Irish Construction News October November 2023 by Construction News

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October/November 2023

PJ Rudden CSG Innovation & Digital Adoption Subgroup David Browne Architect and #BuildingLife Ambassador

Transforming the future of Irish construction 1

irish construction news Top Contractors 2022 Guaranteed Irish House • Towards Net Zero Awards 2023 • Dornan • Lynskey

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irish construction news M A G A Z I N E

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October/November 2023

NEWS 5

15 NEWS

First annual Careers in Construction Forum focuses on driving female participation 7 New EPA criteria for recycled construction waste create a level playing field for producers 9 Dublin Port Company opens newly redeveloped €127m T4 RoRo freight terminal 9 DLRCC’s Woodside Enniskerry cost rental scheme wins overall prize at the ICSH Awards 11 Leo Lynch announces rebrand as part of strategic UK and European expansion and recruitment drive 11 Off-site pioneer and Century Homes founder Gerry McCaughey dies 15 Michael Hynes appointed CEO of Quintain Ireland 15 Planting of native trees to begin at first Guaranteed Irish Forest

INTERVIEW

17 Transforming the fortunes of Irish construction – PJ Rudden, Chairperson, CSG Innovation and Digital Adoption Subgroup 19 Cross-sector collaboration is the only way to achieve a zero-carbon construction sector – David Browne, RKD Architects, and IGBC #BuildingLife ambassador

19 INTERVIEW

PROJECTS

23 Dornan Engineering uses BIM 3D and in-house D’Prism tool to deliver amended services support solution for client 28 Lynskey Engineering – Prefabricated plant room solution for Park Place office development 32 Frameform Steel Systems and Ballymore Group collaboration on Naas creche

SUSTAINABILITY

28 PROJECTS

34 Delivering net zero carbon buildings – Marion Jammet, Head of Policy & Advocacy, IGBC 38 Towards NetZero Ireland Awards 2023 honour the best in Irish sustainable design and construction 40 Guaranteed Irish Forum puts spotlight on key sustainability challenges for Irish construction 41 Guaranteed Irish House – driving sustainable development and communities across Ireland 42 Guaranteed Irish House Member Profile – Wavin Ireland 44 Supply Chain Sustainability School Ireland to launch in January 2024 46 Better Homes 2023 Preview: Redefining housing for climate challenges 47 Critical skills shortages threatening Ireland’s climate targets 48 Technological University of the Shannon: Pioneering research and development in construction

SECTOR FOCUS

49 Moving towards open digital standards for BIM processes 50 Advancing digital construction policy in Ireland

38 SUSTAINABILITY

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES 51 All the latest products and services news

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E D I TO R I A L

PUBLISHER Foundation Media Ltd 1 Northumberland Place, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin. Tel: +353 (0)1 677 3157 EDITOR Robbie Cousins robbie@foundationmedia.ie DESIGN Joanne Birmingham CONTRIBUTORS Irene Rondini, Marion Jammet, Benny McDonagh PRINTER WG Baird Ltd ADVERTISING SALES Joe Connolly joe@foundationmedai.ie Tel: +353 (0)86 396 6158 ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES To advertise in Irish Construction News or on www.constructionnews.ie, or to request a ratecard or details of promotional opportunities, contact Joe Connolly at joe@foundationmedia.ie CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @constructionnews.ie Linkedin: Constructionnews.ie Facebook: Constructionnews.ie SIGN UP FOR OUR E-NEWSLETTER To get the latest news, articles and offers related to the Irish construction industry to your inbox sign up to our free e-newsletter at www.constructionnews.ie While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this publication is correct, the publisher cannot not accept responsibility for any errors, omissions or discrepancies. Views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The contents of this publication are copyright. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means mechanical, electronic (including photocopying) or digital without the prior consent of the publisher.

From the editor T he latest Housing for All quarterly update (Q3 2023) reports that 22,443 new homes were completed within the first nine months of 2023, with the government confident that the annual target of 29,000 new homes will be surpassed. The positive trend in new home commencements has also continued, with 23,923 homes starting construction in the first nine months of 2023, 14% more than the corresponding period in 2022. Additionally, the first half of this year saw a 3% rise in planning permissions for new homes, with 20,382 homes receiving approval. The Land Development Agency has also managed to progress major housing projects on state lands in Shanganagh, Dublin, and St Kevin’s, Cork, with approval for an additional 2,771 new homes on state-owned property. With Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe soon to commence departmental talks on the €165bn National Development Plan (NDP) to 2030, there are concerns about the impacts of inflationary pressure on projects such as Metro North and national road, rail and cycle projects. The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council is cautioning that a €19bn gap could put pressure on crucial projects. To date, Paschal Donohoe has stood firm against pressures from different departments to augment their immediate capital allocations within the NDP, and he has said capital allocations until 2025 would remain unchanged. So, hard decisions will need to be made regarding upcoming pivotal infrastructure projects. In this issue of Irish Construction News, we speak once again with PJ Rudden, Chair of the CSG’s Innovation and Digital Adoption Subgroup, who discusses the subgroup’s achievements in the past three years, the next steps to modernise Irish construction, and the public expenditure minister’s commitment to delivering the NDP. Architect and former RIAI president David Browne discusses sustainability

in design, the circular economy and the difficult decisions property portfolio owners face on whether to renovate or replace old building stock. We learn who the winners were at the Towards Net Zero Awards 2023, where Paula Kirk, Director and Global Leader of Climate & Sustainability, Arup, picked up the Irish Construction News award for Net Zero Champion. Guaranteed Irish CEO Brid O’Connell and Sustainability Manager Clemence Jamet set out the importance of Irish building materials producers becoming members of Guaranteed Irish House, a sustainable Irish building materials register for specifiers. IGBC Head of Policy & Advocacy Marion Jammet writes about how architects, engineers and builders need to collaborate to deliver zero-carbon buildings and infrastructure, and IGBC’s Irene Rondini previews the IGBC’s Better Homes 2023 conference, taking place on 01 December. In Projects, we look at two M&E projects where value-added engineering solutions delivered greater efficiencies. Dornan Engineering provided a solution after redesigned services loadings exceeded the original secondary steel frame structure capabilities, and a Lynskey Engineering proposal resulted in relocating a basement plant room to roof level on a Dublin City centre office development. 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

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NEWS

First annual Careers in Construction forum focuses on driving female participation

he Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, recently hosted the first annual Construction Sector Skills Forum (CSSF) with experts in the construction sector. The forum aims to boost participation in the construction workforce. This is the first annual event to raise awareness and share ideas across the construction sector to ensure the government reaches its targets under Housing for All. Minister Harris said, “It is vital that the entire sector works together to increase the construction workforce. It is essential to meet Housing for All targets set by the government. We have made significant progress in the past three years. Craft apprenticeship registrations for 2022 and 2021 were 13,254, an increase of almost 40% over the preceding two years. But it is clear there is room for improvement, especially regarding female participation.” Minister Harris added: “I am glad to see the figures improve each year and that around one in 20 construction apprentices are now female, but it is still far too low when you consider there are more than 4,000 apprentices registered on construction programmes. “The numbers are going in the right direction each year, however, and I do

believe that the rollout of modern methods of construction can fundamentally change how women perceive a career in the building industry and that over the coming years, we will see the numbers increase.” Stakeholders such as Skillnet Ireland, the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), Laois-Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB), the National Apprenticeship Office, SOLAS and government officials

will use the forum to network, collaborate, and inform strategic developments for construction skills provision. The National Skills Council is also being reformed following recommendations included in the ‘OECD Skills Strategy Ireland Report’ so that a broader range of stakeholders can play a more significant role in shaping Ireland’s skills strategy policies.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris.

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NEWS

New EPA criteria for recycled construction waste creates a level playing field for producers The Environmental Protection Agency’s publication of the National End-of-Waste Criteria Decision EoW-N001/2023 is intended to support aggregate producers in embracing a more circular economy. It will also help reduce the extraction of natural resources such as rock, sand and gravel.

nd-of-waste is a system that ensures material recycled from waste is safe to be used again as a product. The longawaited publication of the National End-of-Waste Decision EoW-N001/2023 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes criteria determining when recycled aggregate resulting from a recovery operation ceases to be waste. There is a strong demand for recycled aggregates in Ireland to support the development of new infrastructure and reduce the carbon footprint of infrastructure projects. The criteria allow for the replacement of virgin aggregates with recycled aggregates in uses such as general fill, road construction, railway ballast and other non-structural uses. The criteria apply to aggregates recycled from construction and demolition waste, including soil and stone, concrete, bricks, and ceramics. The publication of the criteria creates a level playing field for producers that are recycling demolition waste into aggregates. The criteria will help tackle construction waste, which accounts for 50% of total waste by weight produced in the country –our largest waste stream – and support the development of markets for recycled aggregates. It also provides resolution for some 27 producers awaiting single-case decisions from the EPA regarding end-of-waste criteria. National end-of-waste criteria have a requirement to hold a waste authorisation for the recovery of this waste type and include further requirements on: • The recovery process, • The types of waste that can be used to produce recycled aggregates, • Technical and environmental quality of the recycled aggregate, including associated testing, and • Storage. (A comprehensive description of all criteria can be found on the EPA website at www.epa.ie)

REQUIREMENTS FOR RECYCLED AGGREGATE PRODUCERS

Any producer of recycled aggregates in accordance with these criteria must register as a producer on the EPA’s public register. A producer must hold an appropriate waste authorisation for the recovery activity. The register will enable buyers to confidently choose a registered supplier of quality recycled aggregates. Endof-waste criteria for recycled aggregates will also support national green procurement ambitions. The producer must also report tonnages of recycled aggregates produced per annum every year as part of an annual report for the waste authorisation under which the material is produced.

