Irish Construction News March April 2024

Advancing circularity and sustainability in the construction environment

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INTERVIEW

Rockwell Engineering’s growth plan set to deliver more expansive service offerings to FDI clients – Garret Murphy, Managing Director, Rockwell Engineering 24 Approved housing bodies can play a crucial part in meeting the government’s 2030 retrofit target – Susan Vickers, Head of Environmental Sustainability, Clúid Housing

pension strategy? – Susan O’Mara, Business Development Manager, CPAS

SECTOR FOCUS

PUBLISHER

Foundation Media Ltd

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Tel: +353 (0)1 677 3157

EDITOR

Robbie Cousins robbie@foundationmedia.ie

DESIGN

Joanne Birmingham

CONTRIBUTORS

Giovanni Impoco, Susan O’Mara, Brian Cox, Tom Hamilton

PRINTER

WG Baird Ltd

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Joe Connolly joe@foundationmedai.ie

Tel: +353 (0)86 396 6158

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Cover Image – Greenhill Road residential development, Wicklow – ClearyDoyle.

Photographer: Michael Conlon Photography, www.michaelconlonphotography.com

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From the editor

While the government’s Housing for All plan may be hitting some targets, the rate at which the country’s population is growing suggests output figures need to be increased further. With numbers employed in the construction sector falling slightly rather than growing in Q4 2023, the industry will also be under increased pressure.

The latest Central Statistics Office (CSO) Labour Force Survey Q4 2023 shows a fall in the number of people employed in construction from October to December 2023, with a decrease of 4,100 people or -2.5% to 149,900 from the 156,200 employed at the end of September 2023. Separately, the government has been told that estimates of reaching a population of 5.7 million by 2040 may now happen 10 years earlier, with the ESRI predicting over 300,000 more people than anticipated in the state by 2030.

Despite delivering more than 30,000 new homes in 2023, the government has fallen short of its social and affordable housing delivery targets by almost 2,700 homes. These comprised 8,110 new builds, 1,830 acquisitions, and 1,999 through leasing programmes.

As new Taoiseach Simon Harris entered office with a pledge to build 250,000 homes in the five years between 2025 and 2030, he conceded it would take time to ramp up capacity to achieve this target. In addition to this, the population is growing quicker than anticipated, and social housing delivery figures are falling short of what was set out. There is no doubt the government will need new solutions to keep Housing for All on track.

In this issue of Irish Construction News, Garret Murphy, the new managing director at Rockwell Engineering, sets out his ambitious plans to double the size of the

Cork-headquartered company before 2030. Susan Vickers, Head of Environmental Sustainability, Clúid Housing, points out why the government needs to review the current financial support programmes for retrofitting homes to meet its goal of retrofitting 500,00 homes by 2030.

Martin Searson, Head of Modern Methods of Construction, NSAI, discusses crucial issues companies submitting offsite systems for Agrément certification should be aware of before they submit applications.

Elsewhere, we preview the National Construction Summit 2024, and we talk to Host in Ireland chief Garry Connolly about how Irish firms are driving global data centre development.

We visit ClearyDoyle’s and Wicklow County Council’s Greenhill Road housing development, the county’s first Affordable Housing scheme, where the contractor took an innovative approach to keep its construction programme on track.

Giovanni Impoco, IGBC’s Circularity Lead, writes about how Ireland’s construction sector can switch to have a more sustainable circular economy.

Elsewhere, we have all the latest construction and engineering 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

BUILDING

CPAS is the construction industry specific pension provider. Whether you are an employer seeking to provide benefits for your employees or planning your own retirement, CPAS has the right solution for you.

CPAS and its industry wide pension schemes have been supporting the construction sector by providing pension, life assurance and illness benefits for nearly 60 years.

Our dedicated team are here to support you, whether you are starting your business, growing your business or planning for your future.

For more information please get in touch today. info@cpas.ie or T 01 2234949.

www.cpas.ie Scan me!

National Construction Summit –18 April 2024 - Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin

The 2024 National Construction Summit takes place on Thursday, 18 April, at the Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown. The comprehensive programme includes seminars, free workshops, and an extensive exhibition area showcasing the latest products and services.

Key conference themes at the 2024 National Construction Summit include Jobs, Skills, Training and Education; Infrastructural Investment; Public and Private Housing; Finance; Building Materials and Services Innovation; Foreign Direct Investment (FDI); Project Ireland 2040, the Housing For All Plan; Smart Design for Offsite Construction; Construction 4.0; Green Technology; and Sustainability.

IRISH CONSTRUCTION GROWTH

Construction output in Ireland is forecast to grow 4.4% in 2024, according to Euroconstruct, an independent construction market forecasting network active in 19 European countries. This is in contrast to output declines in construction across Europe.

Euroconstruct expects the level of new housing completions in Ireland to meet or exceed national targets, with completions estimated at 33,450 in 2024. The civil engineering sector in Ireland is forecast to grow by 5.3% in 2024, while the nonresidential sector will grow by 2.6% this year.

HOUSING SUPPLY

Housing for All, the government’s housing policy to 2030, is designed to improve Ireland’s housing system and deliver more homes of all types for people with different housing needs. It has a built-in annual review mechanism to respond to progress made in implementing the plan, to challenges in implementation and changes in the external environment.

Although housing supply has been increasing, the increase in house prices and rents indicates that demand for housing is still growing faster than supply.

MEET THE SPEAKERS

The National Construction Summit will host over 100 speakers across seven stages. There will panels on topics ranging from “Building a Resilient Workforce: Attracting and Retaining Skilled Construction Talent,” “Voices of the Irelands MMC Sector: Priorities and Perspectives for a Sustainable Future,” “How PPPs can help meet Ireland’s infrastructure challenges,” and “Is Ireland Destined to Become a Secondary Data Hosting Location?” Talks are diverse, and there is something for everyone in the wider

construction sector.

Agendas are now live to view here https:// www.nationalconstructionsummit.ie/ agenda/

To meet the speakers and learn more about their topics, go to www. nationalconstructionsummit.ie/speakers

CHALLENGES

The construction sector is a vital component of the Irish economy providing the necessary infrastructure required to sustain Ireland’s economic growth and competitiveness and to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). According to a recent EY Economic Advisory report, the value of Irish construction output is projected to reach €35.2Bn in 2024.

Although the Irish construction industry is undergoing a steady recovery following subdued activity in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it faces significant challenges, such as rising materials costs, skills shortages and difficulties in planning and public sector procurement.

INNOVATION

In order to design and construct the sustainable buildings and infrastructure required by a growing population and to help businesses adapt to the challenges of the unfolding fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0), the construction industry throughout Ireland needs to rapidly adopt innovative technologies and techniques. However, there is concern that the industry is not evolving fast enough to meet these changing needs.

CO-LOCATED EVENTS

The 2024 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:

• Project Controls Event

• The Architecture, Design and Planning Expo;

• BIM & Digital Construction Show;

• The Data Centre and Critical Infrastructure Expo;

• Fit-out & Interior Live;

• Health & Safety;

• Lean Construction Show;

• Modern Methods of Construction;

• Modular & Offsite Construction Show;

• The Engineering Summit;

• The National Facility Management and Maintenance Show;

• Passive Construction & NZEB;

• Smart & Green Building Expo.

Registration for free attendance at the 2024 National Construction Summit is now open at https://www.nationalconstructionsummit. ie/register/

THE ORGANISER

The 2024 National Construction Summit organiser, Dublin-based Premier Publishing & Events, has been staging similar exhibitions and conferences in the UK and Ireland for many years. Forthcoming events include:

• National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference Exhibition – 28-29 May –RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin

• Sustainability Summit – 28 – 29 May –RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin

• Power & Energy Conference Exhibition – 13 June – Tower Hotel, Waterford.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

T. Bourke is one of Ireland’s leading mechanical and electrical contractors, providing high quality installations to national institutions, and international and local clients, across all industry sectors from residential and commercial, to process and pharma. The Group is also a leader in the supply, installation and maintenance of medical and process gases for Ireland’s hospitals, pharma, food and process industries, through its subsidiary Hospital Technical Systems Limited (HTS). Established over fifty years ago, the Company’s mission is to continue to deliver excellence in its services to clients while upholding the highest standards of quality, integrity and professionalism. T. Bourke is committed to building lasting relationships with clients, employees, subcontractors and suppliers based on mutual trust, respect and collaboration.

We are seeking to appoint a Chief Executive Officer. Working closely with the senior management teams, the successful candidate will be responsible for the strategic development and implementation of the Company’s growth strategy and strengthening the Company’s position as one of Ireland’s leading contractors. The candidate will play a pivotal role in ensuring T. Bourke’s overall success and sustainability for the future.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be a dynamic leader.

• Have a deep understanding and appreciation of the construction sector.

• Have experience of working in or with the engineering sector. Have evidence of Project Management and key decision-making skills.

• Foster a positive and productive work culture where employees are valued.

• Have a track record of operating to the highest standards.

• Have strong commercial and financial acumen, including investment appraisal skills.

• Have an ability to develop and implement long term business strategies that align with T. Bourke’s goals and market trends.

Have the ability to adapt to a continually changing business environment and direct change initiatives to ensure that the organisation remains successful.

Possess strong communications skills including the ability to inform, influence and negotiate.

• Be adaptable and able to work to deadlines.

This is an exciting leadership opportunity for an individual to steer the Group to a successful future.

To make an application for this role, please send a comprehensive curriculum vitae and a personal statement outlining how your experience and leadership approach represents a fit for the role to ie_recruitment_TBourke_CEO@pwc.com

For further information, please contact PwC Executive Search:

PAULINE McALESTER

Email: pauline.mcalester@pwc.com

ELLEN ROCHE

Email: ellen.roche@pwc.com

Tel: +353 87 913 8474

Tel: +353 87 637 0812

The closing date for applications is Monday, 29th April 2024.

European parliament approves new Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

The European parliament has voted to adopt amendments to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which will bring in new rules to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from buildings to significantly cut emissions by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

The key measures in the newly amended EPBD include:

• All new buildings to have zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, with public buildings meeting this target by 2028.

• EU member states must reduce average primary energy consumption in housing by at least 16% by 2030 and 20-22% by 2035.

• Requirements for renovating inefficient buildings, aiming for 16% renovation by 2030 and 26% by 2033.

• Mandate for solar energy collection technologies in new homes by 2030.

• Phasing out of fossil fuel boilers by 2040, with subsidies ending in 2025.

• There will be exemptions for certain buildings, including agricultural and heritage structures.

The Directive emphasises benefits for society’s least prosperous, reducing energy bills and addressing energy poverty while creating job opportunities. It passed the EU parliament with strong support and now awaits formal approval from the Council of Ministers.

EU STATES MUST REGULATE THE EMBODIED CARBON OF BUILDINGS

For the first time, the Directive will require member states to regulate the embodied carbon of buildings. Embodied carbon is the carbon associated with building construction, maintenance, and demolition, including the extraction, processing and transporting of building materials. To date, building regulations in Ireland have only covered operational carbon - that is, the emissions associated with heating, cooling and lighting our buildings.

Welcoming the EU parliament’s approval, Ciaran Cuffe, Green Party MEP for Dublin and lead negotiator of the Directive, commented: “This law is going to help people to save money on their energy bills and take people out of energy poverty while reducing emissions from our buildings and cutting demand for fossil fuel imports. This is the ‘Just Transition’ in action: we have set a pathway to achieve a climate-neutral building stock, and we have paved that pathway with measures to ensure that the people who can least afford to renovate are protected and prioritised along the way. That has been my priority as lead negotiator from the very beginning of this process, and I am proud that we have achieved that goal.”

Seán Kelly, Fine Gael MEP for Ireland South, another lead negotiator, welcomed the outcome, saying: “The proposal on the table now is a balanced and practical agreement that gives member states a very high degree of flexibility to take into account local circumstances and different starting points.”

FULL DECARBONISATION IN EU BUILDINGS BY 2050

The EPBD aims to fully decarbonise EU buildings by the middle of this century, addressing the pressing issue of carbon dioxide accounting for 36% of the bloc’s emissions.

Sean Kelly highlighted the economic benefits of the legislation: “For Europe, increasing energy efficiency will be an extremely important component of economic resilience. The energy crisis has clearly shown us the dangers of leaving our citizens, businesses,

Irish MEPs and Industry, Research & Energy Committee rapporteurs Sean Kelly and Ciaran Cuffe with Bulgarian MEP Tsvetelina Penkova following the EU parliament adoption of measures to improve the energy efficiency of buildings across the EU.

and industries exposed to volatile global fossil-fuel markets and the crippling price spikes they bring. Ending our dependence on external sources for our energy supply is good for the climate, good for Europe’s energy security, and critically, good for our economy and EU competitiveness.”

The Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) has welcomed the passing of the amended EPBD, with IGBC CEO Pat Barry commenting: “The new EPBD represents a step change in Europe’s ambitions to decarbonise its building stock. For the first time, we will have to measure and limit the embodied carbon in the construction of our buildings. Ireland’s built environment is responsible for 37% of national carbon emissions, of which 23% is operational carbon and 14% is embodied carbon. But until now, embodied carbon has been the elephant in the room of our built environment emissions, left unregulated.”

WHOLE LIFE CYCLE CARBON EMISSIONS DISCLOSURE FOR NEW BUILDINGS BY 2030

Under the new rules, member states must calculate and disclose whole life cycle carbon emissions, that is, embodied plus operational carbon - for all new buildings from 2030. They will also have to set whole-life carbon targets for buildings from the same date and progressively lower these over time.

The new EPBD stipulates that from 2030, all new buildings must be zero emission buildings (ZEBs), which must not produce any emissions on site and must be run on a very small amount of energy, such as renewables or district heating where feasible.

Suir Engineering reports record-breaking financial performance as it marks 40 years in business

Suir Engineering has released details of its financial performance for 2023, reporting a turnover of €429m, representing 41% year-over-year growth.

John Kelly, CEO, Suir Engineering, has confirmed that the company improved its liquidity base over the past 12 months and operated profitably, achieving an earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of 5%. The latest financial results affirm Suir Engineering’s position as one of the largest providers in its sector.

The business marks 40 years in business this year with an international footprint that extends beyond Ireland to Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and, more recently, the UK and Finland.

Ireland remains a crucial market for Suir Engineering, and over four decades, the business has developed longstanding relationships with a significant client base across multiple sectors.

John Kelly comments that in addition to its work in its chosen sectors of pharmaceutical, life sciences and data

centres, Suir Engineering has grown its project portfolio in energy power and

renewables (EP&R). “Our EP&R business has operated for over 20 years. It has quadrupled in size in the last six to a division now generating €120m per year, carrying out ground-breaking and first-of-a-kind electrical power projects across the UK and Ireland.”

He explains: “We are marking our 40th anniversary in 2024, and, already, it’s shaping up to be our strongest ever given the €500m order intake last year. This is a testament to our highly skilled workforce and a demonstration of the confidence our clients have in our work and our people. Having closed the 2023 management accounts, we’re really pleased to be able to lay such strong foundations for 2024 and are optimistic that we will achieve another record-breaking performance with new opportunities on the horizon.”

Kelly confirmed that Suir Engineering will further expand its employee base, increasing it from over 1,500 to more than 1,700 in 2024, aligning with and supporting the company’s growth strategy for 2024 and the years ahead.

Gas Networks Ireland announces significant infrastructure project with Bord na Móna

Cas Networks Ireland has announced a landmark gas infrastructure development to connect Bord na Móna’s Edenderry Renewable Energy Complex to the national gas network. The grid connection will enable the integration of both natural gas and renewable gas, including biomethane and green hydrogen, into the fuel mix at the Co Offaly renewable energy complex.

On completion, the transmission

connection project will immediately facilitate a reduction of approximately 40% in CO2 emissions at the Co Offaly energy complex, which supports the national energy grid in times of high demand - providing 116MW of electricity to help balance the intermittency of supply from other energy sources in the country.

