contractor wishing to claim under its contract for delay and/ or disruption will need to show cause and effect, ie, establish that a particular event(s) caused delay/disruption to the works and demonstrate the effects of such event(s) on the progress of the works. Sometimes, although the cause may be clear, the effect can be difficult to map. If there is one clear cause of delay and/or disruption, this can be straightforward, but often it is more complex. For example, if one pebble (the cause) is thrown into a river, it is straightforward to map which ripple (the effect) belongs to the pebble. However, if numerous pebbles are thrown, it can be difficult to determine which pebble caused the ripple. When mapping effect, the investigation will often look at progress schedules, daywork sheets, deliveries and other site records and notices of delays. This information gathering is intended to determine when events occurred, how extensive they were, which physical areas of the project were affected and which elements of the programmed works were affected. It is, therefore, important to collect and preserve records and information during the course of the project. For the contractor, such records will play a crucial role in enabling it to prove its time and money claim—both in relation to the occurrence and effects of a particular event.
OPINION Where a contractor has suffered a loss or delay caused by two or more events but it is unable to identify the loss and/or delay caused by each individual event, it may be allowed to bring a single claim for all of the losses and/or delays arising out of the various events. Such claims, known as ‘global claims,’ are permissible once the criteria outlined in Walter Lilly v Giles Patrick Mackay [2012] are met [3].
MEASURING DELAY
The SCL Protocol outlines six commonly used methods of delay analysis [4]. Most methods require a baseline programme to compare from, which, in effect, outlines the contractors scheduling intentions at tender stage. It would therefore be prudent for a contractor to include with its tender, a baseline programme along with a method statement explaining why the works are scheduled as programmed. One of the most commonly used methods for measuring delay is the ‘As-Planned versus As-Built Windows Analysis’. This method of analysis compares the planned performance to the actual or as-built performance, evaluating each impact to the critical path (critical path being a dynamic/evolving condition) in a chronological and cumulative manner. Again, it is preferable to start with a baseline programme, but if this is not available, then the programme used for construction should be used. The as-built data can usually be obtained by any combination of schedule updates, daily/weekly reports, allocation sheets or diary entries, etc. When there are significant changes in the planned performance, the analysis should be divided into periods, often referred to as windows, such that the actual performance is compared to the contemporary plan. Generally, each period will commence with an approved schedule update (if not approved, then one that was used for construction) that includes the changed plan [5].
MEASURING DISRUPTION
When measuring the level of disruption on a project, like delay, there are several methods for calculating lost productivity resulting from disruption events. They generally fall into three categories of productivity-based methods such as project-specific analysis (PSA), where site-based data is used; project comparison analysis (PCA), where data from other projects is relied upon; and industry studies (ISD), where data generated from such studies are relied on to estimate lost productivity [6]. One such PSA method relied upon is the measured mile analysis. The measured mile approach involves the comparison of the productivity rate achieved for periods when work was not impacted by disruption events (this being the ‘measured mile’) to the productivity rate on identical activities or periods impacted by the disruption events. According to the SCL Protocol [7], the measured mile analysis is the most widely accepted method of calculating disruption. This is because it considers only the actual effect of disruption events for which the employer is responsible, thereby eliminating disputes over the validity of original tender stage productivity assumptions and the contractor’s own performance. However, the approach could be limited when (a) there is no affected area/ period, (b) the affected period is too abrupt to provide a reliable measured mile, or (c) no similar activities exist to allow for a like-for-like comparison [8].
CLAIMS FOR EXTENSION OF TIME (TIME) AND LOSS AND EXPENSE (MONEY)
Time and money claims are normally based on an express contractual entitlement - ie, the contract states that the contractor is entitled to time and/or money in certain circumstances. Construction contracts often contain prescriptive notice provisions applicable to time and money claims. One of the most common and, in some cases, the most crucial notice requirement is for the contractor to give the contract administrator and/or employer an initial notice of the relevant event and/or its claim. Usually, such a notice must be given as soon as possible and/or within a specified
time frame. For example, see clause 10.3.1 of the PWC Contract, where notice of claim must be issued within 20 working days and substantiated within a further 20 working days [9]. Under some contracts, timely compliance with this notice requirement may be a condition precedent to the contractor’s entitlement to receive any additional time or money, regardless of how well-founded its claim may be. For example, see clause 10.3.1 of the PWC Contract, where the employer is released from all liability should the contractor fail to comply with the relevant notice requirements. An unamended Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI)form of contract has yet to contain such a condition precedent provision. Peter McCarthy holds dual expertise in Quantity Surveying and Construction Law and is founder and owner of Conlex Consulting, which supports clients with pre-contract review, post-contract support, preparation and negotiation of claims, dispute avoidance and dispute resolution. Peter is a fellow member of the Society of Chartered Surveyors of Ireland and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and is an approved Adjudicator on the SCSI Adjudication panel. To learn more, email peter@conlex.consulting or visit https://www.conlex.consulting [1] Hamish Lal, Quantifying and managing disruption claims, 1st Ed, 2002, page 162 [2] Society of Construction Law Delay and Disruption Protocol, [2nd Ed part A para 5, part B para 18.1] [3] [2012] EWHC 1773 (TCC) [4] Society of Construction Law Delay and Disruption Protocol, [2nd Ed, section 11.4, page 33] [5] Modeled or Planned v. As-Built - In Periods (John H. McTyre HKA, Aug 2018) [6] For example, see ‘Change Orders, Overtime, Productivity Manual’ by MCAA [1994] [7] Society of Construction Law Delay and Disruption Protocol [2nd Ed, section 18.6, page 47] [8] Disrupted? Prove It! (Fenwick Elliott, Insight Issue, May 2017). [9] Irish Public Works Contract issued by the Office of Government Procurement
TOP TIPS FOR MANAGING DELAY AND DISRUPTION ON CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS 1. Delay and disruption are two distinct concepts and should be distinguished from each other when submitting claims for extension of time and loss and expense. 2. When seeking to ground a claim for delay and/or disruption, you must demonstrate cause and effect for your claim to be successful. 3. Global claims are permissible if the contractor can demonstrate that it is impossible to link the effect caused by numerous events. 4. Ensure adequate records are preserved to explain what caused the works to be delayed and/or disrupted and to demonstrate the effect flowing from each event. 5. In order to measure delay, consider submitting a baseline programme and method statement with your tender explaining your intended sequence of work. 6. To facilitate the ‘measured mile’ approach when measuring disruption, ensure adequate records are kept to allow you to compare disrupted days with undisrupted days. 7. When submitting claims for delay and/or disruption, ensure the prescribed contract procedures of bringing a claim are strictly followed, ie, on time, in the correct format, issued from and to the correct person and containing the correct information.