REDUCING CONSTRUCTION’S CARBON FOOTPRINT Keeping materials in use is one of the fundamental elements of a circular economy. The new criteria support and facilitate increased recycling in the construction, demolition and waste sectors, allowing for the reuse of these resources instead of the extraction of new ones. Recycled aggregate has a lower carbon footprint compared to quarried materials. Quarried stone and sand are carbon intensive

and typically have much higher land, water, and energy use compared to the production of recycled aggregates. Commenting on the criteria, Micheál Lehane, Director, Office of Environmental Sustainability, said, “The publication of national end-of-waste criteria for recycled aggregates is a significant milestone for both the EPA and industry. The criteria will help tackle construction waste, the largest waste stream in the country and support the development of markets for recyclable materials. This is the type of progress that is needed if Ireland is to move in a meaningful way from the linear to the circular economy.”

GREEN PROCUREMENT

End-of-waste criteria for recycled aggregates will support national green procurement ambitions. Warren Phelan, Programme Manager of the EPA’s Circular Economy Programme, commented, “The publication of the criteria shows the EPA’s commitment to streamlining the regulation of secondary products. This represents a shift away from the assessment of case-by-case applications to a national criteria available to all authorised producers. These criteria will introduce a level playing field for industry and a single set of rules that are easy to implement.” The EPA calls on industry and the waste sector now to adopt, implement and build upon the criteria established. Further information on the new criteria can be found on the following webpages, or scan the QR codes www.epa.ie/our-services/licensing/ waste/end-of-waste-art-28/ www.epa.ie/our-services/licensing/waste/ end-of-waste-art-28/end-of-waste-criteriain-ireland/#d.en.103238

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NEWS

Dublin Port Company opens newly redeveloped €127m T4 RoRo freight terminal

ublin Port Company’s (DPC’s) newly redeveloped €127m T4 RoRo freight terminal has been officially opened by Minister of State at the Department of Transport Jack Chambers. Self-financed by DPC and delivered on time and on budget, T4 marks a significant milestone in the delivery of the Alexander Basin Redevelopment (ABR) Project, the first of three major capital development projects under its masterplan to future-proof Dublin port’s cargo handling capacity to 2040. T4 will handle more than 220,000 RoRo units annually, which equates to over onefifth of all RoRo units at Dublin port, based on 2022 volumes and more RoRo freight per annum than any other port in the Republic of Ireland. T4’s capacity comes from 4.1ha of existing port lands having been reconfigured, creating more efficient space for handling European and UK unaccompanied RoRo units. It comes into operation at a time of growing demand for unaccompanied RoRo freight services (goods on trailers transported by ferry without a driver) to and from the Greater Dublin market post-Brexit.

The newly redeveloped €127m T4 RoRo freight terminal at Dublin port. It has also enabled the opening of a new transhipment route to Santander. T4 brings three kilometres of new quay walls into operation, upgrading Victorianera port infrastructure to service direct routes between Dublin and Liverpool/ Heysham by ferry operator Seatruck. The work also involved the demolition of an old jetty, replaced with two best-inclass modern jetties of 270 metres each, which will accommodate the largest ferries measuring 240 metres in length and which have been future-proofed to allow for shore to ship power in the years ahead.

Launching T4, Minister of State Jack Chambers said, “I am delighted to be on-site today for the opening of T4 and to see firsthand the world-class facilities that are in place at Dublin Port. Dublin Port is Ireland’s largest freight and passenger port, handling approximately 51% of national tonnage.” Barry O’Connell, Chief Executive, DPC, said, “Dublin is already one of the most efficient ports in Europe. With T4, we are driving even more efficiencies and facilitating growing customer demand for direct shipping routes between Dublin, the UK and Europe.”

DLRCC’s Woodside Enniskerry cost rental scheme wins overall prize at the ICSH Awards

ún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) was the overall winner at the recent Irish Council for Social Housing Community Housing Awards 2023 for its Woodside cost rental housing scheme in Enniskerry. DLRCC Cathaoirleach Councillor Denis O’Callaghan said, “I am delighted that this unique partnership approach provided an exemplar pilot project paving the way for the expansion of the cost rental scheme programme in Ireland, providing affordable homes and security of tenure for tenants. I look forward to the development of many more cost-rental homes in Dún LaoghaireRathdown.” Built by Duggan Brothers, Woodside is Ireland’s first purpose-built cost-rental development with 50 cost-rental and 105 social homes, which are managed by Respond and Tuath Housing Associations. The homes benefit from high-quality design and landscaping with communal space, all of which were commended by the judges. Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council, commented, “We are delighted to win the ICSH Community Housing overall winner

(L-r): Paddy Gray, Chairperson, Tuath Housing; Niamh Randall, Head of Advocacy and Communications, Respond; Marie McNamara, Development Officer, Tuath Housing; Catherine Keenan, Director of Housing, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council; and James Gleeson, Allianz. award 2023. We would like to recognise the collaborative efforts of the council, Tuath Housing, Respond, the Housing Agency, Housing Finance Agency and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to deliver this innovative project.” DLRCC, Tuath, and Respond all have a strong commitment to providing new homes and housing supports for people who

are unable to meet their accommodation needs through their own means. Delivered alongside traditional social housing, the cost rental homes at Woodside offer a new type of tenure for middle-income earners (net household income below €53,000) who otherwise cannot afford the private rental market and cannot secure social housing supports.

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NEWS

Leo Lynch announces rebrand as part of strategic UK and European expansion and recruitment drive

eo Lynch, the 67-year-old process and mechanical engineering company headquartered in Ireland, has announced a rebrand, including a new corporate identity and core company values. The rebrand arrives at a key strategic moment for Leo Lynch as it announces a major UK and European expansion and recruitment drive. The firm is projecting staff numbers to hit 500 and revenues of €100m by the end of 2025. Philip Smith, Managing Director, Leo Lynch, commented, “This rebrand reflects our ambition to scale with our clients into new markets and to become a leading provider of process and mechanical engineering services across Europe. We have a strong track record of delivering quality, safety, and efficiency on highly specialised projects in high-growth sectors, and we are confident that this rebrand will help drive

Philip Smith, Managing Director, Leo Lynch.

New Leo Lynch logo.

that message at home and overseas.” Staff numbers, currently at 350, are forecasted to grow by over 40% to 500 by the end of 2025. Following an investment from US investment firm Cathexis in 2022, Leo Lynch has positioned itself for growth with investment in people and operations. “We have built up a strong platform for growth, bolstering our teams, systems, and capability to expand into the UK and Europe with existing and new clients”, added Smith. The new Leo Lynch brand is centred around the principle of ‘High-Performance Engineering’. The new logo features a plus sign, which represents the strong connections and relationships that Leo Lynch has built with clients and colleagues since its establishment in 1956. The tagline High-Performance Engineering reflects the company’s commitment to delivering quality, reliability, and innovation at scale. The bold orange colour reflects the energy and dynamism that Leo Lynch people are bringing to the challenge. The rebrand includes a new website, which can be found at www.leolynch.com

Off-site pioneer and Century Homes founder Gerry McCaughey dies

erry McCaughey, a trailblazing figure in off-site construction and the founder of Century Homes passed away peacefully in the USA on 18 October. From Monaghan, in 1989, Gerry co-founded Century Homes with his father Brian, brother Gary and business partner Jim McBride. With him as chief executive, the company evolved from a small Monaghan start-up with four employees into Europe’s largest producer of off-site built structures. During his 17-year tenure at Century, he and his team achieved various industry firsts, including the construction of the first off-site six-story structure and the construction of the UK’s first Level 6 carbon-neutral home. In 2005, Century Homes was acquired by the Kingspan for €98m. Gerry continued as chief executive of Kingspan Century for the following three years. However, with the cessation of house building after the financial crash, he relocated to the United States with his family. At its height, Century employed 650 people across five manufacturing facilities, producing 8,000 units annually for markets in Europe and Asia. In 2007, he was heavily involved in the development of the Lighthouse Project, a zero-carbon house built as a model on the grounds of the Building Research Establishment testing centre in Watford, England. In 2009, he set up Infineco, a construction consulting firm based in Los Angeles that promoted off-site timber frame building in the American market, serving as chief executive of the business for seven years. In 2017, he co-founded Entekra, an off-site house construction company in California, with the goal of replicating his European success in the US off-site building industry. Entekra produced off-site timber frames rather than the more

The late Gerry McCaughey at the opening of his zero-carbon Lighthouse Project in 2007. popular on-site timber frames or ‘stick builds’ in the US. While it delivered pilot houses to many of the top 10 US builders, following a fall-off in house-building, the company encountered difficulties and majority shareholder Louisiana-Pacific announced earlier this year that it was winding down operations. Gerry McCaughey is survived by his wife, Sophie, his four children, his mother, Theresa, and his sister and brother. His father Brian predeceased him.