This investment will see the construction of a steel transmission pipeline, approximately 22 km in length, which will

connect Bord na Móna’s renewable energy complex in Edenderry to Ireland’s €2.8bn gas network. Initially, the project will facilitate the transmission of natural gas, with a shift to renewable gases over time.

The Transmission Connection project is in the preliminary planning and development phase, with construction expected to start in 2027 and the pipeline anticipated to be fully operational in 2029.

Gas Networks Ireland intends to engage local communities and host public information evenings to share more details about the project and its benefits.

Emphasising the significance of the partnership, Gas Networks Ireland’s newly appointed director of assets & infrastructure, Brian Sheehan, said: “The gas network plays a critical role in Ireland’s energy landscape, and this connection for Bord na Móna marks a significant step towards a greener future. “The gas network can be adapted to transport zero-carbon gases, such as green hydrogen. It has already transformed once, from carrying town gas to natural gas over 40 years ago, and more recently adapted to biomethane when it was first introduced onto the Irish network in 2019.”

Gas Networks Ireland operates and maintains Ireland’s €2.8bn, 14,725km national gas network.

Edenderry power complex, Co Offaly.

John Kelly, CEO, Suir Engineering.

Digital hub for sustainable building upskilling

The Digital Academy for the Sustainable Built Environment, (www.dasbe.ie), is providing blended education in critical areas needed to upskill the construction and retrofit sectors.

Digital Academy for the Sustainable Built Environment (DASBE), championing sustainable practices in the built environment, is a collaborative hub between two technological universities, the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest (TUS), and two industry partners, the Irish Green Building Council and the Tipperary Energy Agency.

Funding is provided by the government’s Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 3, covering 33% to 50% of course costs ranging from Certificates and Diplomas, through to Higher Diplomas and Master’s

Degrees. An additional funding stream of 80% funding is available for over 52 microcredential courses specifically aimed at the construction industry through the HCI Pillar 3 under the DASBE banner. Lis O’Brien, Manager, DASBE, says that the Academy demonstrates how collaboration with industry and other education organisations can support new skills in the sector and that the 70-plus courses available through DASBE have been curated or developed and delivered to meet the changing needs of an industry that is in a fast ever-changing transition.

She comments: “The construction industry has faced issues due to lack

of formal training and skills amongst workers and more recently upskilling of professionals and tradespeople. DASBE subsidised courses and micro-credentials are aimed at people working in the Irish construction sector at all levels, whether construction professionals and tradespeople looking to expand their BIM or sustainable design and construction qualifications or general operatives entering formal third-level education for the first time.

“Courses are available for architects, engineers, building surveyors, construction managers, craft workers, architectural technologists, tradespeople and general operatives. We have seen a particularly high uptake of our housing retrofit programmes amongst tradespeople and general operatives.”

The Higher Diploma In Retrofitting is an 18-month programme with three embedded certificates. These certificates

cover fabric, services, smart builds, ventilation, circularity and management.

DASBE programmes run from Level 6 to Level 9 on the NFQ. This means that workers who entered the construction industry after completing their leaving certificate or equivalent and have built up their skill set over the years can add accredited qualifications to their resumes. They could also take this opportunity to start the journey to upskill from certificates (Level 6) through to Masters Degrees (Level 9), all at their own pace. Short courses with micro-credentials can also serve as a stepping stone for school leavers unsure about their career path. A short eight- to 12-week course allows individuals to explore different fields before committing to a longer apprenticeship or entering the construction industry with a basis of digital or retrofit skills.

The broad range of courses available through DASBE as online/blended deliveries include:

• Certificate in BIM for Facilities Managers

• Building Information Modelling Collaboration

• Certificate in 3D Content & Assets for Virtual Reality

• Certificate in Assessing Traditional Buildings

• Certificate in Circular Economy

Leadership for the Built Environment

• Certificate in Decarbonising the Built Environment

• Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Environmental Infrastructure

• Certificate in Residential Retrofit Site Coordination

• Certificate in Green Procurement in Construction; and

• Certificate in Drones for Construction.

TRANSFORMING CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CONFERENCE 2024

On Thursday, 09 May, DASBE will host the ‘Transforming Construction Skills Conference’, which will take place at the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise. The conference brings together leading educators, industry representatives and experts to showcase collaborative efforts to respond to the multiple challenges of decarbonising buildings, expanding the circular economy and adapting digital technologies.

The conference is for those interested in finding solutions to the skills challenges within the built environment. It will also enable delegates to meet with industry experts and stakeholders to explore the solutions developed by the DASBE team and their partners and discuss new and emerging opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

DASBE DIGITAL PLATFORM FOR CONSTRUCTION COURSES

Lis O’Brien says that DASBE will launch its ‘Digital Platform for Construction Training’ courses at the conference.

She explains: “The DASBE Platform is an online resource where after creating an account, users can save and access their certificates at any time they are needed, now and in the future. The new platform will also support learners with a training plan and suggest other courses that can be taken based on learners’ progress.” The aim is for the DASBE Digital Platform to serve as a one-stop shop for all construction courses in Ireland. It will also provide links to relevant websites like CIF and Construction Professionals Skillnet.

DASBE DIGITAL PLATFORM FOR CONSTRUCTION COURSES

DASBE is funded by the Higher Education Authority’s HCI Pillar 3, a government programme designed to meet priority skills needs by increasing collaboration between higher education and enterprise with a focus on innovations in teaching and learning.

To learn more about DASBE programmes or to book your place at the Transforming Construction Skills Conference 2024, visit www.dasbe.ie or scan the QR code

DASBE, TUS and HCI representatives pictured at the HCI Collaboration Nation Conference in June 2023.

Work to begin on €4.8m Galway social housing schemes in Ardrahan and Ballinasloe

Galway County Council has signed contracts for the construction of two new housing developments in Ardrahan and Ballinasloe.

The local authority, in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, has appointed a multi-disciplinary design team, led by OBFA Architects, to assist with delivering the housing projects.

The 10-unit housing development at Caisléan Raithin, Ardrahan, is being constructed by Jada Construction and consists of three single-storey two-bed dwellings, one two-storey three-bed dwelling and six two-storey two-bed dwellings.

Pat Loftus Construction Ltd will construct an eight-unit housing development comprising two single-storey two-bed houses and six two-storey two-bed houses at St Joseph’s Place in Ballinasloe.

Funded under the government’s ‘Housing for All’ plan, the 18 homes will be constructed at a cost of €4.8m.

Cllr Liam Carroll, Cathaoirleach, Galway County Council, commented: “The design, accessibility and usability of previous local authority-led developments in County

Galway have been of the highest standard, and I am sure these schemes will be welcomed by applicants on Galway County Council’s waiting list for social housing. I wish to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the council’s housing staff in progressing both projects.”

Cllr Carroll also welcomed the sustainable use of land and existing infrastructure to provide infill housing at two existing housing estates.”

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive, Galway County Council, said: “The provision of much-needed homes for people in rural towns and villages across County Galway is a core priority of Galway County Council. With the support of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, under ‘Housing for All’, we are committed to addressing the county’s housing need by delivering homes that enable families and individuals to become valuable members of the community where they will help sustain local schools, shops, clubs and services.”

Michael Owens, Director of Services, Housing and Ukrainian Response, stated: “The developments at Ardrahan and Ballinasloe are a further example of the

commitment to building communities and not just high-quality homes. I hope the future residents of these housing schemes will enjoy an exceptional quality of life within their new communities.”

1,323 homes and a nature park in Donabate given construction green light

Aplanning application for a housing development of 1,323 residential units, a 32-acre nature park, crèches and links to the Broadmeadow Greenway has been given the green light to commence construction. The decision follows a settlement agreement reached by a property company, Aledo Donabate Ltd and the area’s residents.

Following a public meeting hosted by Donabate Portrane Community Council (DPCC), the 344 residents who attended the meeting voted overwhelmingly in favour

of the housing project going ahead in the coming months.

The project can now commence following a binding agreement and a judicial review being struck out following agreement by the two parties. The first phase will consist of circa 600 new homes, two creches, local shops and a site for a new 24-classroom primary school.

The project’s centrepiece is a 13-hectare nature park. The park will provide a natural amenity for local residents and be a winter feeding ground for birds.

In partnership with Fingal County Council, the area will be maintained as a world-class natural habitat to stimulate education and encourage recreation without disturbing the natural habitat.

A cycle and pedestrian link to the approved Broadmeadow Greenway will be developed, as will a cycle and pedestrian link, which will connect the proposed development to Donabate train station and Newbridge Demesne via a new footbridge crossing over the Dublin/Belfast railway line.

The site at Corballis, Donabate, is being developed by Aledo Donabate Ltd, part of the Cannon Kirk Group, in conjunction with Lioncor. Part of the site has already been granted permission to build 54 units and some retail to the rear of Smyths Bridge Public House. As part of the agreement, Aledo Donabate Ltd has committed to provide community support of €10,000 per annum for the next 10 years, with the community also benefiting from a dedicated community building in the first phase.

Donabate is defined as a strategic development area under the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy.

CGI render of the proposed Donabate development.

CGI render of Caisléan Raithin, Ardrahan.

CGI render of St Joseph’s Place in Ballinasloe.

Kirby announces senior appointments as growth continues

Kirby Group Engineering has announced its latest appointees to senior positions within the company. Seven people are being appointed to director

and associate director roles amid a period of continuing growth at the firm, marking its 60th anniversary this year.

Kirby has its headquarters in Limerick

and has established bases across Ireland, the UK, mainland Europe and South Africa. The family-founded firm reported a turnover of €636m for 2023 and directly employs over 1,500 people.

Four people are appointed to the role of director. These are Pearse Dolan, Operations Director; Taidgh Dooley, Operations Director; Giedre Visockaite, QEHS & Sustainability Director; and Martin Kelly, Commercial Director Operations.

The associate director appointments are Mark Gannon, Associate Director –Performance; and Stephen Kavanagh, Associate Director - Power and Renewables.

Mark Flanagan, CEO, Kirby Group Engineering, congratulated all the appointees, commenting: ”These announcements come at an important juncture for our company. Not only are we marking 60 years in operation this year, but the business has been experiencing significant growth. The combination of our core values - people, safety, quality, delivery and value - and the trust placed in us by our valued clients are the building blocks of our success to date. As a result, it’s vital we have the right people in place to continue to guide us forward. I have every confidence this group will play a key role in this journey and look forward to working with them into the future.”

Unilin Insulation appoints Aidan Doyle as general manager for the UK and Ireland

Unilin Insulation has announced the appointment of Aidan Doyle as general manager for its UK and Irish operations. Working alongside the management team across the UK and Ireland, Doyle says his focus will be on continuing the growth trajectory for the company that is part of Unilin Group and was most recently known as Xtratherm. The company rebranded in early 2023 to Unilin Insulation and has four manufacturing plants in the UK and Ireland, with other plants in Belgium, France and The Netherlands.

Aidan Doyle’s background is in general management, having worked across several business sectors, including construction, distribution and agriculture, nationally and internationally. He was previously the managing director of SIG in Ireland.

Commenting on the appointment, Jeroen De Temmerman, President, Insulation, Unilin Group, said: “Aidan brings a wealth of experience and a new perspective to the business. We are delighted that he has joined a company poised for development and growth while we are working to identify further opportunities within the construction space. He will lead and foster the talent that makes Unilin Insulation a preferred partner for countless businesses.”

Aidan Doyle commented: “I’m thrilled to join the Unilin Insulation business. I have been hugely impressed with those I have met. The history and heritage of the business are evident in the entrepreneurial spirit I’ve seen since I arrived. I plan to build on that spirit and culture, investing in a solid pathway for product development, driving sales and great customer service with sustainability at the top of our minds as we partner with our key customers.”

Pictured L-r): Pearse Dolan, Operations Director; Giedre Visockaite, QEHS & Sustainability Director; Mark Gannon, Associate Director, Performance; Mark Flanagan, CEO; Stephen Kavanagh, Associate Director, Power and Renewables; Taidgh Dooley, Operations Director; and Martin Kelly, Commercial Director - Operations.

Aidan Doyle, General Manager, UK and Irish Operations, Unilin Insulation.

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Grant integrated heating packages chosen to heat 61 homes in Rathdrum, Co Wicklow

The developer of a recent housing development in Rathdrum, Co Wicklow, has installed the 6kW Grant Aerona³ R32 air source heat pump as the main heat source of a customised Grant integrated heating package across all of its 61 homes.

In order to ensure long-term heating efficiency, the in-house technical team at Grant collaborated with Woodfort Group and Total Energy Plumbing & Heating Ltd to size and specified a bespoke heating solution for each home. All heating technologies were provided by SKC Providers, based in Rathnew, Co Wicklow.

For a cleaner, more environmentally friendly home heating solution, a 6kW Grant Aerona³ R32 air-to-water, air-source heat pump was installed in the properties as the main heat source, which can achieve high SCOPs and is sustainable at low temperatures. The Grant Aerona³ range has an ErP of A+++ and is amongst the most efficient air-to-water heat pumps in Ireland, and is easy to install with its compact size. Furthermore, the Grant Aerona³ R32 air-source heat pump range helps to achieve required compliance in line with Part L of the building regulations and, when partnered with a renewable electricity supplier, will generate extremely low carbon heat for homeowners.

The installation in Co Wicklow also included a 210-litre Grant pre-plumbed hot water cylinder as part of a Grant Integrated Unit to supply the properties with 24/7 hot water. Grant’s Integrated Unit has been designed to heat water faster and more efficiently than standard cylinders and is known for its ease of installation and

operation.

Grant’s in-house technical team works with building developers, self-builders, specifiers and engineers daily to design one-of-a-kind integrated heating systems for one-off new builds to multi-home developments. After carrying out in-depth heat loss calculations for each room of the property, the Grant team will design, size and specify individual heating systems free of charge to ensure each property’s heating system performs to its optimum efficiency, providing comfort and long-term cost savings for the homeowner.

Avail of Grant’s heating design service by sending house plans, contact information and preferred choice of heat emitters –underfloor heating, radiators or both, to heatpump@grant.ie

GRANT AERONA3 HEAT PUMP

KEY FEATURES:

• Range available in 6kW, 10kW, 13kW & 17kW

• Quiet Mark

• 5-year guarantee

• Built-in weather compensation

• Single Phase

• Built-in circulating pump

Visit www.grant.ie for more information on Grant’s range of innovative heating solutions. Follow Grant on Facebook and Twitter @GrantIRL, Instagram @grant irl or on LinkedIn @GrantEngineeringULC

Think Heating. Think Grant.

Grant Aerona3 R32 10kW air to water air source heat pump.

Housing development in Rathdrum, Co Wicklow.

Rockwell Engineering’s growth plan set to deliver more expansive service offerings to FDI clients

On taking up his post as managing director of Rockwell Engineering, Garret Murphy was tasked with doubling the company’s workforce to 400 employees and increasing annual turnover to €80m plus in the next five years. He speaks with ROBBIE COUSINS about how this is going to be achieved.

Rockwell Engineering was founded in Co Cork in 1981 by the late Harri Kaiser. He developed the business across several fronts but gained a good reputation for HVAC, cleanrooms and utility pipework, maintaining a steady workflow for nearly 20 years.

Martin J Conheady became the managing director on Harri Kaiser’s retirement in the late 90s. Conheady, with then newly appointed director of engineering Jim Devaney, set about developing the business over the next 20-plus years to a point last year when it had a turnover of about €40m.

While the company maintained its reputation for quality HVAC services, it also provided turnkey cleanroom fabrication and construction, as well as ductwork and pipework fabrication services, with a client base that included key pharma, semiconductor and other FDI firms with a presence in Ireland.

In early 2023, Martin Conheady and Jim Devaney signalled their intention to retire, and a succession plan was put in place by company owners, the Limerick-based investment firm Cerus Partners.

A NEW ERA

Rockwell employs over 200 people directly. In addition to its head office, two workshops and manufacturing facilities in Cork, it has facilities supporting projects in Dublin, Longford, and Sligo.