irish construction news 39 February/March 2023
S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y
Closing the sustainable building skills gap The Irish Green Building Council’s MARION JAMMET and LINDA ONZULE outline how developing a National Sustainability Skills Roadmap is critical to the building of high-quality, sustainable, healthy homes.
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he Irish construction industry faces a major challenge - labour and skill shortages. To achieve our national housing and retrofit goals and make our built environment more sustainable, we must attract more people to the industry, incentivise upskilling and make flexible training and education widely available. That is why the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC), along with other organisations, is developing a National Sustainability Skills Roadmap for the construction industry.
UNDERSTANDING THE SCALE OF THE CHALLENGE
Achieving the very ambitious housing and retrofit targets set by the Irish government is proving challenging. While it is not the only reason, labour shortages and the lack of investment in skills at all levels of the construction supply chain have been identified, time and time again, as one of the main risks to the successful implementation of these strategies. The Irish construction industry and the rest of the sector in Europe are experiencing major labour shortages. In a report released in December of 2022 (Report on Analysis of Skills for Residential Construction and Retrofitting, 2023-2030), the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science estimates that there is a need for as many as 50,831 new entrants in the construction workforce to meet the housing and retrofit targets of 2030. Reaching these targets will likely require targeted communication campaigns
40 irish construction news February/March 2023
to inspire, recruit and upskill in energy renovation school leavers and those working in declining sectors. Possible actions include using the STEM template to attract more young people to the industry, organising school visits and career guidance to ensure young people are aware of the diversity of work in the industry, and communicating more about the sector’s critical role in tackling climate change. For those already working in the industry, the development and roll-out of flexible, affordable, and accessible training programmes (eg, online and on-site) providing the right mix of theoretical and practical learning is vital. Upskilling could also be further encouraged through different mechanisms, such as the introduction of a “Sustainability Pass” similar to Safe Pass or the use of public procurement to incentivise upskilling. These actions are critical as the new workforce requires skills and proficiency in building high-quality, healthy homes that are not only energy efficient but also constructed in a more sustainable way. Likewise, retrofitting of existing buildings must be carried out to the highest standard to ensure that these homes will be fit for purpose years into the future. This will require new skill sets that have only recently been identified. Along with energy efficiency, knowledge and skills in whole-life carbon, circularity, biodiversity and digitisation are becoming equally as important. Under the proposed revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings
Directive (EPBD), whole-life carbon measuring will be mandatory by 2027. Legislations such as the EU taxonomy for sustainable activities are also contributing to stronger environmental requirements becoming the new norm. The taxonomy outlines the key criteria to be met for an economic activity to be regarded as “green”, with a view to tackling greenwashing. In simple terms, the more environmentally friendly a project is, the easier it should be to obtain funding at a lower interest rate.
MAKING SURE WE HAVE THE RIGHT SKILLS – A ROADMAP FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION SKILLS
To truly decarbonise our built environment and achieve our national targets effectively, a wholistic approach to examining and identifying the needed skills is required. A recent report commissioned by the IGBC from a group of researchers at UCD shows that the built environment accounts for 37% of our national emissions, the same as agriculture. This comprises about 23% operational emissions associated with the energy we use to heat, cool, and light our buildings. A further 14% of the emissions are embodied carbon emissions from the production of construction materials, transport of materials, construction process, maintenance, repair and disposal of buildings and infrastructure. The report also shows that we cannot halve our sector emissions by 2030 without addressing both operational and embodied carbon emissions.
S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y To achieve this, we must look beyond construction practices and take into consideration everything from the way we source and use resources to the way we handle waste and incorporate biodiversity in our built environment. That is why it is important to continue researching the construction industry, anticipate the skills and deliver further and higher education now to close the skills gap and transition to “a totally decarbonised, circular, resourceefficient built environment”.
A NATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY SKILLS ROADMAP
“Build Up Skills” app.
In 2023, the IGBC, in collaboration with the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Laois Offaly Training and Education Board (LOETB) and the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), will work on the development of a national sustainability skills roadmap for the construction industry. The roadmap will be developed as part of a European-funded project called BUSI2030, and it will look at skills requirements up to the end of the decade. It will also set out steps to help ensure that flexible training and education programmes are developed. BUSI2030 will hold a series of workshops over the summer where representatives of the construction industry and education in Ireland will be able to come together and give their input on green skills. They will be able to share their knowledge and develop new ideas that will then be used in the creation of the roadmap. The aim of these workshops will also be to facilitate the creation of new collaborations and encourage the construction industry and the education sector to actively engage with one another in the creation of flexible education programmes and other innovative and accessible forms of training.
own pace, all while aligning with industry requirements.