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The Grant award-winning HVO biofuel compatible boiler range continues to lead the way in contributing towards a greener future across Ireland

or over 45 years Grant’s innovative heating solutions have been helping to address the need to reduce carbon emissions, whilst contributing towards a greener future. The Grant Vortex was one of the first condensing oil boilers on the market and this unique product was the catalyst for a sustained increase in boiler efficiencies throughout the industry and reduced running costs for property owners. The higher efficiencies from these appliances have, over the past two decades, contributed to a reduction in carbon emissions on the island of Ireland amounting to many millions of tonnes. Grant’s award-winning Vortex range can now also be fuelled by a renewable alternative to fossil fuels – 100% HVO biofuel. The range has been recognised by multiple award bodies for its ‘ahead of its time’ innovation, winning the ‘Best Renewable Energy Product’ at the SEAI Energy Show 2022 and a Finalist in the sustainability category at Irish Times Innovation Awards 2021. The Vortex range’s biofuel compatibility is helping prepare properties for the introduction of renewable biofuel blends and the product is the first of its kind within the Irish heating industry. The Grant Vortex range is the most economical heating choice for those working on a heating upgrade project in an already existing property. Upgrading an older boiler to a Grant Vortex condensing boiler will help improve efficiency and reduce carbon emissions by up to 88%. In fact, depending on the age and make of a property’s current boiler, upgrading to a

Grant Vortex could help save over 28%* a year on heating bills. While HVO is a relatively new fuel to Ireland, we are now beginning to see more HVO suppliers come to the island, with a recent announcement of a new facility having just opened in Co Cork by HVO biofuel ‘giant’, Green Biofuels**. This adaptability means that builders can have peace of mind from knowing that when installing a new Grant Vortex condensing boiler it will be suitable for use with biofuel blends whilst still providing the reliability and efficiency that is synonymous with Grant and helping towards the move to a zero-carbon future. The Grant Vortex and Euroflame boiler ranges are available to those in the building and heating trade in twenty-two models with outputs from 15 – 70kW. The Vortex range comes in a range of models including boilerhouse, outdoor, combi and utility variants. Grant’s innovative range of heating technologies continue to drive the heating industry forward towards achieving a zerocarbon future. About the Grant Vortex Condensing boiler range: • Highly efficient SEAI HARP “A” Rating • Available in outputs from 15-70kW • Fully approved to OFTEC Standard and EC directives • Easy Installation • Features a Riello RDB Burner Visit www.grant.ie for more information on Grant’s range of innovative heating

solutions. Follow Grant on Facebook and Twitter @GrantIRL or Instagram @Grant_ IRL. Think Heating. Think Grant. *depending on age and make of boiler ** *https://biofuels-news.com/news/greenbiofuels-officially-opens-new-facility-inireland/

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APPOINTMENTS

Michael Hynes appointed CEO of Quintain Ireland

uintain Ireland has announced that Eddie Byrne, the company’s co-managing partner, is to leave the business and Michael Hynes, who has served as co-managing partner alongside Eddie Byrne, has been appointed CEO of the company. Byrne has played a pivotal role in building the business and ensuring Quintain’s success as one of the country’s leading homebuilders. In a statement released by the Quintain Ireland board, it thanked Eddie Byrne for his service and wished him every success in the future. Michael Hynes co-founded Quintain Ireland in 2019, and, as CEO, will be responsible for delivering on the company’s vision to become Ireland’s leading and most sustainable house builder. He has worked extensively in property development throughout his career, working on a variety of projects, including mixed-use neighbourhoods with more than 5,000 homes. Commenting on his appointment, Michael Hynes said, “On behalf of the board and all our colleagues at Quintain Ireland, I would like to thank Eddie for his leadership,

Michael Hynes, Chief Executive, Quintain Ireland. support and professionalism. Eddie was instrumental in developing Quintain Ireland

into one of Ireland’s largest homebuilders and always sought to deliver vibrant and well-served communities in addition to new homes. As chief executive, I will seek to ensure the company continues to deliver on this vision, and I look forward to working with our great team to deliver further growth.” Eddie Byrne, commented, “I would like to take this opportunity to wish Michael and everyone at Quintain Ireland the very best for the future. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the company, and I am very proud of all that we achieved. At a time of great need for both housing and new, well-served communities in Ireland, I am confident that Quintain will continue to thrive under Michael’s leadership. I would like to thank all of my former colleagues for their work over the years.” As part of the managerial changes, Quintain Ireland has also announced the appointment of Jeremy O’Sullivan as chief financial officer (CFO). He joined Quintain Ireland as director of finance in 2019 and has played a pivotal role in the funding and operations of the business in Ireland.

Planting of native trees to begin at first Guaranteed Irish Forest

nclaved at the border of counties Mayo, Sligo and Roscommon, Guaranteed Irish has secured a site for its first-ever forest of native Irish trees. The 20-hectare site in Cloonakillina in Co Mayo is at a scenic location. With native trees growing in the hedgerows, the site overlooks Cloonakillina Lough and is bordered to the southeast by the Clooneen river. Subject to final afforestation licensing, 16 hectares of the site will be planted with native Irish tree saplings. This initiative is part of Guaranteed Irish commitment to encourage climate action engagement, increase biodiversity and

improve public health and wellbeing. Guaranteed Irish members show commitment with businesses based in Ireland providing quality jobs while supporting the local community. The Guaranteed Irish Forest initiative aligns with the values of business members in creating employment for forestry upkeep and maintenance, benefitting a local community with access to a new amenity, and contributing to the national native Irish forestry targets. In the raised, drier areas of the site, Scots pine, oak, hazel and birch will be planted, while more water-tolerant species, such as

L to r: Bríd O’Connell, CEO, Guaranteed Irish; Hedda Dick, Outreach Manager, The Nature Trust; Clémence Jamet, Sustainability Manager, Guaranteed Irish; and Ciarán Fallon, Managing Director, The Nature Trust.

alder and willow, will be planted in lower wetter areas. In time, these trees will grow and create a beautiful, biodiverse native woodland, which will be a home for many bird and animal species and be a public place for people to relax, learn and connect with nature. The project is conducted in partnership with The Nature Trust, a not-for-profit company backed by Coillte, whose mission is to plant open-access woodlands and restore natural habitats in Ireland. The Nature Trust will be working closely with local forestry companies to plant the forest over a threeyear period. Clemence Jamet, Sustainability Manager, Guaranteed Irish, commented, “Guaranteed Irish is delighted to take this significant step in realising our commitment to Ireland’s environment and its people. This forest of native Irish trees will be a living testament to the power of collective action for a sustainable future.” Planting on the site will commence soon and continue over a three-year period. This biodiversity project is supported by a group of Guaranteed Irish members – Wavin, Homevalue, Cedral, Kaymed, and Kingscourt Brick.

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INTERVIEW

PJ Rudden, Chair, CSG Innovation and Digital Adoption Subgroup.

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INTERVIEW

Transforming the future of Irish construction PJ Rudden, Chairperson, CSG Innovation and Digital Adoption Subgroup, speaks with ROBBIE COUSINS about the long-term impacts for Irish construction of the changes that have resulted from the work of the subgroup.

t has been three years since the Construction Sector Group (CSG) Innovation and Digital Adoption Subgroup was established in September 2020. The previous year, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER, now called PENDR) commissioned the report. Economic analysis of productivity in the Irish construction sector, prepared by KPMG/Future Analytics. The report set out seven priority actions that needed to be implemented if the NDP was to be delivered. These actions were seen as being critical to the modernisation of the Irish construction industry, bringing it on par with more efficient sectors, such as electronics and manufacturing.

THE INNOVATION AND DIGITAL ADOPTION SUBGROUP

Following the report’s publication, the Construction Sector Group (CSG), comprising government and industry representatives, set up the Innovation and Digital Adoption Subgroup to implement the seven priority actions. The CSG appointed PJ Rudden, former president of Engineers Ireland, as chairperson of the subgroup to oversee the implementation of the actions. The seven priority actions are: 1. Establish construction research needs 2. Identify funding sources for future innovation, eg circular economy in construction (Sustainability) 3. Guide the development of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) 4. Establish a Construction Technology Centre (CTC) as a national research centre of excellence 5. Establish a digital network under the Construction Professional Skillnet Ireland 6. Digitise the planning permission application system 7. Establish and fund a Build Digital Project (BDP) for BIM and digital adoption PJ Rudden is in a reflective mood as we speak, explaining that the subgroup’s achievements would not have been possible if a number of factors and people had not

come together at the same time. He says it is important to set the scene for what led to the work being carried out. “Looking back at the subgroup now, it is a remarkable achievement involving some 300 highly motivated and capable people from across stakeholders in the construction sector, who all collaborated to get the work done. “But before addressing that and what the next steps might be, I want to quickly summarise the circumstances that led to this point.”

to suddenly deliver on the then €116bn, later €165bn, worth of infrastructure and housing targeted in the NDP. “It should be noted that the 2018 €116bn programme was a bold statement of ambition from the government. But the government also realised that there was no way it could have an NDP in this detail with such a large investment budget without at the same time setting up a new relationship with the construction industry, one that hadn’t existed previously.”