In June of last year, Rockwell announced that Garret Murphy would succeed Martin Conheady as managing director, and he took up the position in September.

Garret Murphy’s resumé includes periods with daa, DPS Engineering and Jacobs Engineering, where, amongst other projects, he worked as a commercial manager on large bio-pharma and semiconductor contracts.

Garret Murphy, Managing Director, Rockwell Engineering.

Once inside the Rockwell Engineering business, Garret Murphy quickly bolstered his senior management team with complementary skills, appointing Sean Little, a former construction manager with PM Group, as Rockwell’s new operations director and Conor Hennessy as director of strategy. Another critical appointment was bringing in HR consultant Joe Torpey as human resources director to ensure an organised transition and to develop the new leadership into a team.

ROCKWELL’S RECORD

Opening our conversation, Garret Murphy discusses his predecessors’ achievements and his plan to build on their legacy over the next six years.

He explains: “I first worked with the team from Rockwell during my time as a commercial manager with Jacobs on the BMS site, where Rockwell had a large HVAC contract. At that time, I had no idea about the extent of the company’s operations.

“When my appointment was confirmed, I began to examine the extent of the operations and the legacy that my predecessors had created over the previous 40 or so years.

“What impressed me most was the corporate culture and ethos that was in place. There is a real collegiality across our operations, and the scope of operations that are in place provides an enormous base for us to build on over the coming years.”

AMBITIOUS PLANS

Garret Murphy and his senior management team have a clear ambition for where they want to bring Rockwell Engineering over the next six years.

“At the moment, the company employs 200 people directly and has a turnover of €40m. I aim to double these figures to 400 people employed and achieve a turnover of €80m, then to increase those figures again, exceeding €100m in turnover by 2030. Having looked at all aspects of the business at this stage, I see these as realistic goals to be aiming for.”

THE ROCKWELL ENGINEERING BRAND

The first step in achieving this is relaunching the Rockwell Engineering brand with a refreshed corporate logo and a new website to inform existing and future clients about how Rockwell can meet many of their M&E and process needs from its in-house resources.

“My predecessors built a very strong business, but the market is not fully aware of all the expert services we provided,” he comments. “For instance, Rockwell might have had an HVAC contract with one client, but that client did not know the full extent of the expertise that the company had built up and some of these services will be of interest.

“Rockwell was providing a single service to multiple clients. Now Rockwell and clients can develop further opportunities to apply economies of scale and integrate operations.

“Our first objective is rectifying this knowledge vacuum, and in addition to a refreshed logo, we are launching a new website and talking to clients and as many media outlets as possible to get the message out there. This will be our key focus in 2024.”

He continues, “We will also launch our ‘Rockwell 2030’ plan soon. Our new director of strategy, Conor Hennessy, is working on this plan with his team. We will first look to offer our existing clients a more integrated and expansive service, as well as bringing on new clients, particularly in the FDI field.”

Murphy is very excited by the prospect of the challenge that lies ahead, but he is in no doubt that none of this will be achievable unless he can bring the Rockwell workforce with him and have them become the driving force of the plan.

“As I have said, Rockwell Engineering has an amazing corporate culture. Over the past few months, I have held town hall meetings with staff nationwide and sought their input on our plans. It is obvious from these meetings that they care deeply about the company’s future, and while they want it to grow, they also want it to grow sustainably. This is also the case for the business owners, Cerus Partners, who told me when I was appointed that they want to see the business thrive and grow, but I must never lose sight of the person-focussed ethos established by my predecessors.”

RECRUITMENT

Discussing the workforce and plans to grow that workforce, Garret Murphy references the work being done by new HR director Joe Torpey and HR manager Lorraine O’Dea. “Our HR director, Joe Torpey, is putting in place a plan that will enable us to bring in new people at ground-floor level and present them with a path to build a lifelong career within the company. To this end, we are engaging with third-level colleges and secondary schools to present the opportunities that exist at Rockwell.”

Of Rockwell’s 200-plus employees, over 60 are in engineering, technical, management, finance and HR roles, while over 160 are in trades roles.

“We are unique in that when we go to site, we have our own directly employed trades and workers. This is a massive benefit to us and our clients, as we can put the right people in the right place when needed.

“We started a programme called ‘Grown from Within’. With this, we are talking to our staff and asking them to get more people in. We need more graduates and

Dependability at scale

Industry leading HVAC and utility pipework delivery on complex projects.

Proven Collaboration

Partnering with customers and project teams to successfully deliver projects on-time.

Seeing & Solving

Expertise sees potential issues; engineering ingenuity solves them.

Designing to Deliver

Detailed, fully challenged, design models for right-firsttime delivery.

Established Specialist

Accomplished teams delivering quality safely.

more trades to develop the business, and we will give them the best opportunities within the business to develop their careers.

“This initiative has been well received. We have a growing number of young engineers who have been presented with clear paths to becoming future project and construction managers, and within the trades, we are offering similar routes to becoming gangers and foremen and also to build on qualifications achieved to date to become engineers, if they so wish.”

DIVERSITY

Discussing diversity, Garret Murphy explains that while the company is firmly committed to improving the gender balance of its staff, the number of young women applying for positions is low. But the calibre of some of the female staff who have joined has been very impressive. He also says that although Rockwell is Irish-based, its mix of staff includes Irish, British, Filipino, Ukrainian, Serbian, Polish, Lithuanian, Latvian and Brazilian personnel across all areas.

He says: “Like other companies, Rockwell is working towards better gender balance. However, it is challenging to find female staff in some fields. In our last apprenticeship drive, of the 156 CVs we received, only three were from female applicants. The key is to get into schools as early as possible, address the preconceptions young girls have about engineering and construction, and show them the reality and opportunities the sector has to offer them.”

He adds: “In our HR, finance and engineering teams, the balance between male and female personnel is very good. In the past while, we were delighted to have a number of very highly skilled female engineers from Ukraine join the team.”

INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT

Rockwell has doubled its trades staff over the past 18 months. This was achieved by local outreach to apprentices and tradespeople and by bringing in a large team of tradespeople from the Philippines.

“We have brought in many people from abroad, including a contingent of 35 tradespeople from the Philippines. These have been an amazing addition to the company. They have fitted in incredibly well from the start, have a fabulous work ethic, and are so positive in everything they do. Overall, I am delighted with how our recruitment drives have been going.”

SUSTAINABILITY

Rockwell is already delivering decarbonisation projects for clients and sees itself as a key Design & Build partner. However, it also has a clear focus on its own footprint and sustainability.

Garret Murphy has taken several steps in his private life to reduce his carbon footprint. He lives in a low-carbon home and has driven an electric car for several years. He believes his effort to reduce his carbon emissions gives him some appreciation of the challenges for the business and the sector.

“I have been able to make changes at a personal level that have reduced my carbon footprint, but reducing the carbon footprint of a company and, by extension, the wider business sector, particularly one so reliant on steel, is a big challenge. However, by taking a systematic approach, we can significantly reduce the business’s carbon emissions.

“To this end, we are taking a threestep approach. Firstly, we will address everything we can touch today. Secondly, we will look at all that we buy in, and

“Rockwell Engineering is ambitious, and we have a highlyskilled, motivated, and diverse staff, and we want to bring many more people on board to be part of the next chapter of this great company’s story.”

– Garret Murphy, Managing Director, Rockwell Engineering

thirdly, we will do what we can to help the sector address its carbon footprint.

“When I joined, I looked at Rockwell’s carbon footprint and asked what we could put in place that would have an immediate impact on reducing our emissions.

“In order to function, Rockwell Engineering requires a lot of power. We are in the process of moving all workshops, site offices and our head office to green energy.

“Next, we will transition our fleet to EVs. This will also require us to have the necessary charging infrastructure in place. Any vehicles in our fleet that can’t be switched to EVs will be, if possible, transitioned to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).

“Next year, we will look at our inputs. We see carbon steel as the biggest challenge. Finding suppliers in Europe that can provide an affordable carbon-neutral solution is challenging. There are a few operating at a small scale at the moment. So, the signs are promising, but it may take time.

“The need for carbon neutrality is being driven from the top of the supply chain, ie, the client. If the client is looking for a

carbon-neutral steel solution and can pay for it, we would be the first to provide this for them. But a giant industry such as steel is a huge ship to try to turn around, and it will take time for solutions at scale to be delivered.”

He adds: “Once we have a better understanding and have made changes in our operations, we will be looking to see what we can do to affect change in the broader industry.”

TECHNOLOGY AND LEAN

Rockwell is currently in the process of moving to a fully cloud-based project and operations management solution. Garret Murphy explains: “We are starting this off on the design and engineering side, but we will quickly move to have all project management, quality and safety functions managed in real-time in the cloud. This will bring huge benefits for our clients.

“We have also been operating at BIM 3D level on the design side of the business for many years. Mark Hall is our BIM managing engineer, and he is overseeing the roll-out of our expanded BIM functionality in the cloud system. All of our engineering and QS teams work in BIM 3D. Rockwell Engineering is an integrated company from a technology point of view, and we look forward to moving to the next level of technology with our operations.”

Murphy says as a manufacturer, Rockwell has lean embedded in its operations.

“We manufacture our own products. If we had a manufacturing plant and our manager sees a skip full of waste leaving the company every day, he knows this is costing money and is sustainably unsound, So it cannot be part of our manufacturing process.

“Everyone in Rockwell is focused on

being lean and ensuring the cost of internal manufacturing is as cheap if not cheaper than buying in from somewhere else. To maintain this, our production process has to be efficient, and waste production kept to an absolute minimum.”

OFF-SITE FABRICATION

Garret Murphy notes that there has been much conversation about offsite fabrication in the industry, but Rockwell has been carrying out offsite fabrication of ducting, pipework and cleanrooms since the 1980s.

“The company has always had its own off-site fabrication facilities, even back in the early 80s. We are an OSM manufacturer by default,” he comments. “While the industry now sees offsite as an important future capability, this has always been part of Rockwell Engineering. We have been manufacturing our own pipework and ductwork and bringing it to site for decades. But we have never really shouted about it. So, nobody knew the extent of our offsite capabilities.

“We are changing that now. We will also be advancing our offsite capabilities to fabricate even bigger modules and skids. And by talking about it to clients and offering them cost-effective solutions, we will ensure that there is a pipeline to support our facilities and staff expansion.”

MARKET CONDITIONS

The global crises and pandemic of the past few years have changed the face of business and how operations are run. There is now no room for error or waste. Everybody in Rockwell is playing their part in making it as efficient and innovative as possible.

Garret Murphy points out that these are all things he and his team can manage, but outside of his business, having a stable

government and Ireland being seen by the international community as a safe and professional country to do business is another essential ingredient.

“I think the Irish government has managed the various global crises of the past few years really well. It is crucial that we maintain our position as a compassionate and stable country, so FDI companies continue to see us as a steady place in which to do business.

“If you talk to the clients, Ireland is seen as a safe place with a relatively compassionate and economically minded government. That’s important, and I hope it remains the case, particularly with so much upheaval happening in the world right now.”

MOVING FORWARD

In closing, Garret Murphy refers back to the plans being put in place for Rockwell Engineering for the coming years.

“As I said earlier, we have a new logo that hasn’t strayed too far from the old one. This reflects our plans for the business. I want to build on what has been achieved over the past 40 years. I want to grow the company without losing our focus on our people. I want FDI and other clients to know that Rockwell Engineering will go with them to meet their changing needs. Rockwell Engineering is ambitious, and we have a highly-skilled, motivated, and diverse staff, and we want to bring many more people on board to be part of the next chapter of this great company’s story.

“I am confident we have the team in place to grow the business from 200 to 400 staff, and €40m to €80m in turnover and then beyond that, and I look forward to playing my part in making this happen,” Garret Murphy concludes.

SMARTPLY OSB: The key to airtight construction for Nearly Zero Energy Buildings

Structural timber has an important role to play in both traditional and modern methods of construction and will be instrumental in helping Ireland achieve its net zero targets. With new homes expected to produce 70% less carbon emissions compared to 2005 levels1, OSB with integrated vapour and air barrier properties emerges as a potential game-changer and a robust sheathing solution for timber frame contractors striving to meet the stringent airtightness requirements of the Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) standard.

With the government’s updated and amended Part F and Part L requirements of the Building Regulations2 serving as an important stepping-stone to the NZEB standard, the design of a building’s envelope has gained significant importance. Ensuring airtight construction will become critical in pursuit of highly thermallyefficient building envelopes.

AIRTIGHT PANELS

The increasing demand for double sheathed timber frames in both structural applications and the development of offsite closed panels, led to innovation for producing airtight OSB/3 panels with airtightness engineered into the panel substrate. Produced from MEDITE SMARTPLY’s sustainably managed forests in Ireland 3 , SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT, a high-performance structural OSB panel, can be used as the airtight layer on the warm side of the insulation in timber frame construction systems.

Each panel features alternating layers of wood strands coated with a high-quality formaldehyde-free resin and wax binder system to deliver outstanding levels of airtightness. A specialist coating is then applied to ensure vapour resistance and provide a premium performance OSB solution for super-insulated and passive buildings, enabling the elimination of a traditional additional vapour control membrane from the construction.

By seamlessly integrating air and vapour barriers into highperformance SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT OSB panels, this streamlines the installation process, minimising the risk of air leakage that often plagues traditional timber frame structures. This cuttingedge solution not only simplifies construction but also ensures a certified, proven approach to contributing towards airtight building envelopes that will pave the way for low-carbon, energy-efficient homes of the future.

Timber frame contractors can now benefit from Irishmanufactured OSB that features integrated vapour control and air barrier properties, enabling them to consistently achieve the stringent airtightness levels needed and create airtight, highperformance building envelopes that surpass the rigorous NZEB standard.

ABOUT MEDITE SMARTPLY

MEDITE SMARTPLY is part of Coillte, an innovative, FSCcertified Irish forestry and forest products manufacturer. Based in Clonmel and Waterford, MEDITE SMARTPLY produces a versatile range of Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) and Oriented Strand Board (OSB) building products.

To find out more, visit MEDITE SMARTPLY at www.mdfosb.com or scan the QR code

1 https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/39fe4-energy-performance-ofbuildings/

2 Building Regulations

Technical Guidance

Document L 2022 Conservation of Fuel and Energy – Dwellings /Building Regulations

Technical Guidance Document F 2019

Ventilation

3 MEDITE SMARTPLY is part of Coillte, an innovative, FSC-certified Irish forestry and forest products manufacturer

Susan Vickers, Head of Environmental Sustainability, Clúid Housing.

Approved housing bodies can play a crucial part in meeting the government’s 2030 retrofit target

Susan Vickers, Head of Environmental Sustainability, Clúid Housing, speaks with Robbie Cousins about building sustainable communities, the AHB’s ambitious retrofitting programme and why there is an urgent need for a public awareness and education campaign on non-fossil-fuel-burning homes.

CCelebrating 30 years in operation this year, Clúid Housing is one of the country’s largest approved housing bodies (AHBs), with nearly 12,000 properties providing homes for over 30,000 people. In 2023, Clúid added 1,085 properties to its stock, and it has circa 1,200 properties in the pipeline for this year.

The agency, headed by CEO Brian O’Gorman, employs over 300 people. It develops most of its housing projects through standard procurement or in-house design & build-type contracts. Over the past 30 years, it has amassed a wealth of experience managing the construction process. Today, it partners with developers and contractors - large and small - to deliver a range of home types, from multiunit apartment developments to large and small housing schemes in urban and rural settings.

Its in-house design team has considerable experience in all aspects of social housing projects. Clúid has developed a design guide to ensure best practice and sustainable design within its residential developments.

In 2018, it commenced an ambitious refurbishment programme to convert its older housing stock to more sustainable low-energy homes.