DASBE-DIGITAL ACADEMY FOR THE SUSTAINABLE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
DASBE-Digital Academy for the Sustainable Built Environment is another project IGBC is part of in a bid to close the skills gap. DASBE was created by higher education institutes and industry partners to provide flexible, online and hybrid higher-level courses for construction industry professionals. There are currently over 40 programmes under energy efficiency, circular economy and digitisation that combine hands-on practical training and learning of theory. DASBE courses are unique in the sense that some of the courses can be broken down and taken in stages at an individual’s own pace as the skills are needed. The desired result is that industry needs are met in real time.
IGBC TRAINING
Finally, the IGBC will keep providing training in various areas such as embodied carbon, indoor air quality, nearly zero energy buildings and more. This training is delivered through live sessions, pre-recorded videos, and newsletter-style weekly mail courses. The IGBC has also developed the Learning Hub, an online hub that hosts resources on energy and carbon, sustainable communities, circularity and biodiversity and more. Along with regular training, several individual webinars and webinar series are also held regularly. To draw focus on other areas of sustainability, the IGBC recently delivered a webinar series on circular economy and construction. The webinars showcased advancements in circular products, biobased materials and circular practices, as well as highlighted the importance of circularity in the most raw-materialintensive industry. The next webinar series will focus on biodiversity and the built environment. Taking place from February 15 - March 15, the series will focus on sharing the best practices to protect and enhance biodiversity in the construction and use phases, and through the value chain. Recordings of all webinars can be viewed on the IGBC website (www.igbc.ie).
“It is important to continue researching the construction industry, anticipate the skills and deliver further and higher GROWING YOUR CAREER IN 2023 The IGBC has already developed several different programmes and learning tools to education now advance the closing of the skill gap. Along with TUS, the IGBC created the “Build Up Skills” app. The app shows all to close the skills available courses and programmes in energy efficiency across Ireland. Construction gap and transition professionals can find courses based on their professions or existing skill sets. Courses can be further filtered by combining the different to “a totally skills a person might want to learn, making finding the right programme easy and fast. If you are interested in participating in the Along with tracking their own progress, app decarbonised, development of the national skills roadmap, users can view other profiles and see other please contact the Irish Green Building paths of training and education. The app Council by phone at 01 6815862 or was created to ensure anyone who wishes circular, resourceemail info@igbc.ie to upskill would have a place where they can access high-quality training created in More information on BUSI2030, other efficient built response to the industry’s skills needs. It also projects and the recently published National enables construction professionals using Decarbonisation Roadmap can be found on the app to curate their educational path, environment” the IGBC website. www.igbc.ie continuously advancing their careers at their
irish construction news 41 February/March 2023
We resolve. You build.
We specialise in contract support for the Construction Industry, providing solutions to commercial risk throughout the life cycle of a construction project including: → Pre Contract Review → Post-Contract Support → Preparation, Defence and Negotiation of Claims → Payment Dispute Resolution → Increase Cost and Covid Claim Support Our goal is to protect the financial interests of main contractors and sub-contractors of all sizes giving you peace of mind!
Make sure you are protected Contact Peter McCarthy LL.M.,BSc., FSCSI, FCIArb Cork: +353 21 455 5678 Dublin: +353 1 639 2927 Email: peter@conlex.consulting 42 irish construction news February/March 2023
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S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y
BAM launches new sustainability strategy
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escribed by Royal BAM Group as “Ambitious, transparent and realistic”, BAM sees its new sustainability strategy as a crucial addition to its Building a sustainable tomorrow strategy because the company believes there is only a future if it continues to build and maintain sustainably. The strategy is also crucial for its clients and society to meet sustainability challenges together. The company is has announced ambitious targets, aiming to become an industry leader. In a statement, the international contractor says its new sustainability strategy looks beyond its own organisation and looks to the future, “The choices you make as a company have consequences for future generations. This strategy shows BAM’s ambitions to build even more sustainably for those future generations.” Ruud Joosten, CEO, Royal BAM Group, comments, “The construction industry can really make a difference. With this sustainability strategy, we will continue what we have been doing for a number of years and take the lead as BAM towards a sustainable future. We have to show how things can be done differently.” BAM has taken the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals as the basis for its new sustainability strategy. It consists
of six themes: 1 Decarbonisation 2 Circularity 3 Climate adaptation 4 Biodiversity 5 Health, Safety and Inclusion, and 6 Social value. Within each theme, BAM has set itself ambitious targets. The targets set last year for CO2 emissions have been included in this new strategy, and targets have been set for the other themes. For instance, the company aims to have 75% less construction and office waste by 2030 compared to 2015, climate adaptation
measures have been taken on all projects, and by 2030, 30% of senior management consists of women. The consequences of climate change are increasing worldwide. Because of this urgency, BAM considers its new sustainability strategy as a crucial step towards a sustainable future in becoming more predictable, profitable and sustainable. In implementing this new sustainability strategy, BAM aims to further reduce its carbon, raw materials and waste footprint and offer clients scalable sustainability solutions.
Coopers Cross becomes Ireland’s first Platinum SmartScore-certified commercial development
An artist’s impression of the two commercial buildings at Coopers Cross in Dublin’s North Docks.