WE NEED A PLAN

PJ Rudden explains that another government intervention saw him appointed to the Project Ireland 2040 Delivery Board for the NDP earlier last year. This meant that he was able to take a twin-track approach, further removing the silos that had previously held progress back. “The NDP Delivery Board was reconfigured by the then DPER Minister Michael McGrath, who brought in some new faces from the private sector. Earlier this year, his successor as minister, Paschal Donohoe, reduced the board to eight people comprising five new industry people and three secretary generals as well as the minister as chair.” He adds that Minister Donohoe said at the time that he was keen to get the views of the membership of the group, particularly in recommending reforms to boost NDP delivery, and that was why he took the step of personally chairing the delivery board to drive project delivery. “As chair of the delivery board, the minister asked what needed to be done to further accelerate the NDP. The board agreed that planning, digital and skills were particular issues to be addressed. We all hope that recent changes to the new Planning and Development Bill, currently before the Oireachtas, will help to speed up planning decisions and reduce the number of appeals. “The minister has since announced that Building Information Modelling (BIM) would be mandated for projects over €100m from January 2024. “His chairing of the NDP Delivery Group has resulted in a real boost to the pace

Rudden explains as a prologue that around 2012, when he and other consultants/ contractors had to chase work in the UK because the industry was on its knees here, they were shocked to learn that there was a government mandate for them to be operating at BIM level 2 to be considered for public sector contracts. “While the industry in Ireland had stood still, the rest of the world was moving forward. But we realised that Ireland would have to follow suit, as within a few years, the same scenario would be happening in here. And it did happen; driven by the tier-1 contractors, BIM became a key project tool on all large projects in Ireland. But we knew from that time on, if the Irish sector was to lift itself and achieve any momentum, it would need to modernise, and when I say modernise, I mean completely change how it did its business.” The National Development Plan 20182027, published in 2018, set out the government’s investment priorities to underpin the implementation of a National Planning Framework 2040. These two programmes combined to form Project Ireland 2040. The CSG was established in 2018 to facilitate regular and open dialogue between the government and the construction sector and to identify areas for action to ensure the success of the NDP. PJ Rudden continues, “With the establishment of the CSG, the government recognised that the construction industry was broken and couldn’t have been expected

PROJECT IRELAND 2040 DELIVERY BOARD

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INTERVIEW of change. The department’s name was also changed to the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform to reflect the increased focus on NDP delivery.”

BIM ADOPTION

Discussing BIM, PJ Rudden notes that the sector has reached a point where it is, for the most part, comfortable working with BIM levels 2 and 3, but it needs to move quickly to BIM 3D and through the other levels to BIM 7D Operational BIM. We then need to get to the point of being comfortable at levels 6 and 7 on embedded and operational BIM, particularly with the challenges we face in reducing carbon emissions where we have to reduce our emissions by 50% by 2030.” He adds, “Further to the BIM mandate from January, when the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) looks at tenders, in addition to quality and costs, they will examine the embodied carbon and the usage of cement and concrete with a bias towards lower embodied carbon. Getting to BIM levels 6 and 7 will be essential to reduce carbon emissions of buildings and infrastructure, both embedded and operational carbon, to conform with the 2023 Climate Action Plan.”

THE SEVEN PRIORITY ACTIONS

Returning to the delivery of the seven actions, PJ Rudden is delighted about how the industry has collaborated and delivered over the past three years. He comments, “Work on the seven actions has been running in parallel. As I am now on the NDP Delivery Board, this gives us far more firepower than we previously had. We are now not just a subgroup of the CSG; we are, at the same time, delivering on the seven priority actions in parallel with the objectives of the NDP Delivery Board. “Action 1, ‘Establish construction research needs’, feeds into Action 4, ‘The establishment of Construct Innovate, the Construction Technology Centre’ by Enterprise Ireland. “Construct Innovate, led by the University of Galway, now has 44 member companies and is funding research with initial priority on housing, with all the technological and academic universities being brought in to collaborate with industry. “Action 2, ‘Sustainability’, has its committee about to publish a muchanticipated circular-economy roadmap for construction, which will also become the national roadmap, endorsed and facilitated by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications. “Action 3, ‘Prepare a guide for MMC’: The Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment headed up this work. It prepared a report on where the MMC sector was at and where it needed to go.

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“The department is now implementing an MMC roadmap developed from the first piece of work and looking at the whole area of materials testing, compliance and standards to give quality assurances that weren’t there previously. A new MMC Division in the NSAI now oversees Agrement certifications for MMC systems. “The roadmap includes the creation of MMC demonstration parks. I am delighted that Laois Offaly ETB has already built an MMC Demonstration Park in the Mount Lucas Training Centre. I would like to see this model expanded with further demonstration parks across the country. “Action 5, the ‘Digital Skills Network’, is progressing under the Construction Professional Skillnet, which now offers Level 7 BIM courses to everyone interested in the sector. “Action 6 is ‘ePlanning’. Every local authority will accept digital planning submissions by the end of next June. It should be noted that by the end of this year, 37 local authorities will be at this stage with only six counties to go, including the larger Dublin and Cork local authorities. “Action 7 is Build Digital Project led by TU Dublin, and much has been achieved here with international links established. This unit is now collaborating with the OGP to prepare for the BIM Mandate from 01 January 2024. TU Dublin is now being paired with a new partner, the Grangegorman Development Authority, which is expected to accelerate performance based on its experience of digital construction.”

NO ONE LEFT BEHIND

Summing it up, PJ Rudden comments, “You might ask why this wasn’t done before this. And the answer is, ‘We simply did not have the manpower, skills or ambition to do the things that needed to be done to fix construction in Ireland. But we now have those skills and experience. We now have far more experienced people in our industry, and nobody can be left behind. “We have been able to rebuild the construction industry engine, and we’re now applying that reconditioned engine to accelerating housing and infrastructure roll-out. “The government’s goal has been to remove key constraints on the delivery of NDP projects, in terms of resourcing, the planning system, and increasing the capacity of public sector bodies in a leadership role. It is bringing the private sector with it to deliver the plan and, in the process, expanding our digital technology skills, building housing more quickly, and addressing skills deficiencies in the public and private sectors. “We have put the machinery in place to achieve this. And it is essential to understand

that this has been done with the intention of taking everyone along on the journey. Remember, 95% of the industry are SMEs, who are already embedded in major contract work. So many of them know what they need to upskill on, and for those that don’t, they will have the support to start their digital transition journey.”

END TO BOOM-BUST

So, will this bring an end to the boom-bust cycles of the past? Rudden comments, “We have a national housing and infrastructure budget of €165bn ringfenced for a 10-year period, and this will have to be supplemented in the next decade. The industry is now assimilating all the skills it needs to deliver in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. “From the time the Housing for All strategy was published, there was a real cross-departmental push to make this happen. Several government departments are playing key roles, one example being the Department of Further and Higher Education and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment working together to ensure that future skills needs will be met. He continues, “2040 is nearly only 15 years away. The government has shown its commitment to supporting the delivery plan, and I do not expect this to change regardless of what happens in the future.”

THE TWO FUTURE DRIVING FORCES

PJ Rudden says that the speed at which the sector as a whole can adopt and incorporate BIM and MMC into its operations will be telling. “The two driving forces of the NDP in the future will be BIM and MMC. If you have digital design transferring over to digital construction, you’re taking it off-site and away from poor weather and ground conditions into office and factory environments. “Another part of this conversation has been the need and push to greatly improve gender balance. Moving work offsite into factories, offices, and studios will mean that there will be a minimum number of people on site, making them safer. “With more skilled people working under controlled factory conditions in large offsite facilities using digital tools and skills they have learned, quality and efficiency will be greatly improved. It will also make construction a much more attractive career choice for more men and women.” He closes by saying, “There is no doubt that construction is changing. With the modernisation and the innovations happening now, I am sure it will become an even more exciting place for young people to pursue life-long, stimulating and rewarding careers,” PJ Rudden concludes.

INTERVIEW David Browne, RKD Architects and #BuildingLife, Ambassador.