BUILD GREEN, LIVE GREEN, BE GREEN

Clúid’s sustainability and greening strategy, ‘Building a Sustainable Future Together’, is integral to its operations. The AHB’s vision is ‘A society where everyone has a great place to live’. The sustainability strategy states: “With this vision comes the responsibility of creating sustainable homes and communities, reducing the environmental impact of our organisation and contributing to Ireland’s emission reduction targets. Our greening strategy sets out our commitment to playing a part in this vital climate action work”.

Susan Vickers, who joined the AHB in 2020, is head of environmental sustainability at Clúid Housing and is charged with delivering its sustainability strategy. She says the strategy is ambitious and has three pillars at its core. These are: ‘Build Green’, ‘Live Green’, and ‘Be Green’.

Susan Vickers explains: “Build Green covers all the elements of how we build, how we retrofit, and the infrastructure of

our developments, with biodiversity as an integral part of this pillar. The Live Green pillar is about supporting and empowering our residents to live more sustainably, with biodiversity a vital part of this. This puts sustainability at the core of how the homes are managed.

“Finally, Be Green covers the Clúid organisation and how we can operate more sustainably.”

WORKING WITH OTHERS

With the construction industry in the midst of a massive transformation, Vickers believes that any changes made to processes or construction methods must be informed by sustainability.

She comments: “If, for example, we are discussing advances in digitisation, greater efficiency, MMC or upskilling, impacts on sustainability must be at the core of any decisions being made. We have the opportunity to make a real impact, but several crucial elements still need to be implemented. The most important of these are greater collaboration and knowledge sharing, improved funding models and education on a broader scale, including educating the general public about how airtight, low-energy homes work.

“Bodies such as the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) champion a holistic approach to getting these crucial elements in place. But we are on an extremely tight

schedule to hit our 2030 targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 51% and improving energy efficiency by 50%.”

WORKING WITH DEVELOPERS

Susan Vickers points out that Clúid works with developers and contractors of all sizes across the country, and she understands that everyone, Clúid included, is on a sustainability learning curve. In this context, Clúid wants to do all that it can to support partners and stakeholders to develop their sustainability knowledge and skills.

“We collaborate with developers and contractors across the country. We are a nationwide organisation, building and acquiring properties in cities and towns. We work with contractors and developers, large and small, who can meet our requirements.

“We are conscious that everyone is learning in the sustainability space. We want to work with developers and contractors on methodologies and frameworks to help reduce embodied and operational carbon emissions and bring in ways to incorporate this into our Bill of Quantities and our overall designs.

“Regarding procurement, we are mindful that nobody has definitive answers on sustainability. We are all still getting a better understanding of what’s required, and we want to share what we have learned so we can all move through this stage as

Green Lane, a great example of mixed-tenure living at the heart of Cork city.

quickly as possible.”

BIODIVERSITY

Clúid’s Design & Build guidelines incorporate sustainability and give clear direction for developers and contractors. Clúid also has a landscaping and biodiversity guide, which Vickers says is the first in the building sector.

“Our landscaping and biodiversity guidelines set out how we want external spaces developed in terms of biodiversity enhancement and protection. For example, we have recommendations around specifications for hard boundaries. Where possible, we would like boundary fences that allow movement of wildlife. Our planting guidelines also specify native and

pollinator species.”

THRIVING COMMUNITIES

Clúid’s mission is to create thriving communities. “We build homes, and we build communities,” Susan Vickers notes. “We provide homes that don’t cost the earth to run. Clúid developments must be communities where people can enjoy living and not feel isolated in concrete jungles. We want healthy communities where people can thrive. “Sustainability and biodiversity go hand in hand with this thinking. Placing the resident at the core of everything we design, build and manage is what we aspire to do as a housing body.”

RETROFITTING

Retrofitting of existing housing stock is

a considerable challenge, particularly for AHBs. Clúid Housing has ambitious retrofit targets. Since 2018, it has retrofitted nearly 2,000 properties, addressing the poorerperforming properties first.

“Our average BER across all of our properties is B3, which is quite good. However, we still have about 4,000 poorperforming properties remaining that need to be retrofitted.

“Retrofitting a house is fairly straigtforward but retrofitting multi-unit developments is trickier and much more costly. We get 50% funding from SEAI, with the other half drawn from our limited resources.

“Local authorities get full funding from the government to retrofit their social housing stock. It is our contention that AHBs should be able to cover our costs from a similar type of fund. After all, it’s all social housing. Clúid has excellent management structures in place, and our operations team has the knowledge and experience to get the work done. There really should be no differentiation between local authority and AHB social housing. If the government is serious about retrofitting 500,000 homes by the end of the decade, funding the AHB sector appropriately to deliver effective retrofit programmes would go a considerable way to achieving this.”

WORKING WITH IGBC

Clúid Housing is a member of the IGBC and takes an active role in a number of key committees and working groups. In addition to chairing the IGBC Community of Practice (CoP) on Biodiversity, Susan Vickers is a member of the IGBC’s Healthy Homes Ireland (HHI) steering committee.

HHI, with support from VELUX, is a cross-sector stakeholder body working to identify and address health problems caused by existing low-quality homes.

In August 2023, it published a series of recommendations for improving indoor environmental quality (IEQ). One of these recommendations was a public awareness campaign on the impact of housing on health and how to run an energy-efficient and healthy home.

Susan Vickers believes the government needs to educate the population in general about managing homes that have been retrofitted or built to NZEB or ZEB standards.

She explains: “The work doesn’t stop when the retrofit is completed. People need support and training around how to manage their homes. New technologies have been introduced, and a new mindset is required to operate homes that don’t run on fossil fuels.

“There’s an education piece that has to be put in place. People living in airtight homes need to understand, for example, what

Susan Vickers and a young resident at a planting day in Ballgraigue Court.

A resident-led biodiversity project in Ballygraigue Court, Nenagh, Co Tipperary.

air exchange is, why it needs to happen and how they can manage it. They must also understand the impact of covering ventilation vents or drying clothes on radiators. If airtight homes are not getting the exchange that is needed, then air quality issues arise.”

She adds: “Broadly speaking, working on behaviour change is much more resourceheavy than stakeholders first thought was required. The work of the HHI group has highlighted this. Educational resources are needed from the government, and these costs must be factored into retrofit programmes.”

COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE ON BIODIVERSITY

Susan Vickers also chairs the CoP on Biodiversity, which she says is the first community of its kind.

“The biodiversity CoP has brought together a disparate mix of stakeholders with an interest in biodiversity. These are people who regulate for, design, build and manage residential, public and commercial properties. The focus has been comprehensive. I think it has so far been of huge value to people directly involved and will help the sector enhance biodiversity in assets under our management or ownership.”

BIODIVERSITY SHOWCASE

She adds that IGBC recently received funding from Construct Innovate, Ireland’s construction technology centre, to fund a biodiversity showcase initiative. “We will launch this during Biodiversity Week in May. The showcase will cover aspects

of biodiversity in the built environment nationwide. From Clúid’s perspective, we are looking to highlight biodiversity in new schemes as well as in existing schemes where residents have worked at improving biodiversity.”

Susan Vickers notes that the IGBC has done an incredible job in bringing together key stakeholders from across the built environment sector to look at many aspects of sustainability.

“The great thing about the IGBC is that it has engaged experts and decision-makers from disparate parts of the sector to explore sustainability in its broadest sense. It has also brought together all the strands and is producing integrated and cohesive solutions and plans for industry and the government to work with.”

THE FUTURE

In closing, Susan Vickers mentions a sustainability partnership Clúid Housing has embarked on with a developer partner that she hopes will bring together the sustainability threads she has been discussing. “Working in partnership with a developer, we recently launched a plan to inform our future building frameworks and methodologies. The objective of this partnership is to optimise the development potential of sites economically and environmentally. The continuous learnings from the partnership will be shared with wider stakeholders as appropriate to advance climate action goals in this sector,” she concludes.

Susan Vickers; Minister for Nature, Heritage & Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan; and Marion Jammet, Head of Policy and Advocacy, IGBC at the launch of the IGBC CoP on Biodiversity.

Clúid’s Broome Lodge courtyard in Cabra, Dublin.

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Pipelife are delighted to announce the newest member to the Pipelife Family with the addition of our Qual-Press ML Pro Pipe in sizes ranging from 16mm x 2mm, 20mm x 2mm, 26mm x 3mm and 32mm x 3mm. Available in plain white & red and blue insulated coils in 25M, 50M and 100M & 500M coils. Pipelife are always proud to stand over all the products that we manufacture and that is why we are happy to offer a market leading 50 Year Guarantee on our new Qual-Press ML Pipe.

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Our Qual-Press Pro ML Pipe are ideally suited for underfloor heating systems. They are made of a layer of aluminium sandwiched between two layers of Pert. The metal layer serves as an oxygen barrier, stopping the oxygen diffusion through the polymer matrix, so it cannot dissolve into the water in the tube and corrode the metal components of the system. It also bends better, because the shape memory of the Pert is offset by the aluminium.

Our Qual-Press ML Pro Pipe is a universal pipe that can be used with any suitably approved/certified* Press fitting.

The advantages of Qual-Press ML Pro pipe compared to metallic pipes are the following:

• Frost resistance. In case of frost, multilayer pipes, thanks to their flexibility, will simply expand. This advantage avoids the break risk of metallic pipes.

• Low thermal conductivity. The low thermal conductivity of multilayer pipes produces energy savings as heat losses

are reduced.

• Lightness. Multilayer pipes are lighter than metallic pipes. So, handling and transport are much easier.

• Flexibility. The flexibility of multilayer pipes saves time in the installation process.

• Noise reduction. Metallic pipes are very noisy at water speeds exceeding 1m/ second. To the contrary, multilayer pipes do not make noise at lower speeds than 2,5m/second.

• Corrosion resistance. Multilayer pipes bear a great number of chemical agents (acids, bases, etc.) and are resistant to any type of corrosion.

• Long lifetime. Multilayer pipes lifetime is bigger than the lifetime of metallic pipes. The lifetime of multilayer pipes can reach 50 years, even at high temperature and pressure conditions.

Suitable for drinking water. Multilayer pipes keep organoleptic properties of the water and its use is allowed by European Union authorities.

Your one stop shop

At Pipelife, we believe in providing our customers with a one-stop-shop for complete package solutions; from marketleading products, free initial advice, through to bespoke design, installation, final commissioning and technical support, allowing you to purchase with confidence.

Pipelife strive to bring new and interesting developments to the market, and are always open to new ideas, innovations or suggestions, in an effort to keep Ireland supplied with top quality products.

For more information and to talk to our team call us on 021 488 4700 or e-mail us at ireland@pipelife.com

Navigating the NSAI MMC Agrément certification process

Martin Searson, Head of Modern Methods of Construction, National Standards Authority of Ireland, speaks to ROBBIE COUSINS about the process of applying for Agrément certification for MMC building systems.

While some reading this article will be familiar with the process of applying for Agrément certification, those who may be preparing to submit modern methods of construction (MMC) or offsite specialist building systems, there are a number of crucial points to be considered before trying to navigate the process. The growth of offsite and other MMC processes in recent years in this country has resulted in the need to establish a new division within the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) to process the rapidly growing number of building systems being submitted for scrutiny.

Martin Searson, the NSAI’s head of MMC, is a leading authority in the Irish offsite field. In 2020, as Chair of the MMC Group under the direction of the Construction Sector Group’s (CSG’s) Innovation and Digital Adoption Subgroup, he prepared the ‘CIF Report on Modern Methods of Construction’. One thing that becomes abundantly clear after even a cursory readthrough of the report is that the adoption of MMC has the potential to transform the entire industry rendering it almost unrecognisable as the industry it was even just a few years ago. Projects such as the OPW’s and John Sisk & Son’s Rapid Build Housing project to provide homes for Ukrainians fleeing war brought together a number of offsite manufacturers to collaborate and deliver around 700 new modular homes in just over a year.

As head of the NSAI’s MMC Unit, Martin Searson continues to play a part in ensuring that the MMC /modular building systems being delivered to sites across the

country are of a standard that developers, contractors and homeowners need.

Before looking at the intricacies of the MMC /modular building system Agrément process, Martin Searson first outlines the purpose of the new NSAI MMC department.

“From an overall perspective, the NSAI is Ireland’s official standards body. It operates under the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. It aims to inspire consumer confidence and create the infrastructure for products, systems and services to be recognised and relied on worldwide. Our certification processes are a core part of that work,” he explains.

The MMC certification scheme was launched in June of 2023. This certification scheme falls under Housing For All, focusing on enhancing holistic construction

building system assessment processes for the residential sector to facilitate certification of MMC, the introduction of sustainable construction building systems and oversight of both off-site and on-site installations.”

He continues: “In order to comply with current Irish Building Regulations for new building systems or novel sustainable construction products, a company must have Agrément certification as set out in Technical Guidance Document (TGD) Part D - Materials and Workmanship (2013). NSAI Agrément helps set the bar for construction quality in Ireland, through this certification scheme.”

WHAT IS AGRÉMENT CERTIFICATION?

Agrément certification is designed specifically for new building materials, products, processes and building systems that do not yet have a long history of use and for which published national standards do not yet exist. NSAI Agrément assesses, specifies testing, and, where appropriate, issues Agrément certificates for such products or building systems.

Searson notes: “The purpose of Agrément is to raise standards in the building industry, particularly in respect of innovative building systems and modular construction. The criteria upon which Agrément certification is based vary from product to product or modular solution, taking into account construction standards across a range of measures such as safety, habitability, durability, maintenance, practicability, and the legal framework. The Agrément certificates we publish are also in accordance with the Irish Building Regulations and the rules of the European Union of Agrément Institutes for Construction (UEAtc).

He continues: “NSAI has also published the ‘Agrément Guide for Modern Methods of Construction’ under the Housing for All plan. The purpose of the guide is to provide more information on the Agrément certification assessment process for MMC, such as offsite construction, 3D volumetric modular construction, 2D panelised systems and structural insulated panels, for example. The aim is to enhance the certification process for MMC and provide a clear pathway for system manufacturers

Martin Searson, Head of Modern Methods of Construction, National Standards Authority of Ireland.

on the assessment process for Agrément certification.”

He adds that in a broader sense, the Agrément process follows seven key steps. These are:

• MMC Enquiry

• Initial Application

• Application Assessment and Contract scoping

• Technical Assessment Specification (TAS) Development

• Factory Production Control (FPC) audits / Surveillance auditing

• Internal Technical Review

• Certificate Issued and Published on the NSAI Website subject to successful assessment

INITIAL APPLICATION PHASE

He further explains: “At the initial application phase, the MMC unit asks applicants to provide a detailed description of the proposed usage of the product, modular building system, product range, full details of ancillary items used to assemble the product/system or during its installation and any relevant documents, such as technical details of CE marking certificates held to help it to provide a clear picture from the outset to a client as to what assessment steps may need to be taken throughout the process. Through this, we hope to be realistic, open, and honest with clients around the timelines for the process and the necessary testing and assessment that will be required to achieve certification.”

THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS

Based on an initial meeting and the completed ‘Building system checklist form’, a Technical Assessment Specification (TAS) will be developed by NSAI and shared with the manufacturer.

Martin Searson explains the purpose of this. “The TAS will set out technical criteria for the assessment and testing of the system. The system will be assessed in accordance with the Irish Building Regulations and any relevant standards and

codes of practice currently available. It is important that manufacturers applying for Agrément certification for MMC familiarise themselves with the TAS process as it provides essential guidance on technical assessment for Agrément certification, as set out in the NSAI MMC Guidance document.”

ASSESSMENT PROCESSES THAT A MANUFACTURER CAN EXPECT TO APPLY

As Searson mentioned, the assessment process can vary from product to product or modular building system, but assessments may include any of the following or a combination of:

• Irish Building Regulations and European standards compliance verification

• Laboratory tests results checks

• On-site evaluations of as-constructed product/system

• Factory Production Control (FPC) inspection

• Quality management system verification

• Installation and Assembly procedures

• On-site inspection plan

• Post-construction maintenance programme, etc.