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oopers Cross to set new standards in smart buildings, with its commercial development also lined up for WiredScore Platinum, LEED Platinum, WELL Platinum, BREEAM Outstanding and A1 BER certifications. Developer Kennedy Wilson has announced that its Coopers Cross commercial development in Dublin has become the first commercial development in Ireland to achieve Platinum SmartScore certification. Introduced in 2021 and providing a global certification standard, SmartScore identifies best-in-class smart buildings that deliver exceptional user experience, drive cost efficiency, meet high standards of sustainability, and are fully future-proofed. Comprising 381,000 sq feet of grade-A office space, the two office buildings are located at the heart of Coopers Cross, a six-acre mixeduse campus under development by Kennedy Wilson. Opening in
2023, Coopers Cross will redefine Dublin’s historic North Docks, meeting the needs of tomorrow’s workforce today. The Platinum SmartScore certification is only awarded to buildings that raise the bar in redefining the workspaces of the future. Enhanced data availability, smart controls and sensors throughout support efficient and effective use of energy, water, light, heating, and ventilation. The office buildings at Coopers Cross will be connected to a fully electric power supply. Sub-meters on each floor will allow tenants to track detailed energy usage, while roof-mounted panels will provide solar energy, enabling tenants not only to source electricity from renewable sources but also to manage it effectively. As a Platinum SmartScore commercial development, Coopers Cross is joining a select group of globally recognised addresses that have achieved such a high level of certification, including The Hammerbrooklyn Digital Pavilion in Hamburg, 22 Bishopsgate in London, 101 Collins Street in Melbourne, and 151 North Franklin in Chicago. Peter McKenna, Head of Development, Europe, Kennedy Wilson, commented: “We are delighted that Coopers Cross is the first commercial development in Ireland to achieve the globally recognised Platinum SmartScore certification. This demonstrates our commitment to creating exceptional and innovative buildings and, in doing so, redefining the workplace experience in Dublin’s North Docks. We look forward to the official opening of Coopers Cross later this year.”
irish construction news 43 February/March 2023
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S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y
EY report highlights the critical role of innovation in ensuring a sustainable construction sector
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report launched by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) and EY highlights that the construction industry in Ireland is at a critical juncture. The report, entitled A Detailed Description of Needs for the Irish Construction/Built Environment Sector finds that the industry needs to prioritise innovation and digital technology to provide the social, economic and productive infrastructure required to sustain economic growth and to attract foreign direct investment in Ireland. The report identifies that the modern methods of construction (MMC) approach to building has the potential to increase the speed of new homes through the adoption of innovation by 30% and reduce costs by a potential 25%. The report outlines 11 key recommendations for the new Construction Technology Centre and urges it to establish a Sustainability Action Plan within its first 90 days. The Sustainability Action Plan will keep the centre focused and accountable by ensuring that every action undertaken
Annette Hughes, Director of Ireland Economic Advisory Services, EY. is concerned with building a sustainable environment within the industry. This also aligns with survey findings that 80% of firms believe sustainability and energy will be of ‘great’ or ‘very great’ importance over the next 10 years.
Speaking at the launch, report author Annette Hughes, Director of EY Ireland Economic Advisory Services, said, “This report focuses on ‘future proofing’ the construction industry in Ireland by formulating a strategy for the next decade with innovation, digital technology and sustainability at the core. There are challenges ahead. However, adopting smart construction and digital technology has the potential to transform the construction industry.” Sean Downey, Director of Specialist Contracting, CIF, said, “Post the Covid-19 pandemic, Irish construction stands at a crossroads. We cannot afford to stand still. We have to move to a new level of performance, driven by both productivity and sustainability. Some leaders in the construction industry have adopted new technological processes and more advanced construction systems to deliver value to their clients, and our vision is for this transformation to be adopted by all players in the industry.”
Ecocem welcomes government commitment to reducing carbon emissions from industry and enterprise by 35% before 2030
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he recently launched government Climate Action Plan 2023: Changing Ireland for the Better (December 2022) commits to fundamental action to tackle carbon emissions from 2023 onwards. Low-carbon cement technology specialist Ecocem welcomes the government mandate for public bodies to specify low-carbon construction methods and low-carbon cement for construction projects from 2023 onwards. As part of the Climate Action Plan 2023, the government pledges to reduce the carbon emissions of industry and enterprise by 35% by 2030 and is specific about reducing the clinker content of cement (responsible for 90% of emissions from cement). The government is also pledging to support innovative research and development of cement and construction materials companies to develop novel cementitious materials, innovative products, and more efficient production technologies. Commenting on the new Climate Action Plan 2023, Susan McGarry, Managing Director, Ecocem Ireland, said, “This is a huge and very welcome step forward in decarbonising the Irish construction industry. At Ecocem, we have been advocating for the need to encourage the use of low-carbon cement for a number of years now. With the Climate Action Plan 2023 mandate, public policy will now be in line with market sentiment and the ambition for decarbonisation. “Green public procurement requirements for the construction industry will ensure sustainable delivery of our national development plan and housing needs for the future and position Ireland as a leader in sustainable construction methods and materials. It will be instrumental in decarbonising one of the most polluting industries globally and make a significant contribution to Ireland’s efforts to
achieve net zero by 2030.” In November 2022, Ecocem launched ACT, a cement technology that combines a range of technical innovations with the use of widely available low-carbon materials to decarbonise cement by as much as 70% while enhancing the strength and durability of the concrete it is used to manufacture. As an innovative technology that can be deployed in existing cement plants without significant investment or modifications, ACT brings a scalable solution to the Irish cement industry as it responds to this new mandate from the government.