Cross-sector collaboration is the only way to achieve a zero-carbon construction sector David Browne, Director, RKD Architects, and IGBC #BuildingLife ambassador, speaks with ROBBIE COUSINS about what he sees as the critical factors needed to bring about a zero-carbon construction sector by 2050.

former president of the Royal Institute of the Architects in Ireland, David Browne is one of Ireland’s most respected architects and has been at the forefront of the country’s construction industry for several decades. His ability to see the big picture and bring a collaborative approach to initiatives he is engaged in has made him one of the industry’s go-to people when it comes to effecting change in the sector. The Irish Green Building Council’s (IGBC’s) ‘Building a Zero Carbon Ireland: A Roadmap to decarbonise Ireland’s Built Environment across its Whole Life Cycle’

report presents a set of recommendations to halve our sector emissions by 2030 and to decarbonise Ireland’s built environment by 2050. The IGBC established the #BuildingLife campaign to promote this roadmap. As part of the campaign, a number of #BuildingLife ambassadors from across the construction sector were appointed to promote and agitate for the adoption of the roadmap within their individual fields. David Browne was one of the first ambassadors to be appointed, and he fully endorses the roadmap goals and the IGBC’s call for a collaborative approach to addressing the environmental impacts of

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INTERVIEW buildings across their lifecycles. He heads up the Sustainability Committee of the influential Construction Sector Group’s Innovation and Digital Adoption Subgroup. He is also the chairperson of Irish Cities 2070, a group of architects and other building professionals looking to create a long-term vision of urban design and urban policy in Ireland.

#BUILDINGLIFE CAMPAIGN

Discussing the IGBC #BuildingLife campaign, he says his involvement came about because he saw it as a great opportunity to address the environmental impacts of buildings across their lifecycle, something he adds that there has been much talk about but little transformative change until recently. “I supported what the IGBC was trying to achieve with the #BuildingLife campaign when I first heard about it,” David Browne comments. “Collaborating to develop a roadmap and tools to reach carbon neutrality in the built environment by 2050 will be essential if we are to realise net-zero building. There has been huge innovation in this field in Ireland. But we need greater collaboration between the public and private sectors to deliver it at the scale necessary to address Ireland’s climate change commitments meaningfully. We must all act urgently, consistently and together to solve this problem. That is why I fully endorse the #BuildingLife campaign and am delighted to see the calibre of the other people and organisations supporting it.”

CSG INNOVATION AND DIGITAL ADOPTION SUBGROUP

From 2020, David Browne played a key role in the CSG Innovation and Digital Adoption Subgroup, being appointed chair of the Sustainability Committee. He says that the subgroup has made remarkable progress in the three years since its establishment, with stakeholders drawn from across the spectrum of private and public stakeholders. “At the moment, I chair the Sustainability Committee of the CSG Innovation and Digital Adoption Subgroup, and we are in the final stages of producing a document called ‘Guidance towards the circular economy for the Irish construction sector’. “Construction and demolition have a huge impact within Ireland. Thirty-seven per cent of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Ireland are from buildings. This breaks down 23% from operational emissions associated with the energy required to heat, cool and light our buildings, and 14% is accounted for by the embodied carbon that goes into constructing the buildings. “It should be noted that 50% of all material extraction, 33% of all potable water use, and 50% of total waste by weight are all currently generated by construction and

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Dublin office building, after assessment, being expanded rather than demolished and replaced. demolition activities. And 82% of this waste is backfilled, 10% is sent for disposal, and only 8% is recycled. This is all according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Waste Statistics Summary Report for 2021.” David Browne comments that, overall, the achievements of the Innovation Subgroup to date have been outstanding. “We now have an MMC demonstration park is underway in Mount Lucas, Co Offaly; Construct Innovate centred in Galway University; Build Digital centred in TU Dublin, and a Digital Construction Training Skillnet. These will drive innovation, more efficient construction, new learning and digital adoption across the sector in the coming years. I am also delighted that due to the subgroup’s oversight work, the last few outlier local authorities should accept digital planning submissions by June next year.”

SUSTAINABILITY IN ACTION

David Browne contends that there is a compelling argument to move away from a linear to a circular economy and huge opportunities for construction to reduce its carbon footprint by doing this. He explains, “We need to design for less waste with more reuse and make existing building and infrastructure stock more circular through renovation and adaptation to maximise their asset value and extending their functional life, and through designing new buildings and infrastructure to be as circular as possible.” Browne adds that while there has been much discussion around sustainability and circularity over the years, it is only recently that both are coming into the mainstream. He believes, in part, this has been driven by the growth of foreign direct investment (FDI) clients, as well as through the work of many Irish people in the built environment sector, public, private and academic areas, not least the IGBC.

RKD Architects, where he is a director and has worked all of his career, was one of the first practices in the country to incorporate BREEAM and LEED into its operations as far back as 2006. “In 2006, when RKD first started offering LEED and BREEAM services to its clients, it was seen as a novelty. It is now the norm for commercial, residential and many public sector buildings. Tech companies, industrialists and other FDI clients have been driving change to meet their ESG requirements. The embodied carbon emissions associated with the production of building materials and the construction of buildings as well as optimising design for sustainability are finally under the microscope, and this is a welcome fact.” Referring again to the #BuildingLife campaign, he says that it has helped raise awareness about these issues, with the industry and its clients talking and now, in many cases, embedding sustainability at all stages of a building’s life, from design to planning, construction, use and disposal, and, hopefully, in the near future, retrofit and reuse. “At RKD, we are targeting to achieve a carbon-neutral workplace by 2030, and we are helping to improve the sustainability capabilities of our staff. For example, we recently published a playbook of sustainability actions to be taken at every building design stage. We are also committed to driving this ambition with our clients. “We have developed an early design performance analysis workflow and are working towards a new post-occupancy evaluation service offer. This is to expand our services as sustainability consultants and ensure optimal value for our clients.” Recent work by RKD’s research team includes ‘Eco-design for Sustainable Products’, ‘Embodied Carbon’ in collaboration with UCD, ‘Designing Manufacturing Plants of the Future’,

INTERVIEW ‘Designing for Circularity and Green Public Procurement for Cement and Concrete’.

IRISH CITIES 2070 INITIATIVE

As chair of Irish Cities 2070, David Browne is working with architects and other building professionals to create a long-term vision of urban design and urban policy in Ireland, testing options that link livelihood with liveability for Irish cities of different scales to thrive. “We want to explore the spatial implications of policy on urban areas, set out highly practical actions, and underline the value of evidence-based decisions to achieve sustainable placemaking. Last year, we completed a study of Galway city to imagine its sustainable and liveable long-term urban future. “With the Galway city study, we’ve looked at a do-nothing scenario in which Galway’s footprint would double between now and 2070. We then demonstrated that there’s enough land within the existing city boundaries to enable its capacity to expand to accommodate a tripling of its population. So that would be moving the population from its current 80,000 to about 250,000 accommodated within the existing city boundaries using somewhat more dense development, generally three to four storeys in suburban areas and six to eight in areas close to the city centre. “The reality for the country is that we’ve got to do this. At a macro level, this has huge potential in terms of saving energy, reducing materials usage and improving the way people live.” “The Galway study has now been taken on board by the Greater Galway Forum, a body focused on long-term strategic thinking and planning for the region. “Whereas our report is a spatial and environmental study, the Greater Galway Forum is adding a cultural, social and economic study to this with a view to using the combined studies as a blueprint for the development of Galway over the next 50 or so years.”

STRANDED ASSETS

David Browne says that recently, some owners focused on their ESG commitments are concerned about the vulnerability of older building stock in their portfolio to become stranded assets. “Clients with large building portfolios, much of which was constructed between the 60s and 90s, are particularly concerned as the standards to which they were built fall far short of today’s requirements. RKD has been working with some owners to assess their building portfolios and what, if anything, can be done to bring them up to current standards. “To this end, we take a 60-year view of a building in terms of its energy performance and adaptability to inform the renovate or

demolish question. “One instance in which this approach has been successful is a well-known office building near Dublin city centre. The client wanted to put the building to better use. The then 8,500 sq-metre building had the potential to be increased to 17,000 sq metres. We assessed if it would be more viable to build on to the original building or demolish it and rebuild a completely new complex. “Although it was marginal, after assessment, we concluded that as the building had a 100mm nonstructural screen, the floor-to-floor height was adequate to facilitate modern services being installed. In addition, the cores designed in the ‘70s were compliant with current standards. “The building was remodelled and doubled in size with the additional 8,500-sq-metre new build. In addition to the new services installation, the original cladding was replaced with a modern energy-efficient system. By doing this, there was a saving of about 40% on the new build, which was a crucial factor in keeping the building.” He adds that while some buildings can be adapted, many more would not facilitate a modern fit-out and need to be demolished and replaced, commenting, “The preponderance now is moving much more towards trying to keep buildings. It is worth recalling that we have the ultimate reusable buildings with our Georgian building stock, most of which survived up to three centuries and are still being adapted for new purposes.”