REVIEWING AGRÉMENT CERTIFICATION

Subject to the results of the assessment, NSAI will draft the Agrément certificate for final review and share it with the manufacturer.

Martin Searson notes: “All images shown in the certificate shall be provided by the manufacturer. 2D images are acceptable provided they present information better than 3D images, which are generally preferable to include in the certificate.”

Once the Agrément certificate is signed off by the manufacturer and approved by NSAI, the authority publishes the certificate on its website. All NSAI Agrément certificates can be found on the NSAI website.

SURVEILLANCE AUDIT PROGRAMME

In order to maintain certification and ensure continued adherence of the system to that certified, NSAI has implemented a surveillance audit programme.

He explains: “Last year, all NSAI building system-certified MMC clients were subject to an ongoing surveillance audit of their operational/production processes. In addition, Agrément certificates have a validity of five years from the date of issue or the date of the latest revision. Before the certificate expires, it will be reviewed to ensure the product/system meets all current regulations

BENEFITS OF AGRÉMENT CERTIFICATION FOR MANUFACTURERS

Martin Searson explains that Housing for All and TGD Part D necessitates manufacturers to have Agrément certification for modular construction solutions. However, the benefits of MMC extend beyond just the residential housing sector.

“In 2021 alone, the Irish government spent over €10bn on construction projects prescribed by the National Development Plan (NDP) and Project Ireland 2040. Project Ireland 2040 is the national framework in place for the development of physical infrastructure in Ireland for the coming two decades. Under Project Ireland 2040, MMC will increase modular and offsite manufacturing to higher standards of design, fabrication, testing and certification. Agrément certification is central to this as well.”

He adds: “In March of this year, the government agreed on a national strategy for asylum seeker accommodation, which has modular housing as a key pillar of the delivery of state-owned accommodation. There is no question that MMC is becoming more and more prevalent in public sector housing provision, and the usage of more sustainable business practices that are enabled by MMC is becoming increasingly common across the construction sector. Furthermore, the government have utilised modular schools to meet demographic increases across the state, with MMC supporting this capital programme.”

RELATED NSAI MMC CERTIFICATION PROCESSES

NSAI also offers certification to ISO 19650, the international standard for managing information over the whole life cycle of a built asset using building information modelling (BIM). While the use of BIM is still growing in the Irish construction sector, its inclusion in public sector tenders under the new BIM mandate and with increased training and upskilling

L to r: Martin Searson, (NSAI); Norman Jackson, The Housing Agency; and Éadaoin Ní Fhearghail and Diarmuid McGowan, Department of Housing; during a panel discussion at a CitASME Digital Acceleration Series event in October, 2023.

Irish owned and managed, Automatic are exclusively dedicated to the fire protection business. Our engineers and designers are recognised as experienced and respected individuals among their peers within the construction industry. As a Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) Level 4 Certified contractor (highest accreditation level available), we are permitted to design, install, commission and self-certify all of our works on all categories of sprinkler systems, without third-party certification or supervision.

by industry professionals will soon see it become more widely used across the country.

Martin Searson comments: “As the construction industry adopts modern methods such as integrated project delivery (IPD) and BIM, it is expected that new and innovative materials and building processes will see the construction industry here evolve more rapidly than it has in decades.

“Collaboration and IPD are used in construction to increase communication and team efficiencies by providing an integrated approach for personnel, systems and practices, while BIM is the process of managing the information produced during design and throughout a construction project.

“The synergies found in these integrated project management and construction models will help drive innovation and efficiencies in construction here in Ireland.”

GLOBAL OUTLOOK

Martin Searson points out that the adoption of MMC has been steadily increasing across the globe over the past few decades, driven by various factors such as technological advancements, sustainability concerns, labour shortages, and the need for faster and more cost-effective construction processes.

“MMC encompasses a range of innovative techniques and technologies aimed at improving efficiency, quality, and sustainability in the construction industry. A great example here is the significant trend in the shift towards offsite construction methods. Offsite construction involves the prefabrication of building components in a controlled factory environment before they are transported to the construction site for assembly. This approach offers numerous advantages, including reduced construction time, lower labour costs, improved quality control, and minimised waste generation. As a result, offsite construction or Design for Manufacture & Assembly (DfMA) has gained popularity in countries across Europe, North America, Asia, and beyond.”

OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE IRISH MMC SECTOR

He explains that the global trend in MMC holds significant implications for Ireland’s economic growth and development. “As MMC gains traction worldwide, Ireland stands to benefit from aligning with this trend, leveraging innovative construction techniques to bolster its economy.

“Firstly, embracing MMC enhances Ireland’s competitiveness in the global construction market. By adopting advanced technologies and practices, Irish construction firms can position themselves as leaders in efficiency, quality, and sustainability, attracting international

investment and fostering partnerships with global players through the Agrément certification scheme.

“Furthermore, the adoption of MMC stimulates job creation and skills development within Ireland. While MMC reduces the demand for certain traditional construction roles, it simultaneously creates opportunities in areas such as digital design, robotics, and offsite manufacturing. This shift towards a more technologically advanced construction sector cultivates a highly skilled workforce, driving innovation and productivity across the economy.”

He adds: “Moreover, MMC contributes to infrastructure development and urban regeneration, helping to support Ireland’s economic growth objectives. By enabling faster project delivery and cost efficiencies, MMC can facilitate the construction of essential infrastructure projects, such as transportation networks, utilities, and public facilities, laying the foundation for sustainable economic expansion.”

Martin Searson believes that embracing the global trend in MMC presents Ireland with a strategic opportunity to enhance its competitiveness, foster innovation, create employment, and accelerate economic growth while addressing pressing societal needs.

“By capitalising on MMC, Ireland and offsite manufacturers can position themselves as a dynamic hub for sustainable construction practices, driving prosperity and resilience in the years to come.”

STEPS TO CERTIFICATION

Advising on what manufacturers entering the Irish Agrément process should do, Martin Searson says the first piece of advice he would offer is that manufacturers should provide as much relevant material

as possible at first instance to help support their certification journey.

“The more information the team has at those early stages, the more straightforward it will be for us to progress your application and move to the assessment stages of an application.

“Secondly, I would encourage any of your readers to be realistic about the level of scrutiny involved in the process. As mentioned, NSAI published the Guide to Agrément Certification under Housing for All. While it’s a detailed document, it gives a comprehensive picture of what’s involved in the full certification process. The intention is that it will support clients at an early stage in preparing for any elements of the assessment process that will necessitate lengthy preparatory work on their side. Our team aim to make the process as accessible and practical as possible, but it is a practical reality that the assessment process has to be thorough to meet the high standards required for Agrément certification,” he concludes.

NEXT STEPS

The NSAI website has a dedicated section for MMC, which highlights all the support documentation Martin Searson mentions above, including contact details for the NSAI MMC team. The team can take queries from manufacturers who want to hear more about the process and provide any support possible.

To learn more, visit www.nsai. ie/certification/ agrementcertification or scan the QR code

In inflationary times, doing nothing could be your riskiest move

Cashflow is the lifeblood of any business, and the construction sector is no exception. Developers and investors constantly wrestle with the challenges of ‘lumpy’ income and expenditure, especially on multi-year and complex developments. Ensuring the optimum balance between long-term financing and day-to-day working capital requirements is a key challenge. Too little liquidity could be challenging for businesses – for their relationships and reputation in the industry – whilst too much feels like ‘paying on the double’ if money is sitting idle, earning no return, as financing costs increase.

Davy has been active in the construction sector over many years, working with business owners and helping raise equity and debt for the sector. 2023 was a standout year in terms of the demand from the construction sector for short-term liquidity solutions in particular. This is consistent with a broader trend across industries that saw Davy channelling over €2.5bn to secure returns of typically 3-4% on short-term funds. The construction sector accounted for approximately 9% of this total, or close to a quarter of a billion euros.

The catalyst for this surge in liquidity solutions was the dramatic change in market dynamics over the last 12-18 months. With 10 European Central Bank rate hikes since July 2022, and a 450 basis points increase in rates, the conversations within the construction sector have intensified.

Interestingly, these conversations underscore the surplus liquidity present, often surpassing immediate needs. This surplus, a residue of an ultra-prudent approach coupled with historically low interest rates, presents both challenges and opportunities to the construction landscape.

In the face of inflation, this excess liquidity not only risks a loss of value growth and future provision but also jeopardises the purchasing power of ‘idle’ money. Recognising this, Davy has been able to work with the sector to capture low-risk, shortterm returns of 3-4% while maintaining a high level of liquidity – a vital element for a sector that thrives on seizing timely

Warning: Past performance is not a reliable guide to future performance. The value of your investment may go down as well as up.

Warning: The information in this article is not a recommendation or investment research. It does not purport to be financial

Brian Cox, Director, Davy Private Clients.

opportunities.

This proactive approach to managing liquidity reflects a unique point in the cycle, as interest rates are widely expected to reduce somewhat later in 2024. Though the construction sector has seen substantial investment in more attractive short-term returns, many companies may yet lose out on the opportunities present at this point in the cycle. Inaction is also a decision, and in this instance, it may be a costly one.

Other conversations with clients indicate an inclination towards some rebalancing of short-term funds into longer-term investments at this point in the cycle, while certain structuring opportunities to manage

advice and does not take into account the investment objectives, knowledge and experience or financial situation of any particular person. There is no guarantee that by putting a financial or investment plan in place, you will meet your objectives. You should speak to your advisor, in the context

Tom Hamilton, Director, Davy Private Clients.

tax efficiently and extract surplus cash from the business remain hugely relevant and topical.

The right solution for you will depend on your specific situation together with the objectives of you and your business. Our personalised approach, wide investment platform, and team of experienced advisers and specialists will help you understand the best options available.

Authors:

Brian Cox, Director, Davy Private Clients; and Tom Hamilton, Director, Davy Private Clients

For more, visit davy.ie/potential

of your own personal circumstances, prior to making any financial or investment decision.

J & E Davy Unlimited Company, trading as Davy and Davy Private Clients, is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Davy is a Davy Group company and also a member of the Bank of Ireland Group.

Have you factored the government’s autoenrolment scheme into your company’s pension strategy?

With the government’s pension auto-enrolment scheme due to commence in January 2025, SUSAN O’MARA, Business Development Manager, CPAS (CIF Pension Administration Services), emphasises the importance of employers keeping themselves informed about the latest regulations and requirements relating to pensions.

It is always a good idea for employers to stay up to date with the latest regulations and requirements regarding pensions in Ireland. One of the most important updates for construction employers is auto-enrolment, which is now entering the final stages of its introduction.

The government’s auto-enrolment scheme has been on the cards for many years, and draft legislation is finally in the Dáil. The scheme is scheduled to commence on 01 January 2025, which is later than the mid-2023 date that was originally planned.

The scheme, which endeavours to ensure that everyone working in Ireland is saving for retirement, will be co-funded by employers and the state.

Contributions to the scheme will commence at a low rate and incrementally increase over the next decade. Employers will need to ensure they have staff covered within their existing pension arrangements or their staff will automatically be opted into the government’s scheme.

Via the Sectoral Employment Orders (SEO) and previous Registered Employment Agreement (REA), the construction sector has, for close to 60 years, been ahead of the curve on pensions for specified workers anyway.

PROS AND CONS OF AUTO-ENROLMENT

Employers will need to weigh up the pros and cons of implementing auto-enrolment in their business or adapting and utilising their existing occupational pension schemes. One key area for serious consideration is the tax relief system. The current system, which makes pensions very attractive, will be different within the government scheme.

Currently, tax relief is provided to pension members on their contributions at the rate they pay tax. So, if paying tax at 40%, the cost of a €100 pension contribution would be €60. Within the autoenrolment scheme, there will be no tax relief. Instead, the state will contribute, as outlined below, along with the proposed rates.

From 2025, employees aged 23-60 earning over €20,000 who are not already enrolled in an occupational scheme will be automatically enrolled and will have to opt out if they wish to leave.

Workers will have their pension savings matched on a one-forone basis by their employer. The state will also provide a top-up of €1 for every €3 saved by the worker.

Proposed contributions

*Employer contributions and the state top-up will be capped at a maximum of €80,000 of an employee’s gross salary.

Susan O’Mara, Business Development Manager, CPAS.

There are other factors, such as retirement flexibility, investment choice and access to additional voluntary contributions (AVCs), and the salary cap, which employers should consider before making a decision for their business and their staff.

Currently, there is no clarity within the proposed framework regarding support from the auto-enrolment scheme in terms of member communications. This may yet fall on the employer.

Employers with occupational pension schemes already in place may believe there will be no impact on them. However, this may not be the case. Many employers do not invite staff to become members of their pension scheme until they have completed their probationary period. Where this is the case, these staff may fall under the auto-enrolment scheme during this period. There may also be staff who have declined the option to join for whatever reason. They now, too, may be required to opt into the autoenrolment scheme.

Now is the time for employers to act to ensure that they have sufficient time to consider the options available and to gain an understanding of the differences between their current strategy and what will be required once auto-enrolment is in force.

ABOUT CPAS

CPAS are the specialists when it comes to pension provision and financial advice for employers and staff in the construction sector. CPAS administer the Construction Workers Pension Scheme, the Construction Executive Retirement Savings (CERS).

For more details, contact Susan O’Mara via email susan@cpas.ie or phone 01 223 4949.

Greenhill Road Housing Development, Wicklow – ClearyDoyle

The ClearyDoyle approach to delivering quality zero-energy social and affordable housing developments has seen it streamline its delivery process, with local authority clients benefiting from faster and more cost-effective build programmes.

After an impromptu visit by housing minister Darragh O’Brien, what started for ClearyDoyle as a social housing project at Greenhill Road, Wicklow, for Wicklow County Council, due to the quality of the build had its designation switched for it to become the local authority’s first Affordable Housing development.

The 36-unit Greenhill Road housing development with a value of €6.6m included several innovative solutions that ClearyDoyle joint managing director John P Doyle says exemplify what ClearyDoyle is achieving by building quality zeroenergy homes without resorting to radical approaches to construction or an over-reliance on complex renewable technologies. Schemes are carefully planned, with every detail from infrastructure down to door handles getting gateway sign-off before a sod is turned.

John P Doyle explains: “Greenhill Road is one of several recent housing developments that epitomise the ClearyDoyle brand. For each project, we prepare compliance

samples for every detail, including wiring, pipework, external wall build-ups, gardens, paving, roads, etc. We also build compliance samples for utility companies. This means that not only can the client give gateway sign-off on everything going into the houses, but utility companies can sign off on key infrastructural elements, which was an enormous boon for projects and ensures everything, including water infrastructure, proceeds smoothly once work starts.”

THE BRIEF

The Greenhill Road project comprised the construction of 36 A2-BER-certified twostorey timber frame houses with associated external and site works on a greenfield site at a hillside location overlooking the sea and Wicklow town.

The timber frame houses are nearly zero energy building (NZEB) compliant, with Greenhill Road being one of six housing schemes that ClearyDoyle has completed for Wicklow County Council over the past five years.

The scheme was constructed under a Design & Build contract. Before starting, Wicklow County Council gave an outline design and their specific requirements. ClearyDoyle conducted consultations with local residents to address any concerns they may have, identify ways to lessen the impact of the scheme and works and request suggestions for any ancillary works that would benefit and leave a lasting legacy for the local community.

The first positive outcome from local consultation was the decision to configure the development in a horseshoe form, which resulted in no impact from the development on existing seascape views.

DESIGN WORKS

ClearyDoyle put together a proposal with its in-house design team and presented it to the client and its design team for sign-off. Before sign-off was finalised, ClearyDoyle built compliance sample detailing, which included electrics and pipework, external wall build-ups, gardens, paving and roads. It also built compliance samples for utilities,

The horseshoe configuration of the Greenhill Road housing development, Wicklow resulted in no impact from the development on existing seascape views.

including electrical service chambers and water piping infrastructure. In addition to getting gateway sign-off from the client and utility companies, the project team and subcontractors had reference samples, which could be visited at any time during the works.