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S E C TO R F O C U S
CIS reports 23,751 residential units built in 2022 Housing commencements by location in 2022
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he activity in the housing sector in 2022 saw a noticeable increase in project volume and value across the board in terms of plans submitted. There was 26.1% value growth (€13.9bn) Plans submitted - €211m – 688 apartments Mixed Use Development - Former RTE Lands at RTE Campus, Co. Dublin (Image: Model Works)
Construction Information Services notes the housing sector saw a substantial increase in project volume in 2022, with 27,869 units commencing on site. JOSH WILER, CIS, reports. year on year for plans submitted in the eastern region of Ireland despite the relatively small increase in project volume of just over 3% over 2021. In the southern region, our data shows a 30.6% increase in value (€4.45bn) along with a 4% increase in the volume of projects. Finally, in the western and northern region, we note a value increase of 17.5% (€915m) with a high uptick in volume of 24.3%. This growth in the sector reflects the increase in demand across the country, which has resulted in apartment unit planning taking a further lead on housing/ scheme housing across the board. General on-site activity declined year on year, which could be attributed to difficult market conditions as well as the
influence of the pandemic on the increase of construction. It is important to note that 2022 saw issues arise with material costs due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as well as the increasing cost of inflation on society.
PLANNING SUBMISSIONS IN 2022
In terms of plans submitted to the end of Q4 2022, CIS recorded 1,865 planning applications lodged, equating to 89.1k units with a total value of €19.3bn, and a regional breakdown of 74% Leinster, 20% Munster, 5% Connacht, 1% Ulster. Plans granted in 2022 equated to 1,153 planning applications approved planning permission, equating to 42.5k units, with a regional breakdown of 64% Leinster, 28% Munster, 5% Connacht, and 3% Ulster. In comparison, CIS observed 1,255 applications being approved planning, equating to 44.7k units in 2021.
COMMENCEMENTS
Figures in 2022 saw 27,869 units commencing on site, with the majority, unsurprisingly, starting in Dublin with just over 10.1k units. The highest amount of activity in terms of nationwide volume took place between March and May, with activity trailing off towards the winter months in terms of commencements.
COMPLETIONS
Completion figures are often disputed within the construction industry, and 2022 is no different. Last year, CIS observed 907 apartment and scheme projects (excluding single dwellings) through to completion. When single dwelling completions are included, the overall residential completions figure for 2022 is 23,751 units. Of these, 28% were located in the Dublin region while the mid-eastern region accounted for 27% which combined make up for over half of all completions recorded in the country. The highest volume of completion activity took place in Q4 2022, which accounted for one-third of the total number of residential completions, the vast majority of which were scheme housing and apartment units.
DRIVING FACTORS Figure 1: Plans submitted in 2022
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The year 2022 was a particularly turbulent one for Ireland’s construction industry.
S E C TO R F O C U S
Plans Granted - €250m - Corballis East - Donabate SHD Residential Development, Co Dublin (Image: 3D Design Bureau)
IN CONCLUSION
Construction Information Services takes pride in the accuracy of the data we provide. Over the course of our 50+ years in business, we’ve refined our research and figure determination methods. Commencement and completion data is taken from the Building Control Management System of the National Building Control Office. Legislation dictates that building control authorities must receive details on the commencement and completion of all new builds, extensions or material change of use or phases thereof as part of the certification process. CIS researchers record unit details of each phase of housing commenced and completed. As such, these figures reflect a true measure of housing activity and are not based on proxy measures such as ESB connections or BER certifications. So far in 2023, our researchers have seen volumes consistent with 2022 lodged for planning. It is difficult to predict how many large-scale applications will be submitted through the LargeScale Residential Development (LRD) initiative. To address and contribute to the government’s ambitious housing delivery targets, we anticipate an increase in both unit commencement and vital delivery of much-needed housing. Despite the numerous external factors mentioned earlier in this piece, we anticipate that residential construction output will remain stable in 2023.
Global events have resulted in skyrocketing material costs and general inflation, while labour shortages continue to be a major challenge on many construction projects. Furthermore, the ongoing effects of Brexit continue to be felt on supply chains, affecting raw material availability between us and our largest raw material supplier country, the United Kingdom. Finally, the war in Ukraine and resulting
energy price increases have only exacerbated these negative effects by increasing transportation costs, further complicating the jobs of construction companies. It is worth mentioning that these issues span across Europe and beyond. Though, due to the isolation of our island, they may present more dramatically than on mainland Europe.
Information is correct as of 01 February 2023. For more details on Residential Project information and Analysis, please visit www. cisireland.com or call 01 299 9200 to speak with the CIS research, sales and insights teams. Construction Information Services (CIS) is Ireland’s leading provider of business intelligence to the construction and allied industries. Founded in 1972, CIS provides comprehensive, researched, verified and real-time information on all building projects throughout Ireland - north and south.
irish construction news 47 February/March 2023
S E C TO R F O C U S
Modern Methods of Construction: The importance of strategic collaboration and coordination LIZ CARROLL writes about a crucial new Skillnet Level 8 programme designed to provide construction professionals with a greater understanding of modern methods of construction practices.