CIRCULAR THINKING

David Browne believes all new buildings should be designed and planned to be as circular as possible. “Linear thinking is to take, make, use, and dispose of the asset. This thinking was at play with many buildings constructed in the second half of the twentieth century. “With circular thinking, we are enabling, no, ensuring reuse and working in a way that makes the most of all materials throughout a building’s life and beyond. There is great potential in this way of thinking. We’ve taken the first step on the journey. But there is a considerable amount of work to be done. Through the work of the CSG Innovation Group and IGBC, we are looking at more practical ways to make our building and infrastructure stock circular, but there is a long way to go. “For example, at the moment, if you want to exchange materials, there isn’t a comprehensive digital platform where you can access information on what’s available to

exchange. A further difficulty, for example, will be how to assess the fitness-for-purpose of a large aluminium and glass facade taken from an older building for reuse on another. Also, there is little or no physical infrastructure for storing and exchanging materials for reuse. We need to address these issues.” He closes by giving an operational example that has facilitated and encouraged sustainable thinking in the Netherlands. “At Schiphol Airport outside Amsterdam, all the light fittings are leased to the airport. This means that the supplier takes responsibility for maintaining light levels within airport buildings and benefits from providing sustainable, suitable light fittings and ensuring they operate and have long-life lamps. “In Ireland, we need to look at all elements of our buildings through a circularity lens. Remember, the energy required to operate buildings accounts for 23% of all GHG emissions. The potential impacts of changing how we view the operation of buildings are enormous. “The Irish construction industry has shown itself to be a leader in managing change and addressing major challenges in recent years. Given what has been achieved through taking a collaborative approach to sustainability and circularity, I am confident we are on the road to halving our sector emissions, although it will be a real challenge to achieve this by 2030 and decarbonising our built environment by 2050 will need a great deal of new thinking and approaches across the construction sector. There is a lot of work to be done, particularly in the short term, and collaboration is key to achieving these goals,” David Browne concludes.

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PROJECTS

Drop rod installation for the suspended lattice frame.

Dornan Engineering uses BIM 3D and in-house D’Prism tool to deliver amended services support solution for client Dornan Engineering was appointed to complete the mechanical services installation at a new manufacturing facility on a greenfield site for a private client.

n a project in Ireland, Dornan Engineering was tasked with finding a suitable multi-service suspended support system to facilitate amended mechanical and electrical services within a suspended ceiling system. Engagement between the design team and other project stakeholders resulted in a multi-service suspended lattice-support frame system solution being devised.

DESIGN CHANGE ISSUES

During the early contractor involvement (ECI) period, in which Dornan engaged, an issue arose where, due to a revised fit-out application, the redesigned services and architectural loadings exceeded the original secondary steel frame structure capabilities. As lead coordinator, Dornan was briefed by the client to pursue a support system over the production and laboratory areas to support the services to include sprinkler,

mechanical, electrical and suspended ceiling system incorporating light fittings, HVAC (HEPA) filters and ancillary process components.

SUSPENDED LATTICE FRAME SUPPORT SYSTEM

Dornan’s design team explored various support options with the client, design team and fit-out contractor before concluding that a suspended lattice frame support system

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PROJECTS overall coordinated 3D BIM model for the project. The mechanical, electrical and sprinkler services were then adjusted and coordinated to suit the new lattice support system. This activity was overseen by the Dornan Engineering BIM team as the lead coordinator for the project. Dornan used BIM 360 as a tool to help the process.

THE BENEFITS

Lattice beam installation. would be the best fit for the project. This lattice system would be suspended from the building’s primary structural frame six metres above the level of the lattice beam frame. Dornan proceeded to engage its structural engineer to carry out detailed design, working closely with the Dornan BIM team based in its Cork office.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

Design commenced in Production Hall 2 to suit the construction programme. There were several challenges to be resolved. Firstly, the structural portal frames, from which the suspended lattice frame was to be suspended, were at eight-metre centres. The maximum permissible load for the roof structure was 0.75 KN/M2, which designers had to take into consideration. The lattice system also had to be

3D model view of lattice frame system.

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coordinated with the lighting and HEPA filter arrangement within the finished ceiling layout of the production hall. In addition, the brief called for the design of a cost-effective multi-service secondary support solution.

DESIGN AND COLLABORATION

A bespoke bracket detail was designed to connect the lattice support system to the building’s structural steel portals. This bracket consisted of a 12mm flat plate clamped to the structural steel with high slip resistance clamps. A threaded rod was then connected to the bracket and suspended at six metres above floor level to connect to the lattice, beams which were located just above ceiling level. Once the design of the lattice support system was completed, it was added to the

The lattice support system solution resulted in many benefits for the project. One of these was the timeframe from the initial concept to the commencement of installation of the lattice support frame on site, which was five months. This was a speedy delivery and was critical to the project as it provided support to all the mechanical, electrical, low-level sprinkler systems and the suspended ceiling system. The was achieved due to the collaborative approach taken by all of the project stakeholders, with design workshops as necessary. The timeframe included initial structural design calculations, compatibility as a finished product for the client, structural analysis, calculation of service loads for mechanical, electrical services, sprinkler services and suspended ceiling system, full structural design including all calculations for each component of the suspended lattice frame support ssystem, and procurement of the lattice beam components. The lattice frame support system, which was installed at a level between the finished ceiling in the production area and the mechanical and electrical services, also eliminated the need for additional threaded drop rods to support M&E services, as would be common with a conventional bracketry system. The lattice support system also provided

Detail of bracket connection to structural steel.

PROJECTS

The lattice support system installation supporting mechanical, electrical and sprinkler services. a value-added cost solution compared to a structural steel support system.

INSTALLATION SEQUENCE

Installation commenced with the bespoke bracket fitting to the structural steel at a high level. The lattice support system was on the critical path of the project as it provided support for all M&E and low-level sprinkler systems above the production areas. Progress of the installation was monitored closely by the Dornan construction team and Dornan project planner to ensure it was constructed in line with the construction schedule managed by Dornan’s in-house planning tool, D’Prism. The setting out of this activity had to be carried out with extreme care and accuracy.

This was aided by both the on-site Dornan Engineering team and the Dornan BIM engineering team. Once the drop rod installation was complete, the lattice beam installation commenced at a low level, finishing off with bracing of the lattice beams. The nature of the lattice beam support system assembly meant there was no cutting or welding on site. The assembly replicated a ‘Lego-style’ assembly, also providing flexibility to change if necessary due to its grid-type nature.

D’PRISM PROJECT MANAGEMENT Dornan Engineering’s proprietary D’Prism cloud-based project management software facilitates remote working and project

progression. D’Prism measures progress on a site and incorporates tools for QC and testing, providing accuracy for ordering, preventing human error and bringing greater cost certainty and control of components into the projects. Augmented reality technologies are also used by Dornan to show what will be fabricated, and then on project completion, photographic records are used to compare installations to their digital twins. Dornan’s investment in modern off-site manufacturing facilities enables modules to be fabricated in controlled environments before being shipped to sites, reducing construction workforce requirements and improving overall quality and safety.

3D view showing lattice support system with M&E services.

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WORKSPACES THAT COMBINE QUALITY AND COMFORT

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PROJECTS

Rooftop plantroom at 4 Park Place Dublin 2 (centre right).

Lynskey Engineering – Prefabricated plantroom solution for Park Place office development On a Park Place, Dublin, office development, a design review by Lynskey Engineering with other project stakeholders resulted in the engineering firm proposing to relocate a planned basement plantroom to roof level. The move delivered a value-added engineering solution for the overall project.

ynskey Engineering was appointed to complete the mechanical services installation at 4 Park Place, Dublin 2, in 2019. In order to deliver the best value for the client, various value engineering options were explored and discussed. The building was initially planned to be an eight-floor office space, with a primary heating and cooling distribution plantroom in the basement and chillers to be located on the roof. As the project design developed, a further two floors were added. Primary heating and cooling distribution systems were originally to be installed at the beginning of the construction programme in a basement plantroom, with the building to be constructed above it. The large pipework connecting the chillers on the roof and the distribution system in the basement were to be installed in service risers connecting the roof and basement. The early delivery of these plant items put them on the critical path and allowed minimal time for design review and coordination of the plant areas. As these systems are a major building component, this early delivery was considered a considerable risk. Upon review, the Lynskey Engineering team believed there would be sufficient merit to consider relocating the heating and cooling distribution plantroom to the roof.

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BENEFITS OF RELOCATING THE PLANTROOM

There were several benefits to following this course of action. Removing the large primary chilled water pipework from the service risers between the roof and the basement would mean they would be contained at roof level between the roof-mounted chillers and the roof plantroom. This would reduce the pumping power required between the chillers and plantroom. The new location would also reduce the congestion of services in the riser shafts, releasing the original plantroom space in the basement and making better use of the available space on the roof. As with most projects of this type, it was important to maximise the lettable floor area and provide the most efficient services solutions. The relocation of the plantroom to the roof also allowed for the coordination of BIM processes for the plantroom systems to develop in parallel with the rest of the building, thus facilitating design changes which may have impacted the primary plant being absorbed as part of the normal coordination process. For example, the addition of the two floors could have been problematic if the plantroom had originally been placed in the basement.