Each house would achieve an airtightness of around 1 (m3/hr)m2, with slight variation, which is near passive-house standard.

PROCUREMENT

Many of the project team and stakeholders have collaborated on previous projects, which means that the teams have refined the social housing product that ClearyDoyle can deliver and have a consistent performance in terms of sustainability, schedule, cost, and quality of finish.

ClearyDoyle has an experienced team of subcontractors and suppliers, many of whom have worked with it for over five years. It continuously reviews its supply chain and operates under an 80/20 rule, whereby it uses a minimum of 80% longterm subcontractors and a maximum of 20% new or short-term subcontractors on each job. This means it can bring in new, innovative ideas and provide opportunities for emerging subcontractors and suppliers while maintaining an experienced team of subcontractors and suppliers that are use to working alongside each other.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN

With gateway sign-off from the client, ClearyDoyle delivered a digital folder and hard copy files of technical data sheets for every product to be used. All product and materials documentation was supplied, and all stakeholders knew the programme before commencement on site. From there, fortnightly site meetings between relevant stakeholders were used to monitor and control building works.

WORKS PROGRAMME

The team started on-site with groundworks and infrastructure, while local timber frame provider Armstrong Timber Engineering manufactured the first housing units under controlled factory conditions. Rock broke out and crushed on site was reused for the estate’s common area, with traditional foundations prepared for each house.

The first timber frame housing units arrived at the site six weeks after the team broke ground. These were erected quickly.

MODERN METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION

The Greenhill Road development is located on a site with idyllic sea and mountain views. As a result, some challenging ground conditions were to be addressed.

ClearyDoyle contracts manager Barry Dalton, who oversaw all site works, explains: “We looked at various modern methods of construction (MMC) and decided on timber frame due to the nature and location of the site. The development is on the east coast on an elevated exposed site. Although picturesque, the site’s coastal location presented challenges as the site is prone to high winds and adverse weather coming directly off the sea.

“To overcome this, we opted for MMC in the form of timber frame, as it is manufactured off-site in controlled conditions and is speedy to install. This enabled us to achieve weathertight buildings during the summer months when the weather was at its calmest.”

RECYCLING, REUSE AND WASTE MANAGEMENT

The management of all waste arising from construction activities was in accordance with EU, national and regional waste management policies. ClearyDoyle, acting as the Project Supervisor Construction Stage (PSCS), managed waste and adopted a systematic approach to ensure compliance

with all laws and achieve continuous performance improvement.

Waste management objectives were to keep waste production to a minimum, reuse or recycle where practicable and ensure that people and the environment were not compromised by poor waste management practices.

Barry Dalton notes: “To this end, rock that was broke out and crushed on site was reused in applicable areas. Through partnership with our waste management provider and site-based monitoring of our waste management plan, 92.69% by volume of construction waste was removed from the site and diverted from landfill and recycled.”

PROJECT MANAGEMENT TOOLS

ClearyDoyle uses Procore project management tools as a common data environment to facilitate collaboration, real-time information exchange and reporting on its projects.

The full Procore system was introduced on the Greenhill Road scheme during the programme, and it immediately improved efficiency and kept stakeholders up to date

An A2 BER (37.07m3/hr/m2) rating with NZEB compliance was achieved on all homes.

Rock broke out and crushed on site was reused for the estate’s common area, with traditional foundations prepared for each house.

in real-time on project progression. As tasks were completed, they were noted on the system using an in-phone app. All information is gathered in the same folder and shared with the client and other stakeholders so they could monitor progress in real time. For example, when airtightness testing was completed, results were posted on the system for the client and its design team.

Joint managing director John P Doyle explains: “Before we brought the Procore system online, we had a similar internal

system. The Procore system is more userand site-friendly. It operates from a mobile app, so a laptop is not needed to access it. If something needs to be amended, the app is opened, and a photo is taken and uploaded with the necessary instructions sent to the appropriate person, who then completes the task and resubmits it for sign-off.”

HEALTH & SAFETY

With a total of 87,444 hours worked on site, there were no incidents, accidents or near misses reported throughout the build,

making this a zero-incident project.

CHANGE OF DESIGNATION

While visiting another social housing project completed by ClearyDoyle for Wicklow County Council, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage of Ireland Darragh O’Brien made an impromptu visit to the Greenhill Road site and was hugely impressed by the quality of the houses. Following discussions with the minister’s department, Wicklow County Council changed the designation for

ClearyDoyle prepared compliance samples for every detail, including wiring, pipework, external wall build-ups, gardens, paving, roads and utilities.

PROJECT TEAM

Client: Wicklow County Council

Client Architect: Paul Keogh Architects

Main Contractor: Cleary Doyle

Contactor Architect: Paul Byrne Architects

Quantity Surveyor: Walsh Associates

Civil & Structural Engineer: Matt O

Mahony & Associates

M&E Consultant: Malone O’Regan

Consulting

Energy Consultant: Malone O Regan

Consulting

Assigned Certifier: Paul Keogh

Architects

Consulting Engineer: Fallon Design

BER Assessor: Building Envelope Technologies Ltd

Landscape Architect: Green Avenue

Landscapes

Timber Frame Manufacturer: Armstrong

Timber Engineering

ELEMENTAL U-VALUES

An A2 BER (37.07m3/hr/m2) rating with NZEB compliance was achieved on all homes with the following elemental results:

Construction: Timber frame with no chimneys and an overall 0.14W/m2K u-value

Ground floors: Solid with 215mm Kore EPS Silver insulation with a u-value of 0.12W/m2K

Pitched roofs: Insulated on ceiling 400mm Quilt Insulation with a u-value of 0.11 W/m2K

Front doors: MJ Ultratech with a u-value of 1.4W/m2K

Windows: Triple-glazed argon-filled with a u-value of .7W/m2K

Primary space and water heating: Airto-water Mitsubishi Ecodan heat pump

Airtightness: Average permeability of 1.17 (m3/hr)m2.

HOURS WORKED AND KEY HEALTH & SAFETY STATISTICS

Hours Worked: 87,444

Time Incidents: 0

First Aid Treatments: 0

Near Misses: 0

PROJECT SCHEDULE

Project Start Date: July 2021

Project Completion Date: May 2023

Peak Site Labour: March 2023

Building Energy Rating: A2

Greenhill Road from social to Affordable Homes, making the development its first Affordable Homes development.

While the change of designation was welcomed by ClearyDoyle, it brought additional administrative requirements

and resulted in some minor delays to the project.

John P Doyle comments: “This change of designation meant that rather than dealing with one client, we would be dealing with 36 individual house buyers, relevant authorities and Homebond registrations in what was one of the first Affordable Housing schemes to be built in the country and what was the first to be built by Wicklow County Council.

“But the team got on with what had to be done, and we were delighted 36 families got to purchase new homes completed to a very high specification.”

He adds: “ClearyDoyle is committed to the goals of the Housing for All plan, particularly in the south-east, and social and affordable housing is a key part of our business. As an employer with a 60-year track record of building homes in the region, we are committed to delivering as many homes as possible.”

BUDGET

The tender price was €6.45m, with the eventual budget being €6.6m. This was achieved at a time when construction materials inflation, particularly the cost of timber, was at unprecedented levels. Maintaining budgetary control was achieved to a large degree as a result of compliance sampling that was carried out before the team went on site.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Ultimately, the highlight of this project for Barry Dalton and John P Doyle was delivering quality, A-rated, energy-efficient NZEB homes without taking a radical approach to construction and having no health and safety incidents.

John P Doyle comments: “We were delighted to build Wicklow’s first Affordable Housing scheme, and we have taken the learnings from this scheme to facilitate a smooth transition for first-time home buyers to move into their own homes

on schemes we now have on site.

“Greenhill Road is a prime example of how, through working with the client and project team over time, we have refined the construction process and exceeded requirements to meet client needs.

“Under the Design & Build contract, the ClearyDoyle team specified all elements required to achieve the A2 BER rating. We provided the client with compliance samples to ensure they got exactly what they required.”

The turnkey NZEB homes were delivered to new homeowners with operator manuals and instructional videos on how all systems work.

A FINAL WORD FROM THE CLIENT

The 36 turnkey homes are built to exacting contingencies and specifications and exceeded the client’s expectations regarding ClearyDoyle’s interpretation of the brief and innovative use of construction materials.

Mark Devereux, then Senior Executive Engineer, Housing and Corporate Estate, Wicklow County Council, said of the development: “ClearyDoyle’s delivery of Wicklow County Council’s first Affordable Housing scheme at Greenhill Road was both thorough and professional. The site and management teams were well coordinated, and engagement with the Wicklow County Council team was always exemplary. This was notably evident in how ClearyDoyle helped assuage any concerns the adjacent community might have had about the project.

“We were particularly impressed by ClearyDoyle’s use of compliance samples to decide on finishes at the earliest stage possible in the project lifecycle. The quality of the workmanship on the units and the public realm, but, in particular, the attention to detail concerning the homes’ airtightness and energy efficiency was exemplary,” he concluded.

Primary space and water heating in the house is provided by air-to-water heat pumps.

“Is Ireland destined to become a secondary data hosting location?”

Host in Ireland was founded in 2014 to increase awareness of how and why digital infrastructure coming from Ireland - with global and Irish companies - plays a unique role worldwide.

With more than 50 partners from across the digital infrastructure ecosystem, Host in Ireland operates under a spirit of “co-opetition”. Through the group, competitors come together to engage and support actions promoting the capabilities of Ireland as a centre of data excellence and Irish-based companies as global leaders in data centre development.

Founder and President of Host in Ireland Garry Connolly and the proactive team behind the organisation captured the zeitgeist of the data centre boom in Ireland, and it has grown with its members to a point where it is playing an active part in the roll-out of data centres across Europe and beyond.

At the upcoming National Construction Summit on 18 April at the Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown, Host In Ireland will stage the ‘Data Centres & Critical Infrastructure Summit’, at which, amongst other issues to be tackled, they will ask the question: “Is Ireland destined to become a secondary data hosting location?”

Speakers on the day will include Dave McAuley, Bitpower.ie; Chris Collins, Schneider

Electric; Gary Watson, Keppel DC; Maurice Mortell, Ethos Engineering; Anthony McDermott, Mitchell McDermott; and Lisa Duignan, Turner & Townsend.

Speaking to Irish Construction News before the Summit, Garry Connolly observes that Irish firms working in the data centre field are well in demand and showcasing their expertise and capabilities on the world stage.

“When we started, our members were the people operating or working on data centres in Ireland. Ten years later, most of our members are designing, building, operating and supplying services to the data industry globally. Today, only 20% of our members are focussed on Ireland; the other 80% are operating across Europe and further afield.”

He adds: “This should come as no surprise, as the food chain of FDI in Ireland goes back a long way. Irish companies have always learned quickly from FDI clients and evolved to meet their needs as they looked to grow their operations in other countries.

“Irish companies scaled up and expanded into Europe because they had learned how to deliver at the likes of Intel or Pfizer in

the noughties. When the new asset class of data centres came to Ireland, they were ready, and when clients looked at mainland Europe, Irish firms were also ready. On any data centre project in Europe at the moment, I would think between 40% to 60 % of the people on them are Irish.”

Connolly points out that 20 years ago, Ireland was the world’s largest exporter of floppy disks and CD-ROMs. “Ireland has succeeded with data centres because they are the next iteration of what came before.”

Currently, there is little new data centre development activity in Ireland. The sector is fulfilling a cycle of centres in the system, and Garry Connolly notes there haven’t been any new connections accepted by the grid suppliers for nearly four years. However, there is still substantial investment going into existing centres.

“There is little or no new data centre building in the pipeline at the moment. However, refurbishing existing centres will keep contractors busy for the next few years. An interesting observation made at a

recent Host in Ireland meeting was that in the new data centre hotspots across Europe where centres are being built, the value of investment is still much lower than what is being spent in Ireland in retrofits.”

In closing, Garry Connolly notes that as so many Irish contractors and service providers are working on projects overseas, they are not too concerned about the lack of new build activity in Ireland. Some would say contractors were prepared for it.

“When the Apple data centre in Athenry debacle happened, many contractors surmised that too many assets were tied up in Ireland. So, they spread the risk and strengthened their overseas operations, and they haven’t looked back. That is why 80% of the data centre supply chain in Ireland is engaged elsewhere. This is a more sustainable proposition for them in the long run,” he concludes.

To learn more about Host in Ireland, visit www.hostinireland.com

Garry Connolly, Founder and President, Host in Ireland, and Sean Hogan, Sustainability + Research Sector Lead, Director, RKD Architects, speaking at the Data Centres & Critical Infrastructure Summit at the National Construction Summit 2023.

Transpoco Telematics AI solutions can reduce fleet insurance premiums and collisions

Founded in Ireland in 2004 to offer GPS tracking solutions, Transpoco Telematics is a leading provider of cloud-based construction fleet and asset tracking solutions and is at the cutting edge of telematic technology.

Transpoco develops solutions to monitor and improve driving style, fuel efficiency and field service management for a range of councils, construction and utility companies in Ireland.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Transpoco is now a consolidated telematics provider operating in Ireland, the UK and France, and it is expanding its presence across Europe and the United States. Transpoco is an ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certified and trusted partner for telematics, asset tracking and driver safety, providing local expertise, tailored solutions, and exceptional support.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE CAMERAS ADVANCE DRIVER SAFETY

Construction projects have regulatory obligations to ensure driver safety while working on extremely thin margins. Any technological help to keep the project profitable should be more than welcome.

Comprehensive insight into critical fleet data helps managers make decisions and highlights areas of a business that can be improved to increase safety and efficiency.

Transpoco can synchronise every aspect of fleet operations, from drivers to vehicles and from maintenance to safety, optimising relationships within teams and setting a cycle of continuous development for businesses in motion.

TRANSPOCO VISION

For any fleet or mobile plant manager, the safety of drivers is a top priority. ‘Transpoco Vision’ is a new connected dashcam platform that provides contractors and materials suppliers with real-time recordings if the worst happens.

Transpoco Vision helps to clarify how accidents happened, settle disputes related to traffic accidents, anticipate and warn drivers of potential incidents and train them to be safer and more mindful.

The state-of-the-art dashcam’s connectivity

allows managers remotely to download video evidence, review snapshots, or set up instant alerts in addition to real-time recordings. The Transpoco Vision dash cam system comes with a range of optional features, including AI dashcams that provide:

• Real-time visibility to allow managers to monitor entire fleets remotely, receive instant alerts for critical events (harsh braking, collisions, etc), and access video clips to understand situations quickly.

• Proactive driver coaching using AI technology to identify and alert drivers to unsafe driving behaviours, helping to prevent accidents and protect workers.

• Complete record-keeping and downloading of past data for easy access and potential incident review.

WALKAROUND CHECKS AND COMPLIANCE MODULE

Transpoco’s Walkaround Checks app facilitates drivers to complete walkaround checks via their mobile phones with no more paper spreadsheets or checklists required. If an issue is observed, the driver photographs it, and the app automatically submits it to fleet control.

ASSET TRACKING (TRANSPOCO PULSE)

Having a fleet under control is the starting point for streamlining and optimising operations. In addition to vehicles, a fleet may comprise mobile assets such as trailers that need to be tracked. This is possible with

WHAT CLIENTS SAY ABOUT TRANSPOCO TELEMATICS

“Transpoco is a complete telematics solution. The user interface is easy to use for everyone, and the support is excellent.” - Actavo

Transpoco Pulse battery-powered asset trackers. With GPS technology, managers can retrieve the location data of mobile devices and generate valuable reports that give a complete overview of a company’s fleet.

Phil Davis, Sales Manager, Transpoco Ireland, says the company provides cloudbased solutions in real time, which secures data for management to make informed decisions.

“Many Transpoco solutions are also modular in form, which means customers can employ them at whatever level is required to meet their specific needs.

“Engagement with clients has shown, for instance, that our integrated dashcam and telematic solution has reduced accident or incident occurrences by up to 75% and reduced insurance costs by 30% to 35%. In addition, the in-cab telematic AI feature that monitors driving style has also delivered much improved efficiencies in fuel consumption.”