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overnment bodies and private clients are beginning to look for modern methods of construction (MMC) knowledge and experience as part of awarding criteria. Understanding the opportunities that MMC brings and learning how to overcome the challenges in its implementation will be critical to many construction businesses in the near future. In April 2022, the Construction Professionals Skillnet published its report on the skills needed to be able to deliver MMC effectively – Modern Methods of Construction: Defining MMC. This report highlighted the key skills required by the sector, namely: • Understanding MMC and Material Knowledge • Collaboration Skills • Quality Assurance and Control • Planning and Scheduling • BIM/Data Analytics and Regulatory Knowledge. Following this report, the Skillnet worked with the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) MMC Working Group in facilitating workshops to further define the requirements in the first two areas. Work will continue to be done on the areas not yet covered. At a high level, there needs to be a general understanding of what MMC is, its benefits and challenges, and what is different about its business model to the traditional construction model. The Skillnet is currently in postproduction of a number of short videos covering these topics. These will be available by the end of February to everyone via the network’s website, www.cpskillnet.ie
CERTIFICATE IN STRATEGIC COLLABORATION AND COORDINATION FOR MMC
In addition, it was decided that collaboration skills are critical to any MMC project. With this in mind, a new Level 8 micro-credential
48 irish construction news February/March 2023
At the launch of the Certificate in Strategic Co-ordination and Collaboration for Modern Methods of Construction at Government Buildings were (L to r): Liz Carroll, Network Manager, Construction Professionals Skillnet; Paul Healy, CEO, Skillnet Ireland; Aine McManus, Head of Faculty, Graduate Business School, Griffith College; Prof Diarmuid Hegarty, President, Griffith College; and Tom Parlon, Director General, CIF. (Photo Jason Clarke) has been developed: ‘Certificate in Strategic Collaboration and Coordination for MMC’. The programme has been developed in collaboration with Griffith College and started on 17 February 2023. The aim of the Certificate in Strategic Collaboration and Coordination for MMC is to develop the learner’s understanding of the concept and practices of MMC and the role of coordination and collaboration in MMC project management. The objectives of this certificate programme are to: • Provide the learner with knowledge and understanding of MMC as a business model • Develop the learner’s appreciation of the necessity for coordination, cooperation and collaboration along the value/supply chain and how commercial relationships need to support this • Develop learners’ interpersonal skills, such as empathy, commercial awareness, relationship management, project management, teamwork and time management skills, as well as research, communication and presentation skills.
PROGRAMME MODULES
The programme comprises three modules: Commercial Relationship Management in Modern Methods of Construction, Managing a Modern Methods of Construction Project and Creating a Collaborative Culture. While many of the key concepts may be familiar, it is the change in mindset that is needed in the sector to ensure the effective implementation of MMC that is critical. The concepts discussed in each of the three modules all impact the other modules, and so, the aim is to give a
wholistic view of what is needed to enable MMC to be effective and to make the productivity gains that it promises. The module Commercial Relationship Management in Modern Methods of Construction is designed to enable the learner to be cognisant of the factors impacting commercial relationships so they can select appropriate contracts and partners and analyse and evaluate the ongoing relationships to be able to effectively manage the inherent risks associated with those relationships. In a way, this is about the formal structures that are put in place to manage a commercial relationship. The Managing a Modern Methods of Construction Project module aims to enable the learner to apply tools and techniques to effectively deliver an MMC project while being cognisant of the form of contract and information management processes and their impact on the project. The Creating a Collaborative Culture module analyses the necessary practices and required behaviours to communicate effectively and create a collaborative culture in the workplace and along the value chain. It aims to equip learners with the resources and personal skills required to foster this. Learners will gain an appreciation of the importance of effective communication, collaboration and transparency. Through the module, participants will develop an understanding of different communication styles and the competencies necessary to create a culture of collaboration, trust and transparency with stakeholders For further information or to enrol, contact Liz Carroll at cpskillnet@cif.ie
EVENTS
HHI forum calls for further industry engagement to inform ongoing indoor environmental quality research Healthy Homes Ireland ended 2022 with a strategic indoor environmental quality forum that brought together experts from industry and academia.
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ealthy Homes Ireland (HHI), a highlevel group of industry practitioners and academics, held its end-of-year forum on Tuesday, 13 December, in the Gibson Hotel, Dublin. Founded in 2021 with the support of the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) and Velux, Healthy Homes Ireland brings together industry and academic stakeholders to address the health problems caused by existing low-quality homes. It also aims to ensure there is no compromise between health and energy efficiency in new build homes. Following discussions at a meeting in July, the December forum focused on issues pertaining to indoor environmental quality (IEQ) - thermal comfort, indoor air quality, acoustics and daylighting in existing homes.
HEALTHY HOMES IRELAND FORUM
Opening the forum, Kevin O’Rourke, Chair, HHI, explained the importance of its remit, “One of our agreed priorities for a healthy home is good indoor environmental quality. The significant and growing issues with mould, poor lighting, noise pollution and insufficient heating and insulation in existing private, public and social housing in Ireland are a serious cause for concern. We have an opportunity, through this forum, to address these issues and inform public policy to advance greener, healthier homes. I would like to thank all of our speakers and attendees for their valuable contributions today, and we would welcome any further insights from industry that will inform our ongoing research.”
INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
The detrimental effect of poor indoor environmental quality and public policy decisions on our health in Ireland and the UK, immediately focused minds. As one of the leaders in driving the HHI forum, the IGBC plays a key role in ensuring all aspects of IEQ are openly addressed.
Pictured at the Healthy Homes Ireland end-of-year forum are David Gallagher, VELUX GB and Ireland; Kevin O’Rourke, Chair, Healthy Homes Ireland (HHI); and Johanna Varghese, Programme Manager, Irish Green Building Council (IGBC). Johanna Varghese, Programme Manager, IGBC, said, “The forum has brought together a wide range of industry expertise and stakeholders from the housing sector, government departments, state agencies, approved housing bodies, social enterprises and academia. The focus from energy efficiency was broadened out to all aspects of indoor environmental quality in existing homes, as feeling healthy and comfortable in our homes means living better. The IGBC is proud to be a part of this forum and looks forward to the findings from our partners next year.” A robust and informative panel discussion followed with valuable contributions from expert panellists, including Douglas Booker, Regional Clean Air Champion for West Midlands to Northwest of England for the UK Clean Air Programme; Dr Emmet English, Managing Director, Amplitude Acoustics and Dr Paul Kenny, Assistant Professor, UCD School of Architecture, who joined by video link.