PROJECTS ISSUES AROUND RELOCATING THE PLANTROOM TO ROOF LEVEL

However, there were also significant potential issues associated with such a radical change, primarily the time required to construct and fit out the plantroom on the top of the building at the end of the construction sequence. There were also planning restrictions, which meant that any plantroom on the roof would have to be constructed under a particular height. A significant drawback to relocating the plantroom to the roof was the potential impact on programme. This change would typically mean that major plantroom installation works could only start once the entire building structure was completed, adding to the overall project duration.

OFF-SITE FABRICATION SOLUTION

While evaluating the merits of such a design change, the Lynskey Engineering design team explored the option of off-site fabrication of the cooling distribution and heating plantroom. It was expected that such a solution could solve the numerous design and construction challenges posed by the relocation of the plantroom to the roof level. Off-site fabrication would also improve the quality of the installation as pipe preparation and welding would be completed in a clean indoor factory setting and remove the challenges typically associated with construction sites. For example, the safe moving of large and heavy pieces of equipment or pipework can be more easily managed in a factory as lifting facilities such as gantry cranes are used extensively. A major benefit of such an option would be to remove or, at the very least, minimise the programme impact of relocating the cooling distribution and heating plantroom to the roof by having the plantroom fabricated and ready-to-be-lifted to the roof as soon as the structure was at a stage to receive it, with a much shorter fit-out time required. The factory production of the plantroom would allow this element of work to progress in advance of the structure being completed, removing the plantroom construction from the project’s critical path. This would also mean that the plantroom fabrication could progress independently of the overall construction programme. Additionally, off-site fabrication of the plantroom meant that the mechanical equipment could be installed in a more compact configuration matching the BIM model.

Before a decision could be made, the following questions had to be answered. How much space would be available during construction to stage materials, store and fabricate pipework and equipment deliveries? How long would the construction of the roof plantroom structure take before the mechanical and electrical services work in the plantroom could start in earnest? How would safe access be provided for plant, materials and operatives? How would heavy plant and pipework be manoeuvred and positioned on the roof and into the plantroom? The simple practicalities of construction operatives having to climb at least 10 floors with their tools to reach their work zone, as well as having the materials and resources they required in place each day, would have added considerably to the construction duration of a traditionally built plantroom. The actual space on the roof was limited and was split into a few different zones on differing levels. It was felt that it would be very challenging to provide construction and storage areas, access routes, and landing area for the crane to drop materials and plant in the space provided while undertaking construction work on the roof. While the off-site fabrication of the plantroom would solve a number of practical site problems, it would present its own unique challenges, primarily the delivery and positioning of the plantroom itself, from the factory setting to the construction site.

LOGISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Several pertinent questions had to be examined and discussed between the Lynskey Engineering team and the project construction team to fully understand the practicalities of both construction options. A major consideration to explore was how a plantroom would be built on the roof using traditional methods. This was crucial to understand if the off-site fabrication was going to be beneficial to the project from a cost and construction time point of view.

The first design consideration was to ensure that the plantroom was planned so it could be delivered on a truck, ideally in two sections. The design of the plantroom structure had to ensure it was suitable to be constructed in two separate pieces and that each individual piece could be lifted by a crane with plant and equipment to the roof of the building. The plantroom, which included gas-fired boilers, heating pumps, pressurisation vessels, chilled water distribution pumps and the building management system control panels necessary to operate and control each of these systems, was constructed in two sections and had to be configured so that each pipe section crossing the divide between the sections was easily separated and joined back together at flanged connections. The two parts of the plantroom were then to be lifted by the tower crane on site into position and, therefore, had to be below a particular design weight. This meant that some items of plant and pipework had to be demountable so they could be lifted separately to the roof. The logistics of delivering the two plantroom pieces had to be carefully planned, they had to be brought into the construction site from Adelaide Road, negotiating the large plantroom piece through the scaffold system into the internal yard to be lifted carefully between the buildings. As the proposed delivery route had to cross the live Luas line, the delivery was undertaken at night, following a specific traffic management plan.

BIM render of the plantroom located on the roof.

Plantroom Section being reversed into the internal yard from Adelaide Road.

COLLABORATIVE APPROACH

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PROJECTS

Lifting equipment being prepared in the internal courtyard.

INSTALLATION

Once the crane had lifted the plantroom sections to the roof, they then had to be carefully positioned to match the structural supports and to suit the adjacent services and structure. The plantroom was lifted into position at the end of 2022, allowing sufficient time to complete the connections from the plantroom to the various building services prior to project completion. The work to complete the plantroom consisted of bolting together the piped systems, completion of power and control wiring across each side of the plantroom, insulating and labelling the pipework and completing final systems testing.

AN IDEAL SOLUTION

The off-site fabrication process was a success for this project as it achieved several goals, including the delivery of a fabricated plantroom on time and within budget. The location of the plantroom on the roof released space at basement level and made maximum use of the available roof space.

Installed equipment.

OTHER RECENT LYNSKEY ENGINEERING PROJECTS

Lynskey Engineering has successfully employed off-site fabrication for several other projects, including constructing large pipe racking frames for a power plant. The fabricated racking system was designed to carry 16 pipes of various diameters from 200mm to 25mm and was designed and constructed with the necessary structural supports to allow the frames to be fixed to the building structure.

Pipe rack project at off-site facility On a pharmaceutical project completed in 2022, Lynskey Engineering coordinated the design and fabrication of 12-metrelong multi-service pipe racks carrying pipework and electrical containment. These service racks were installed on site and welded together, reducing the volume of site welding and working at height. Over recent years, Lynskey Engineering has also installed a number of prefabricated skids for water treatment and distribution systems across several data centre projects, in each instance ensuring programme and cost targets were achieved. Design Stage BIM images.

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To learn more about Lynskey Engineering, phone 01 (01) 460 1556, email admin@lynskeyeng.ie or visit www.lynskeyeng.ie

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PROJECTS

Station Walk, Naas, with creche building to the top right.

Frameform Steel Systems and Ballymore Group collaboration on Naas creche Frameform Steel Systems and IJM Timber Engineering deliver a value-added LGSF solution for long-standing customer Ballymore Group on a two-storey creche at Station Walk, Naas.

allymore Group, a renowned property developer with a solid commitment to innovation and quality, awarded Frameform Steel Systems the contract for the superstructure of their two-storey creche at Station Walk, Naas. This category B2 building had the additional challenge of being built on a restricted site, but this did not present a significant issue for the team, which included IJM Timber Engineering, who are engaged by Ballymore Group for all the timber frame elements on their residential sites, as they were leading the light gauge steel frame (LGSF) project with Frameform Steel Systems. A supply partner of the Ballymore Group for many years, IJM is delighted to bring the same value proposition in LGSF that it has provided since 1965 with the design, manufacture, supply and erecting of the timber frame structures. Station Walk, Naas, is a project that comprises 362 single occupancy housing units, which IJM has been engaged on since September 2020. The project is now 75% complete. The provision of

the LGSF structure for the two-storey creche through Frameform is an example of IJM using synergies between timber frame and LGSF building systems to provide customers such as Ballymore Group with a one-stop solution for the structures on their developments, whether single occupancy houses, duplexes, apartments or creches such as this. Don McMahon, Residential Construction Director, Ballymore, highlighted the significance of this project as Ballymore’s initial “toe in the water” with LGSF in Ireland. He expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasising how LGSF incorporated various design principles into a single entity. The LGSF solution included the steel frame, concrete stairs, and the provision for a concrete floor deck, ensuring compliance with certification requirements such as fire safety and disabled access. Frameform provided a comprehensive programme that was strictly adhered to, ensuring the project’s timely completion. Don McMahon stated, “The use of LGSF streamlined the project by consolidating activities that would have required multiple subcontractors in traditional construction methods. This consolidation proved extremely beneficial, simplifying the construction process and enhancing overall project efficiency.”

LEAN APPROACH

Adopting LGSF meant that tasks traditionally spread across various subcontractors could now be seamlessly integrated. The steel frame, concrete stairs, and floor deck, all crucial components, were handled by Frameform as a cohesive unit. This consolidation expedited the construction process and improved communication and coordination among different project aspects. Ballymore’s Don McMahon commented, “We are immensely satisfied with the quality, design, and speed of execution of the project. The benefits of LGSF were not just limited to efficiency but also extended to the overall quality and aesthetics of the final structure. Integrating the various elements into a unified system

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PROJECTS

Two-storey LGSF creche building at Railway Walk, Naas.

showcased the versatility and adaptability of Frameform’s approach. The success of the Station Walk project solidified Ballymore’s commitment to future collaborations with Frameform.” The positive experience and benefits reaped from the creche project convinced Ballymore to engage Frameform for other residential developments where LGSF would be advantageous for both multi-occupancy and commercial buildings. This commitment speaks volumes about the trust developed through successful project delivery. Peter McCaughey, Managing Director, IJM Timber Engineering, comments, “Our history as a supply partner with Ballymore Group spans over many years, and the strength of this relationship is core in the ongoing engagement. This allows us to focus on the needs of our customers, some of which include but are not limited to, programme, cost, environmental impact and lean principles, ultimately leading to us to play a major part in projects for customers such as Ballymore

in fulfilling our mission to continuously innovate to streamline the on-site construction process.” He continues, “By capitalising on synergies between timber frame and LGSF building systems, we have positioned ourselves to offer Ballymore Group and other customers a seamless, onestop structural frame solution for mixed-use developments, from bungalows to 10-storey apartments.”