Phil Davis adds: “From a GDPR perspective, Transpoco is ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Information security, cybersecurity and privacy protection. This means all of our systems are secure and allow only the people who require access to have access to data.”

TRANSPOCO CLIENTS

Transpoco’s client base includes Roadstone, Actavo, Mitie Facilities, Woodvale Construction and Fogarty Concrete.

Transpoco provides local support, training, clear communication and exceptional customer support, working directly with clients to achieve productivity and improve safety on every project.

Get in touch with a Transpoco Telematics fleet expert and get started today. Phone 01 905 3881 email sales@transpoco.com or visit www.transpoco.com/construction

Phil Davis, Sales Manager, Transpoco Ireland.

Transpoco Vision connected dashcam.

Build Digital publishes templates and supports to assist sector in meeting BIM Mandate requirements

As of January 2024, the government started the process of mandating BIM for all public construction projects through the Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF).

The first steps of this process mandated that from January 2024, consultants engaged in designing and overseeing the construction of public works contracts with a value over €100m have BIM requirements included in their scope of service.

Before the CWMF BIM requirements (BIM Mandate) commencement date, Build Digital launched a number of templates to assist the industry, particularly the client, in implementing these BIM requirements.

BUILD DIGITAL

Build Digital aims to ensure that worldclass digital practices, which already exist in certain elements of the Irish construction and built environment sector, are adopted throughout the industry and supply chain to create a more sustainable and innovative sector from top to bottom and vice versa. The project will achieve this goal by providing guidance and leadership on the digital tools, standards, approaches, and education and training required by the sector.

BIM MANDATE TEMPLATES

The information management plans released in late 2023 capture the requirements in accordance with ISO 19650-1 and -2. The organisational plan approaches this from a client’s perspective when they are considering a project, and it includes the organisational information requirements (OIR). The appointed party plan collates the required documentation for a tender into a single plan and includes the exchange information requirements (EIR). These documents are based on SR CEN/TR 17654:2021 ‘Guideline for the implementation of Exchange Information Requirements (EIR) and BIM Execution Plans (BEP) on European level based on EN ISO 19650-1 and -2’.

These plans are seen as the first iteration to meet the demands of the Irish market and will develop in accordance with future innovation.

FURTHER TEMPLATES TO BE RELEASED

Further information management plans are being prepared to address the design team’s response to the appointing party plan, which will include the BIM execution plan, which is to be released later in the year. The final information management plan will be the asset plan. This will address the asset owner’s

and operator’s needs and include the asset register and safety file index.

BIM IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE

To accompany the plans, there is an ‘Information Management/BIM Implementation Guide’ that covers the fundamentals to be considered in the implementation of information management BIM. There are also guides to ISO 19650-1, -2 and -3. These guides have been designed to match the structure of the corresponding standard and are a plain language explanation of what the standard requires. They should be read in conjunction with the standards.

CWMF ISO 19650 PROCESS WORKFLOW

Build Digital has also created a CWMF ISO19650 process workflow, which maps the ISO 19650 activities into the CWMF work

BIM MANDATE ROLLOUT SCHEDULE

stages. This is a useful tool for understanding what is required by ISO 19650 in each work stage, allowing people to work through the standard as it is relevant to their current work.

ABOUT BUILD DIGITAL

Build Digital is a project led by Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin), with partners Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Munster Technological University (MTU), South East Technological University (SETU) and University College Dublin (UCD).

ACCESS TO BIM TEMPLATES

The templates, guides, and other supports, such as inventory of networks, Education and Training Networks Inventory, and Circular Economy EU Networks Inventory, are available on Build Digital’s Exchange Hub area at www.builddigitalproject.ie/

BIM adoption will be subject to review, but the following key dates are included in a four-year adoption timeline.

Construct Innovate announces a new Seed Fund Call

Construct Innovate has announced its second Seed Fund Call. The Seed Fund Call aims to promote collaborative, impactful projects initiated by industry members that can support organisations in the Irish construction sector with their organisational and sectoral challenges and create opportunities for innovation through research.

CONSTRUCT INNOVATE SEED FUND CALL

In the previous Seed Fund, 18 project applications were awarded funding. The research subjects include a wide range of areas of increasing importance to member organisations and the wider industry in Ireland. Awarded projects cover subjects such as certification, building regenerative towns and cities, mass timber construction, home user guides - urbanisation and sustainability, 3D printing from waste composites, mobile construction robot pilots, 3D concrete printing, commercialisation of low carbon cements, innovative use of polymers in micro tunnelling, decarbonisation of construction sites and deep and passive house retrofit.

This Seed Fund is open to Construct Innovate members only for projects up to €50,000. Project collaborators must include at least one Construct Innovate research performing organisation (RPO) member and one associate/patron member. The deadline for applications is 12 pm, 31 May 2024.

ABOUT CONSTRUCT INNOVATE

Construct Innovate, Ireland’s national research centre for construction technology and innovation, is part of Enterprise Ireland’s industry-led Technology Centre Programme.

Launched in December 2022 with an initial funding of €5m over five years, it is hosted at University of Galway. The centre leverages the capabilities, facilities, and expertise available across its partner research performing organisations (RPOs), ie, University of Galway,

Trinity College Dublin (TCD), University College Dublin (UCD), University College Cork (UCC), Technological University (TU) Dublin and the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC), as well as providing access to a broader network of European universities and research clusters.

Construct Innovate aims to provide industry-led, independent, evidence-based research through collaboration between industry members and the centre’s research-performing organisations. The centre’s brief focuses on devising solutions for key industry challenges. It will be at the forefront of research initiatives to meet the demands of the country’s major building and investment programmes.

For more information, visit https://constructinnovate.ie/innovationsupport/ or email: info@constructinnovate.ie

Details on previously seed funded projects can be found at https:// constructinnovate.ie/news/

Gas Networks Ireland launches new apprenticeships

Gas Networks Ireland is looking to recruit plumbing, electrical instrumentation and mechanical automation apprentices in Cork, Dublin and Galway.

The Gas Networks Apprenticeship Programme, which commences in October, is a four-year programme providing mentor-led apprenticeships for young people working on Ireland’s €2.8bn, 14,725km national gas network.

Newly appointed apprentices will help to maintain and operate Ireland’s national gas infrastructure. This includes installing, inspecting, and testing a wide range of systems, such as pipework, gas meters and pressure regulators.

They will also contribute to a cleaner energy future for Ireland, as Gas Networks Ireland transitions to providing more renewable gases, including biomethane and hydrogen. Apprentices will discover and learn all about these renewable gases initially at the Network Innovation Centre in Dublin, which plays a key role in testing

compatibility, ensuring the gas network can safely transport these renewable gases.

TRAINING

During the mechanical course, apprentices will gain competency in a range of industrial skills, such as welding, turning and fabrication. Electrical apprentices will learn about installing and maintaining wiring systems and calibrating sensors, among other skills. In the plumbing programme, apprentices will receive comprehensive training in pipework systems, welding, soldering, and gas meter installation and maintenance.

Facilitated in partnership with SOLAS, apprentices will receive on-site training with Gas Networks Ireland technical training coaches and attend formal classes in the Educational Training Boards and associated Technological University, alongside mentoring and coaching from employees with unrivalled experience in the gas industry.

On completion of the apprenticeship programme, successful trainees will be awarded a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft.

Gas Networks Ireland’s Director of People, Nicola McSweeney, said: “As an apprentice, you will be joining Gas Network Ireland at an exciting and transitional time for our company and the energy sector. You will join an organisation with a culture that supports and develops you through your career, and you will receive fantastic mentoring and training as you embark on your career in your chosen technical field.”

For further information and to apply to the Apprenticeship Programme, visit www.gasnetworks.ie/careers. Online applications close at 17.00 on 30th April 2024.

M&N Civil Engineering celebrates its 20th year in business

M&N Civil Engineering recently celebrated its 20th year in business. The company was established in 2004 by founder and CEO Manus McGarvey, who is driven by a passion for machinery and a commitment to delivering exceptional projects.

From starting out building one-off houses and local schools to its current involvement in the largest basement excavations in Dublin city and soil stabilisation projects for large residential developments, M&N Civil Engineering has continuously evolved its expertise and capabilities to meet the dynamic and ever-changing needs of the Irish construction market.

Manus McGarvey’s journey began with a love for machinery, which he had cultivated since his youth. In 2004, he took a leap of faith and established M&N Civil Engineering, purchasing his first machine despite uncertain prospects. During the initial phase, the company faced challenges typical of startups.

M&N Civil Engineering CEO McGarvey reflects: “The early years were challenging, but they were also defining moments for us. We will continue to innovate and collaborate; that’s always been the foundation for M&N. Our people are the heartbeat of the organisation. Our employees’ dedication and hard work have been the driving force behind our success.”

The company’s resilience was put to the test during the collapse of the Celtic Tiger era. In response, Manus McGarvey seized opportunities abroad, securing a 14-month contract with the Romanian government for infrastructure projects. These strategic endeavours not only sustained M&N Civil Engineering but also broadened its horizons, laying the foundation for future success.

In 2011, a significant milestone came for M&N Civil Engineering

when it was approached by one of the largest contractors in Ireland. “They had a data centre project and needed a contractor they could trust to deliver,” recalls McGarvey. “The project went so well that we continued to do nine phases on the data centre campus, which was a testament to our reliability and commitment to excellence.”

M&N has worked on several significant projects in Ireland, ranging from large data centres and commercial offices to retail projects, such as Fibonacci Square/Facebook HQ in Ballsbridge and Kevin Street Garda Station. It has also been contracted on private and public housing projects and several large infrastructure projects.

“Enabling communities

to thrive” – Essential

wastewater €8m project in Clonburris completed

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with South Dublin County Council, has announced the construction of essential wastewater infrastructure in Clonburris has been completed.

A new pumping station and over 600 metres of new pipeline will provide the required wastewater capacity to meet current and future demand. It will also enable social and economic growth and development in Clonburris and surrounding areas.

Commenting on the completion of the

important project, Padraic Fitzgerald, Project Manager with Uisce Éireann, said: “We are delighted to have completed this essential wastewater project for the community of Clonburris.

“Enabling communities to thrive is one of Uisce Éireann’s key objectives. Clonburris is another prime example of us playing our part to provide infrastructure for a brandnew part of Dublin that 23,000 people will eventually call home. The new underground pumping station and associated wastewater

pipeline will support future growth, protect the environment, and facilitate development in the area for years to come.”

The project, which commenced in early 2023, was carried out by GMC Utilities on behalf of Uisce Éireann.

Uisce Éireann is committed to playing its part in the national drive to provide homes to people who need them by developing and prioritising the delivery of key wastewater service infrastructure.

Clonburris pumping station.

Jason Kenny, Commercial Director, M&N Civil Engineering; and Manus McGarvey, CEO, M&N Civil Engineering.

National Upskilling Roadmap for Sustainability in the Built Environment published

The much anticipated National Upskilling Roadmap for Sustainability in the Built Environment has been launched by Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Irish Green Building Council (IGBC), Construction Industry Federation (CIF) and Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB).

ANational Upskilling Roadmap for Sustainability in the Built Environment has been developed as part of the EULife co-funded Build Up Skills Ireland 2030 (BUSI2030) initiative. It is the culmination of an 18-month research project to identify skills gaps and shortages in sustainable construction, led by the TUS in partnership with IGBC, CIF and LOETB.

Speaking at the launch, Seamus Hoyne, Dean of Flexible and Work-Based Learning, TUS, commented: “To meet our climate targets, it is essential that everyone in the construction supply chain understands the role they can play in decarbonising our built environment. Upskilling and training are required along each step of the chain from design through to procurement, installation and renovation/retrofit and operation.”

Initial research published by BUSI2030 in 2023 warned that the construction industry would require up to 120,000 additional skilled construction workers and building professionals, as well as the reskilling of 164,000 people already working in the industry, by 2030, to meet our housing and climate targets.

The final report recommends that the construction industry embraces digitalisation, low-carbon construction and modern methods of construction (offsite and modular building) and that it focuses on improving the diversity of its workforce.

KEY RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE NATIONAL UPSKILLING ROADMAP 2030

The Roadmap makes a number of recommendations and calls for:

• A more efficient, well-governed and integrated construction skills ecosystem

• A short zero emission building (ZEB) fundamental training to be developed and rolled out at scale to improve quality assurance

• The launch of a national campaign to promote green construction careers

• The development of a public awareness campaign to encourage carbon literacy and encourage upskilling in the industry.

Seamus Hoyne added: “There are many great initiatives across Ireland aimed at upskilling the construction sector, attracting new workers, and developing green skills. However, the current skills ecosystem is highly fragmented. We must prioritise stronger collaboration and governance among everyone in the education and training sector to attract and train the workers we need to deliver on our climate and housing goals.”

Sinéad Hughes, Programme Manager, IGBC, commented: “There are a host of new European directives and regulations that will require us to construct and renovate our buildings in more sustainable ways. This provides us with a huge opportunity to get ahead of the curve when it comes to decarbonising our built environment, but we must upskill fast. In facing this challenge, we also have a fantastic opportunity to create high-quality, sustainable green-collar jobs at all levels across the country.

Dermot Carey, Director of Safety & Training, CIF, said: “One of the key challenges identified by the Roadmap is the need to better communicate on construction as an exciting career. Those joining the industry in the coming years will be doing so at a time of huge change, with an emphasis on digitalisation, modern methods of construction (MMC) and green skills. We need to communicate how innovative and exciting a career in construction can be to the public in addition to the current workforce.”

Pádraig Boland, FET Strategic Manager with LOETB, added: “The necessary development of a green construction sector requires far greater public awareness of the need for climate action in the built environment. The National Construction Training Campus at Mount Lucas has developed a suite of upskilling and reskilling programmes, which includes retrofit, ventilation, and MMC. But this is only the beginning - we must all work together to attract more people into this industry and greatly expand the range of training on offer.”

The National Upskilling Roadmap for Sustainability in the Built Environment document can be downloaded at www.igbc.ie

Dermot Carey, Director of Safety & Training, CIF; Seamus Hoyne, Dean of Flexible and Work Based Learning, TUS; Sinéad Hughes, Programme Manager, IGBC; and Pádraig Boland, FET Strategic Manager, LOETB at the launch of the National Upskilling Roadmap 2023.

“A different approach to the current linear ‘take-make-dispose’ economic model is needed”

Advancing sustainability in the built environment through a more circular supply chain

GIOVANNI IMPOCO, Circularity Lead, Irish Green Building Council, writes about how the IGBC is supporting the construction industry’s transition to more sustainable practices and details some of the programmes it has introduced to facilitate greater circularity within the sector

One-fifth of all the enterprises operating in Ireland are in the construction industry, employing nearly 160,000 people (CSO, 2023). As one of the fastest-growing sectors and with 500,000 homes to be delivered in the next decade, our industry has a vital role to play in delivering the infrastructure we need. Doing so while remaining within the planet’s ecological boundary presents a significant challenge: Our sector is both carbon and resource-intensive.

ON THE IMPORTANCE OF CIRCULARITY

Construction and the built environment are responsible for 37% of Ireland’s national emissions. This comprises about 23% operational emissions and 14% embodied carbon emissions from the production and transport of construction materials, construction processes, maintenance, repair, and disposal of buildings and infrastructure (IGBC, 2022). Construction and demolition (C&D) waste is also the largest waste stream in Ireland, with 6.2 million tonnes produced annually (EPA, 2021).

A different approach to the current linear ‘take-make-dispose’ economic model is needed to support Ireland’s

green transition while delivering the homes and infrastructure we need. This transition is already supported through several policies adopted in recent years, including Ireland’s Climate Action Plans, the National Development Plan, the Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy, and the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy.