NEXT STEPS
Rachael McGinley, Head of Sustainability, CBRE Ireland, referred to the research she is leading on this topic, “Today’s forum and workshop session allowed forum members to hear from the CBRE Ireland team on initial findings and scoping work to date and
the gaps identified by the project team in policies and support mechanisms in relation to IEQ in existing homes. Discussions and policy recommendations from the workshops today will now inform and direct the next stage of our research in relation to IEQ. We are delighted to play our part in supporting HHI to deliver informed recommendations to drive sustainable and improved living standards in Ireland.” David Gallagher, VELUX GB and Ireland, concluded, “Since our first Healthy Homes Barometer in 2015, our ambition has been to work with accredited research partners to examine how the European building stock can benefit people, society and the planet. What we have learnt here today tallies with the findings of our 2022 barometer. There is no doubt that the pandemic has made us more aware of the role our homes play in our overall health and mental well-being. With one out of three Europeans affected by an indoor climate hazard, such as damp and mould, noise, cold or poor light, the state of buildings and homes throughout Europe can no longer be ignored. This role is truly important for our lives and one that also has great economic value, even if it is not measured in GDP.” A final report, which is expected to be published in April 2023, will make a series of policy recommendations to the government.
irish construction news 49 February/March 2023
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Niall Evans appointed sales director of Gyproc and Isover Ireland
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aint-Gobain has announced the appointment of Niall Evans to the role of sales director for the Gyproc and Isover businesses in Ireland. Before his appointment, Evans held the role of national sales manager at Gyproc and Isover for seven years, when he developed a great understanding of the Irish markets and customers. Niall Evans has held various commercial roles during his 23 years with Saint-Gobain. His insight and knowledge will help to drive business growth through new and existing customer relationships. He took over this role from Declan Smyth, who retired on 31 December 2022. Commenting on his appointment, Niall Evans said, “It is an honour for me to take on the role of sales director. I look forward to working closely with all our customers throughout Ireland. Together with our excellent commercial team, I will continue to collaborate with all of our stakeholders into the future to enhance our successful working relationships.” Padraig Barry, Managing Director, Gyproc and Isover in Ireland, commented, “For us, it is a great privilege to be able to promote some of the most talented people in the industry. Sales director is a well-deserved position for Niall. I have no doubts he will thrive and will continue to develop the business while also supporting existing customers. “We are very grateful to Declan for his hard work and unwavering commitment to the organisation and the loyal support from all our customers during his tenure. Since taking on the position of national sales manager seven years ago, Niall has developed an intimate understanding of our markets and customers throughout the island.” Niall Evans is a Derry native and a graduate of the University of Ulster Jordanstown, where he obtained his MBA.
Niall Evans, Sales Director, Gyproc and Isover Ireland.
DCT unveils rebrand and global expansion plans
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igital Construction Technology Group has rebranded as DCT as part of its growth plans to create 50 new jobs over the next four years. DCT’s ambitious national and international expansion programme aims to expand into new markets in North America and Europe. DCT empowers construction teams to be more productive with less effort. It designs and builds complex projects for global clients across the mission-critical, pharmaceutical, industrial, healthcare, educational, infrastructure, and global technology sectors. Its digital
50 irish construction news February/March 2023
construction solutions combine virtual technology, information, and people to deliver award-winning, sustainable construction projects across the globe, reducing overall project costs and delivery time. As part of its international expansion programme, DCT, established in Ireland in 2018, will fill roles in the areas of digital construction management, BIM coordinators, BIM technicians and project managers. The company employs over 50 staff globally across its strategic locations in Ireland, the UK, Argentina, and Croatia. DCT is currently engaged in a number of high-tech Irish infrastructure projects, including the Dublin airport upgrades, the National Children’s Hospital and major data centre projects in Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, and Poland, along with ongoing projects in Argentina. Working closely with Enterprise Ireland, DCT has restructured and streamlined its business to focus on three key areas of expertise, digital construction management, BIM modelling, and geospatial surveying. DCT was founded in 2018 by managing director and Dublin native Joseph Mady. He said, “Our drive to create jobs and continued expansion even in times of uncertainty demonstrates the incredible demand for digital technology and underlines our commitment to job creation in Ireland,” Joseph Mady commented. “With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation, we will continue to build on our reputation as a global leader in delivering our digital solutions to all projects across the data centre, commercial, residential, and pharmaceutical sectors.”
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Engineering consultancy EDC expands with opening of new Galway office
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ngineering consultancy EDC, which celebrates 20 years in business this year, has announced the opening of a new Galway office. Gerard Kirwan, Associate Director, EDC, heads up this new office, which is located at Ballybrit, and the addition of this office will bring EDC’s Irish presence to four Irish offices, complementing its international offices in London and Istanbul. Over the past two years, EDC has experienced impressive growth, expanding its team to 100 people. This growth is reflected in EDC’s increased market share in Ireland and the UK, with staff numbers doubling from the start of 2021 to the end of 2022. EDC estimates that this trend will continue, with an additional 25% increase in staff numbers by the end of 2023 to support the investment and growth in market share. Commenting on the opening of the Galway office and the company’s continued growth, Richard O’Farrell, Managing Director, EDC, said, “As EDC celebrates 20 years in business in 2023, this expansion into Galway is another exciting step forward for the company and sets the foundation for future growth across Ireland
Richard O’Farrell, Managing Director, EDC, and Gerard Kirwan, Associate Director, EDC. and beyond. The expansion is a testament to the incredible work our whole team delivers, and this is driving us forward to realise new opportunities.” O’Farrell continued, “The move into Galway aligns with the EDC’s growth strategy, which in recent years has also included the opening of a Limerick office to service the mid-west, the expansion of the leadership team with the appointment of associate directors across all offices; the
opening and expansion of our Istanbul office; and significant growth in staffing.” Gerard Kirwan said, “I am proud to head up EDC’s fourth Irish office, which marks an exciting chapter in the story of EDC and demonstrates the extent of the company’s growth in recent times. The decision to open an office in Galway strengthens our delivery capabilities and increases our ability to service our current and future clients and sectors.”
RSK acquires mineral and ground investigation specialist Irish Drilling
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SK, a global leader in the delivery of sustainable solutions, has announced the acquisition of Irish Drilling Limited, a leading mineral exploration and ground investigation contractor. Irish Drilling has its head office in Loughrea, County Galway. It has carried out major geotechnical investigations and mineral exploration drilling contracts in Ireland, the UK, the Isle of Man and France. Its clients include Irish Water, SSE Renewables, Bord na Móna/Powergen, Anglesey Mining plc and various public sector organisations. Recent projects have included geotechnical investigation for the Eastern and Midlands Region Water Supply Project (Irish Water); Wind farm projects on behalf of Bord na Móna; Gort Lowlands Flood Relief Scheme (Galway County Council/Transport Infrastructure Ireland); and Ten-T Priority Route (Donegal County Council/Transport Infrastructure Ireland). In addition, the company has recently completed a mineral exploration drilling programme for Parys Mountain (Anglesey Mining plc). Irish Drilling has a team of 40, including engineers, geologists, mechanics, laboratory technicians and drillers. RSK chief executive officer Alan Ryder said, “We are delighted to welcome Irish Drilling, an internationally recognised mineral exploration, drilling and geotechnical investigation contractor, to the group. Irish Drilling has been an expert in its field for more than 50 years, and its team will help RSK, the largest provider of geotechnical
Alan Ryder, Chief Executive Officer, RSK. investigation in the UK, to expand its drilling capability into Ireland in support of existing and new clients.” Irish Drilling managing director Ronan Killeen, who will continue to lead the business, said, “We are delighted to be joining the RSK Group and believe that the expertise and resources that the RSK Group can provide will help us to expand and grow the business throughout the island of Ireland.” As RSK continues to deliver its ambitious growth strategy, it now comprises more than 175 companies, employing 10,000 people. The group’s annual turnover at the end of the financial year 2021/2022 is expected to be in excess of £800m, more than double that of the previous year. The acquisition adviser was DHKN, Galway.
irish construction news 51 February/March 2023
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Sensori FM achieves ISO 50001 certification
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ensori FM has achieved a significant certification milestone to the International Energy Management System Standard ISO 50001, which is designed to implement, establish, and maintain a continuous energy reduction standard. It is now operating under quadruple certification to internationally recognised standards, including quality management (ISO 9001:2015), environmental management (ISO 14001:2015), occupational health and safety management (ISO 45001:2018), and energy management (ISO 50001:2018). Commenting on ISO 50001 certification, Sensori FM’s quality and compliance manager Declan O’Connor, said, “Energy reduction and efficiencies are a key part of our sustainability programme. The pursuit of ISO 50001 was the next logical step on our sustainability journey and complemented the company’s wellestablished integrated management system and business model. Being socially responsible is a core value of Sensori FM and something we strive to keep at the heart of everything we do as a company. The process of attaining ISO 50001 has given us greater insight into how we, as a company, can improve our energy management. Sensori FM is now well placed to demonstrate to customers and stakeholders
Sensori FM team. alike its credentials in energy management and sustainability.” Mark Cullen, Managing Director, Sensori FM, added, “We are very pleased to have achieved the ISO 50001 standard, which is a great addition to our company standards portfolio. This is a further testament to our company’s commitment and that of our staff to embracing a sustainable model of operating and managing our energy footprint responsibly. We will continue to use this additional tool to reduce our environmental impact and our energy
costs.” The main objective of the ISO 50001 standard is to continually improve an organisation’s energy performance, which includes energy consumption, use, and efficiency. The standard employs a defined approach that helps organisations establish systems and processes to identify untapped energy efficiencies and make a significant contribution to environmental performance, climate protection, and reduction of CO2 emissions.
Hellberg Safety ear and face protection – Part of the Snickers Workwear family
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ultafors Group is a global company that offers a portfolio of premium brands that include the Hellberg – part of the - Snickers Workwear family – and Xstream brands. Founded in Sweden in the early 1960s, Hellberg is working hard to perfect personal protection for everyone operating in excessive noise or other hazardous environments. Every product Hellberg develops combines state-of-the-art technology, impeccable user experience and unquestionable quality. Together these aspects instil confidence and trust in our users. David Macken, Managing Director, Hultafors Group Ireland, says that the Hellberg brand is a good fit for its Snickers range. “This is a great brand and fits well with our Snickers Workwear and safety footwear brands - Solid Gear and Toe Guard,” David Macken comments. Hellberg Safety only uses high-quality materials tested in its own laboratories for optimal performance. All products are independently tested in “real-life” situations
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to ensure a product that is comfortable and dependable in any situation or environment. Products categories in the range include: • Passive Protection • Electronic hearing protection • Face Protection • Eye Protection Extending its electronic Xstream range, Hellberg has now introduced the Xstream MP to its portfolio of products. This provides hearing protection with multi-point Bluetooth® technology for phone calls and music streaming. Xstream MP lets users pair two phones at the same time – for example, a work phone and a personal phone. The sound quality has been enhanced even more in comparison to the models Xstream and Xstream LD; the battery life is extended to 80 hours with a power-save function. A noise-cancelling boom microphone is now included and allows clear communication even in extreme noise environments. Xstream MP is waterproof to IPX4 and has voice assistant support, and is available in helmet mount.
To learn more, visit www.hultaforsgroup.com or scan the QR code
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