Transitioning to more circularity in construction can bring several benefits to society. It can provide economic opportunities by unlocking economic gains in material savings and new job creation, especially in the design, reverse logistics, and investment spaces. In addition, Irish organisations can benefit from increased resilience, both in terms of costs and security of supply and from a transition to new and innovative business models to match growing green consumer demand.

DEFINITION OF CIRCULARITY IN CONSTRUCTION

When applied to the built environment, circularity is defined as: “The design, construction and demolition of a building in such a way that it incorporates not only the high-value use and reuse of materials, and an adaptive and futureproof design, but also ambitions for sustainability in relation to energy, water, biodiversity and ecosystems at the building and area level” (EIT Climate KIC, 2019).

This definition differs from the better known: “Reuse materials as much as possible to reduce waste, eliminate the emissions from reprocessing, and conserve materials through their extended use” (Kirchherr et al, 2017).

One specific challenge in this transition is that the construction sector is highly complex. Its supply chains are fragmented and involve many parties with different purposes. It also relies heavily on subcontracting. On medium- and large-size construction projects, the main contractor may have over 40 subcontractors and suppliers.

A lot has changed in the construction sector and its supply chain in the past

Giovanni Impoco, Circularity Lead, IGBC. National Circular

Environment Roadmap workshop event.

few decades. For instance, the tender selection process is no longer based on price only. Significant changes in different supplier selection criteria have been introduced, such as performance in terms of sustainability. Cost, quality and delivery time are also taken into account, as well as social, environmental and ethical considerations.

These changes happened because the construction supply chain is characterised by high customer influence and project uniqueness - Each project is tailored to its customer’s requirements. In recent years, the focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting and new regulations, such as the EU taxonomy for sustainable activities, have also led to a greater interest in circularity.

The supply chain has had to adapt to this changing environment. It reacted by redesigning its structures and replanning its performances with a stronger focus on long-term impacts, resilience, innovation, and sustainability.

However, a few issues remain to be addressed:

• There is limited overarching information available on the use of material stocks and flows along the construction value chain

• Data at the different stages of the value chain on resource use and environmental impacts are missing or partially missing.

DEVELOPING A NATIONAL CIRCULAR BUILT ENVIRONMENT ROADMAP

In line with this need, the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) is currently developing a ‘National Circular Built Environment Roadmap to 2040’, which will set out key milestones, targets, and stakeholder responsibilities. This work, developed through the CircularBuild initiative, with support from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), involves an extensive engagement process with the industry and its value chain.

A first series of workshops in Dublin, Cork and Limerick brought together professionals from the whole construction value chain with different expertise and roles. Financial institutions, insurance providers and manufacturers, designers, contractors, representatives of academia, and local authorities contributed to the roadmap’s development by providing feedback and expertise.

The workshops aimed to deliver a series of actions, strategies, and timelines for their implementations at different levels.

Key learning so far includes:

• Thinking and acting circularly early in the process is critical for saving resources and avoiding waste generation

and associated emissions. This is key to reducing costs and improving processes.

• Switching from ‘value capture’, the process of retaining some percentage of the value provided in every transaction (eg,recycling), to ‘value creation’, the process of turning resources into something valuable with work, is crucial. This can facilitate innovation and the creation of new business models.

• There are general challenges in adopting and implementing circular economy principles, starting from lack of information, lack of digitised data, poor collaboration, circular material supply risks, negative public perception and a lack of market readiness. The project team will be in touch with stakeholders again in the next few months as they will be disseminating a questionnaire to determine the awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and current practices of the Irish construction sector about circularity. Interested stakeholders will also have the opportunity to provide further feedback during the public consultation on the draft roadmap and on specific toolkits being developed for circularity.

CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL EXCHANGE (CMEX)

One of the tools developed by the IGBC to support circularity is the Construction Material Exchange (CMEx). This pilot project is an online platform that allows trading, exchanging and reusing of construction materials. The marketplace aims to ensure materials continue to have a value beyond their initial life cycle. Since the launch of the pilot, more than 130 companies have shown their interest in using the platform. The IGBC is now trying to scale up operations, ensuring a critical mass of high-quality, high-volume materials are made available on the platform. The next phase will also include an awareness campaign to engage the main stakeholders in the sector and the use of AI technology

to widen the scope of exchanges.

BUILD GREEN NOW 2024

The supply chain has a vital role to play in transitioning to a more sustainable and circular built environment. Its critical function will be extensively discussed at Build Green Now 2024, the IGBC’s national conference dedicated to sustainable building, which will be hosted on 03 May at Croke Park (Dublin).

Urban planner and writer Sylvain Grisot (Dixit.net) will talk about the importance of better using and reusing of our building stock, while Patrick Daly, Lecturer and Lead Researcher, TU Dublin; and Patrick Moloney, Market Director, Strategic Sustainability Consulting, Ramboll; will focus on actions needed to reconfigure the supply chain for a more circular construction industry.

Other topics to be covered include ‘Transitioning to zero-emissions buildings’ and ‘How the new European policy landscape will impact the industry’.

For more information on Build Green Now 2024, please visit www.igbc.ie/events/buildgreen-now-2024/ or scan the QR code.

Organisations interested in learning more about Circularity in Construction and the development of the Circular Economy roadmap and CMEx platform should contact Giovanni Impoco, Circularity Lead, IGBC, by emailing giovanni@igbc.ie.

Delegates at the Build Green Now 2023 conference

Government supported 47,900 home energy up grades through SEAI in 2023

SEAI has reported that 47,900 home energy upgrades were supported through government-funded SEAI grant schemes last year, with almost 6,000 energy-poor homes supported with free energy upgrades.

The full-year review published by SEAI shows clear evidence of momentum in demand and supply, with an increase of 76% on the number of upgrades delivered in 2022. The target set for 2023 was 37,000, so the near 48,000 retrofits completed means this was exceeded by 30%. Of the homes upgraded, 17,600 achieved a BER B2 or better rating and almost 5,900 were energy-poor homes, which benefitted from free energy upgrades.

The headline outcomes for 2023, across all schemes administered by SEAI, were:

• Over 47,900 home energy upgrades (up 76% year on year)

• Capital expenditure of €319.6 million (up 70% year on year)

• Over 17,600 BER B2 upgrades completed (up 108% year on year)

• Over 67,400 applications processed (up 35% year on year)

• Almost 5,900 fully funded energy upgrades for low-income households (up 33% year on year)

• 664 Approved Housing Body upgrades supported under the One-Stop-Shop Service

• Forty-four fuel-poor homes supported under the Community Energy Grants Scheme.

In addition, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, recently published data showing that a further 2,445 homes were retrofitted under the Local Authority Energy Efficiency Programme. This means that a total of almost 50,400 upgrades were supported by the government last year.

The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications,

Eamon Ryan TD, commented: “The numbers speak for themselves. Retrofitting is working, and Irish people in their thousands want to make their homes warmer, cleaner and more efficient to run. When we set out our targets, we were told they couldn’t be reached, but 2023 shows that they can and that they can be exceeded. I am confident, particularly when we look at the number of applications and the interest already for 2024, that we will continue to meet our targets and that we will achieve our ambitious 2030 targets of retrofitting 500,000 homes.”

Transforming Conventional Homes into ‘Super Homes’ for a More Sustainable Future

The International Energy Research Centre (IERC), based at Tyndall National Institute, is working towards transitioning to cleaner energy systems nationally and globally. Conventional homes will have a significant role in supporting this transition. Households could be transformed into eco-friendly ‘super homes’ by introducing distributed energy resources (DERs), such as solar panels, battery storage, heat pumps, and electric vehicles.

The project, named ‘SuHSI’ (Super Home Smart Inverter for Irish Electricity Network), funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), aims to assist in making these changes successful through an augmented integration of DERs with the existing power grid. This initiative will help homeowners reduce their carbon footprint and energy bills and will also contribute to the overall sustainability of the electricity network.

The SuHSI project promises the smooth integration of DERs into the grid through the implementation of smart inverters and associated advanced control systems. This research project also aims to integrate advanced technologies like AI-based intelligent power energy management systems to facilitate the seamless integration and control of DERs for ‘super homes’.

The key objectives of the SuHSI project are to:

• Ensure alignment to future smart grid architecture to enable the ‘super home’s’ participation in future energy trading (local energy and flexibility markets) and system services (voltage and frequency regulation)

• Reduce the cost of electricity by implementing intelligent home energy management systems, including Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) energy management models

• Increase the inverter efficiency >99% and reduce the overall energy price by (0.06-0.1€)/kWh.

Through this research, IERC intelligent grid research team will also demonstrate the Virtual Living Lab concept for further research on future Irish Super Homes and beyond. The Virtual Living Lab concept of ‘super homes’ will allow researchers to test and evaluate different control developments and energy management systems in a Hardware-in-Loop environment before implementing them on a larger scale.

This project has the potential to significantly advance the transition towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future, demonstrating how ‘super homes’ can become active participants in future energy markets.

Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

Kingspan reduces Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by two-thirds in four years

In its fourth annual ‘Planet Passionate’ sustainability report Kingspan has announced a 65% absolute reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions since 2020.

In 2023, Kingspan achieved a 40% absolute reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions since its base year, accelerated by the introduction of its business-wide internal carbon price in January 2023.

Kingspan’s Planet Passionate sustainability report also shows that 49.6% of all wholly-owned Kingspan sites had solar PV systems installed by year-end, a marked boost to the company’s on-site renewable energy generation capacity.

In addition to these operational achievements, in 2023, Kingspan made important headway in its innovation journey to reduce the embodied carbon of its product offering, introducing three lower-embodied carbon products –QuadCore LEC insulated panels, RMG600+ raised access floor panels and the Tate Grid LEC structural ceiling solution – to some of its markets. The company also launched its bio-based HemKor range in November 2023, marking the first time a major insulation manufacturer has launched a product made largely of hemp.

OTHER KEY DEVELOPMENTS HIGHLIGHTED

• A 33% reduction in waste to landfill since 2020

• 800 forklifts, 42% of Kingspan’s forklift fleet are now electric

• 475 employee vehicles were converted to electric in 2023

• On-site electricity generation capacity increased by 6.8MW in 2023 through the installation and expansion of solar PV systems, bringing the total solar power capacity to 42MW

• A total of €63.5m invested in R&D in 2023, ensuring the company can continue to lead the market with innovative energy- and resourceefficient systems and solutions

• 57 million litres of rainwater were harvested in 2023, with nine million litres of additional capacity added during the year

PLANET PASSIONATE

Kingspan’s 10-year Planet Passionate sustainability programme is the driving force behind its efforts to decarbonise its operations, product offering and supply chain, prioritising absolute emissions reductions. The company has committed to challenging science-based targets approved by the Science Based Targets

initiative (SBTi) covering Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions, including achieving a 90% absolute reduction in greenhouse gas emissions within its operations and a 42% absolute reduction in Scope 3 GHG emissions from its 2020 base year. These targets are aligned with the IPCC’s goal to limit global temperature rise to 1.5⁰C by the end of this century.

Bianca Wong, Global Head of Sustainability at Kingspan Group, said: “We are acutely aware that as the climate crisis intensifies, our mission to help accelerate a net-zero emissions built environment has never been more important. To play our part in keeping global temperature rises within the 1.5°C limit, we committed to absolute emissions reductions and focused on making tangible progress in the short- to medium-term through our Planet Passionate programme. In a business like Kingspan, that is only possible with significant structural and time investment and an unwavering dedication to delivering real results. Our global team of more than 100 people has completed over 300 projects across our business since 2020 to help realise our targets. With the majority of Kingspan’s value chain emissions coming from our upstream supply chain, we

are working closely with our key supply partners to reduce the carbon intensity of our key raw materials. This work has enabled us to bring new lower embodied carbon products to market in 2023. We still have a lot of work to do and must continue to refocus and respond as the business grows and evolves, but I am incredibly proud of what our team has achieved in just four years and look forward to further progress towards our targets as Planet Passionate enters its fifth year.”

CDP CLIMATE CHANGE A LIST

The launch of Kingspan’s 2023 Planet Passionate report follows the recent announcement that the company was included on the globally-recognised CDP Climate Change A List, which recognises environmental leadership through transparency and meaningful climate action. Kingspan was one of just 346 companies to make the 2023 CDP Climate Change A List, of the 21,000 companies scored by CDP. In addition, CDP has also named Kingspan as a 2023 Supplier Engagement Leader in recognition of the company’s effectiveness in engaging with suppliers on climate change.

Bianca Wong, Global Head of Sustainability at Kingspan Group.

Howden acquires Surety Bonds company

Howden, the global insurance group, has announced that it has acquired Coversure Limited (trading as “Surety Bonds”), strengthening its surety offering to clients in the Irish insurance market as it continues to make significant investments to accelerate its growth journey in Ireland.

Established in 2012 by Colm McGrath and Jane Brady, Surety Bonds is the only specialist surety broker in Ireland, providing several types of bonds and guarantees, but predominantly performance obligation bonds required for construction contracts. Surety Bonds is an owner-managed business with its head office in Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim. The Surety Bonds team will work closely with Howden Capital, Advisory and Placement’s Surety Division, led by James Souter.

Robert Kennedy, CEO, Howden Ireland, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Colm and his team to Howden. Surety Bonds provides a very specialised service to the construction sector, and this partnership will allow us to expand our service offering to our clients.

This is extremely exciting as the combined scale of Howden, our expertise, and our local office network will drive new business opportunities with insurers and construction clients. We look forward to working with James Souter and the wider Surety team to

bring new solutions to the Irish market.”

Colm McGrath, Founder and Managing Director, Surety Bonds, and occasional columnist with Irish Construction News, commented: “Howden are the perfect strategic fit and, more importantly, a natural fit culturally for our business and clients. This is a significant milestone for us today. Though we will continue to trade as Surety Bonds, becoming part of Howden allows us to better serve our clients with additional offerings bringing exciting growth opportunities.”

James Souter, Head of Surety, Howden Capital, Advisory and Placement, said: “Surety Bonds is a welcome addition to our portfolio. Together, we have a greater combined scale which will enable us to service demand and improve our client offering in new areas. We’re excited to have Colm and his team join Howden, leveraging our collective power to provide outstanding solutions for our clients.”

For more information, visit www. howdengroupholdings.com

STIEBEL ELTRON grows workforce to service Ireland with renewable energy solutions

STIEBEL ELTRON IE has expanded its workforce as it looks to ramp up its operations in Ireland and deliver greener homes across the country.

The move follows the company’s decision to enter the Irish market earlier this year, with the leading supplier of sustainable heating products opening a new regional headquarters in Dublin in January, Increasing the size of its team to five, all of whom are local to Ireland, the growth in employees will help the company drive forward the adoption of renewable heating technologies across the country.

Located at Blanchardstown, the Dublin office’s team, which includes two specification managers and engineers, will be on hand to support customers with their expertise in implementing renewable energy technology in homes across the country.

With global headquarters based in Germany and 26 existing sales operations around the world, STIEBEL ELTRON IE’s Dublin location opened with a range of heat pumps, electric hot water, space heating and ventilation products available for the Irish market.

The company entered the market to galvanise the country’s supply chain and support end consumers, installers, developers, consultants, or architects in utilising renewable heating solutions. Offering local distribution for parts

and products, the Dublin office includes a new showroom fitted out with the latest sustainable heating products, including heat pumps, electric heaters, compact water heaters, and ventilation systems.

As a result, STIEBEL ELTRON IE can supply and implement a range of renewable heating products to customers across the country.

Meanwhile, with expert engineers across the team, the company will provide comprehensive training to the country’s installers, enabling them to easily carry out

and implement projects.

Mark McManus, STIEBEL ELTRON IE Managing Director, said: “Getting the right team in place was crucial to ensuring we can hit the ground running as we look to support Ireland in delivering on its renewable energy ambitions. With each team member locally sourced, they hold in-depth knowledge of the Irish market. We look forward to seeing them drive STIEBEL ELTRON IE’s growth across the country and, in doing so, deliver greener homes across Ireland.”

Colm McGrath, Founder and Managing Director, Surety Bonds.

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