IN CONCLUSION

The collaboration between Ballymore Group and IJM being extended to incorporate Frameform Steel Systems at Station Walk, Naas, stands as a testament to the effectiveness of LGSF in streamlining construction processes, ensuring compliance with certification standards, and delivering high-quality structures. Ballymore’s decision to extend this collaboration to future projects indicates the success of the venture and the satisfaction provided by this synergistic expertise. This case exemplifies how lean, innovative construction methods and practices can revolutionise traditional approaches and pave the way for more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable building solutions.

Single Structural Solution to meet your needs utilising Timber Frame, LGSF and Hybrid systems for Houses, Duplexes & Apartments

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October/November 2023

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

Delivering net zero carbon buildings MARION JAMMET, Head of Policy & Advocacy, Irish Green Building Council, writes about how architects, engineers and builders can collaborate to overcome the challenge of delivering zero-carbon buildings and infrastructure.

he incorporation of efficiency requirements into the national building code, first introduced in the 1970s, means that typical homes constructed today consume half as much energy as homes built in the 1980s. New homes designed and built to the current nearly zero energy building (NZEB) standard are highly energy efficient, and carbon modelling to 20301 shows that the standard, implemented alongside the decarbonisation of the grid and Ireland’s ambitious retrofit programme, should lead to a significant decrease in operational emissions in the next decade. Yet, the emissions associated with the energy we need to heat, cool and light our buildings still accounts for a quarter of our national emissions, and the latest data from the EPA highlights the urgency to move faster in every sector. While increasing the depth and rate of energy renovation is critical to reaching our climate targets, it can also address dereliction and contributes to housing delivery as well as to improving public health2; but it presents significant challenges. This article explores actions required to address these challenges and transition to zero-emission buildings.

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ACCELERATING THE RENOVATION WAVE

Despite an increase in the number of energy renovations completed in 2022, the 2030 targets appear increasingly out of reach. The work completed to date by the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) and its partners as part of the Build Up Skills Ireland (BUSI2030) project3 shows that labour shortages and a lack of appropriate skills at all levels of the design, construction and supply chain remains one of the most significant barriers to the successful delivery of our national renovation strategy. Interim findings indicate that in a “business as usual” scenario, the construction industry will need to recruit approximately 120,000 additional skilled construction workers and building professionals and to reskill the existing 164,000 workforce by 2030 to deliver on Ireland’s housing and climate targets. The results indicate in the years 2021 – 2023, 10 times more students opted for degree courses over craft apprenticeships, while construction and engineering courses still have a relatively low intake of students and a high dropout rate. In addition to actions to attract more people to the industry, promote diversity

and incentivise upskilling, the interim report stresses the importance of better use of our existing stock, high-quality, largescale renovations, and innovative methods of construction as key strategies to deliver much-needed homes without blowing Ireland’s carbon budget. Echoing the concept of ‘sufficiency’ introduced in the proposed revision of the EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), the report highlights that better use of our existing stock through high-quality energy renovations would ensure more effective use of a scarce workforce, financial and carbon resources. Other barriers to energy renovation include a lack of awareness and access to finance. Many homeowners who may be interested in energy renovation simply do not know what to do and where to start. To address this issue, the IGBC launched a register of energy renovation advisors, ie, specialist building professionals who have upskilled in energy renovation4. The objective of the register is to make it easier for homeowners to identify building professionals who have upskilled in the area while incentivising upskilling and ensuring quality control.

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y design for performance will be challenging but also that disclosure across the industry is a critical step in this journey. Delivering net zero carbon buildings at scale will be challenging and will require extensive cooperation, as well as upskilling in the industry. The recent Energy Ireland Irish Retrofitting Conference, at which IGBC presented, highlighted that energy efficiency requires teamwork, as collaboration is vital to success. Taking a holistic approach to emissions associated with the built environment is the cheapest and most effective way to address the challenge. Our homes do not only need to be highly energy efficient and decarbonised; how we build them impacts our industrial emissions from the production of construction materials, while where we build impacts our transport emissions.

Energy renovation advisors have a crucial role to play in supporting the retrofit of more complex buildings (eg, traditionally built buildings) and could also support the development of renovation roadmaps. The ‘renovation passport’ is a new concept in Europe and should be introduced across the continent on a voluntary basis by 2025 under the proposed revision of the EPBD. The idea is that the homeowner should get a clear plan to improve their home that they can implement over several years. If they don’t have the finances to complete all of the work at the same time, they can do it bit by bit in a way that works to the end goal of an energy-efficient and comfortable home.

TRANSITIONING TO NET ZERO BUILDINGS

As highlighted in the proposed revision of the EPBD, our industry will need to transition to the construction of zeroemissions buildings in the next decade. To support this transition, the IGBC developed a draft definition of ‘Net Zero Carbon’. The definition covers both operational and embodied carbon emissions for the built environment. Key to Net Zero Carbon (NZC) buildings is the inclusion of performance targets as project KPIs from the earliest design stage and verified with as-built operational data via Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE). The IGBC, in partnership with the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI), is now developing a ‘design for performance’ framework and CPD training for building professionals on delivering net-zero buildings in line with the RIAI’s 2030 Climate Challenge targets. This will support the transition from a ‘design for compliance’ to a ‘design for performance’ culture. Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) is the process of obtaining feedback on a building’s performance in use after it has been built and occupied. POE collects information on building and energy use

Marion Jammet, Head of Policy & Advocacy, Irish Green Building Council. and user satisfaction. It is a key element of the transition to design for performance culture, as disclosing actual performance will be essential to establish benchmarks and appropriate targets, as well as improving operational energy use over time. POE is already included as an indicator in the Home Performance Index (HPI), Ireland’s national residential sustainability certification. Coady Architects recently completed POE on Kilbride Court, a low-rise residential development, achieved Gold standard HPI certification. When it came to operational energy, the development’s metered values were almost triple that of RIAI 2030 Climate Challenge targets. This is primarily because the operational energy targets of the RIAI 2030 Climate Challenge include both regulated and unregulated loads. It should be noted that unregulated loads are outside of the designer’s scope or control. This example shows the road to

Net zero carbon definitions proposed by the IGBC.

BETTER HOMES 2023 CONFERENCE

These broader topics will be fully explored at IGBC’s annual residential conference, ‘Better Homes 2023’, which will take place on 01 December in Dublin. Speakers will discuss the importance of POE and the carbon impact of various types of new residential development, as well as what is needed to deliver climate-change-proof homes. For more details on the Better Homes 2023 conference and to stay updated on the event, visit www.igbc.ie/events/better-homes-2023/ Notes 1 See Kinnane (2023). Whole Life Carbon In Construction and in the Built Environment in Ireland. Available at www.igbc.ie. 2 According to Velux’s latest healthy homes barometer, 24% of the Irish population is exposed to an indoor climate hazard, such as damp or excess cold. Living in a home that is too cold in winter is the most damaging building deficiency from a health perspective, and the positive effects of housing warmth on respiratory health and wellbeing among both children and adults are a consistent finding in research. 3 Build Up Skills Ireland 2030 is a national project funded by the European Commission to analyse the current and future skill gaps in sustainable construction and create a roadmap to ensuring these skills needs are met so that Ireland can achieve its national objectives regarding housing, retrofitting and the decarbonisation of its built environment. The project partners are CIF, IGBC, Laois Offaly Education and Training Board, and the Technological University of the Shannon. 4 The register is available at www.igbc.ie/ energy-renovation-advisors-register

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BETTER HOMES 2023

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S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

Better Homes 2023: Redefining housing for climate challenges Summer 2023 is likely to be the hottest ever recorded on Earth. It has been marked by floods and devastating wildfires across Europe. Could this become the norm? IRENE RONDINI, Communications & Marketing Lead, Irish Green Building Council, outlines the programme for Better Homes 2023. Better Homes 2023’ will discuss how we can meet the needs of a growing population without blowing Ireland’s carbon budget. The panellists will first discuss the type of homes being built: Do they consider Ireland’s changing demographics? Are they suitable for smaller households and an ageing population? Panellists will include Sean O’Leary of the Irish Planning Institute; Stephen O’Shea, Cairn Homes; Gillian Brady and Philip Comerford of UCD who will present the initial findings of a project looking at the whole-life carbon impacts of various types of housing developments.

BUILDING CLIMATE-PROOF, COMFORTABLE HOMES Simon Keogh, Coady Architects.

he latest data on our carbon emissions and climate projections for 2050 leave little doubt: We cannot keep designing, building, and renovating the way we have always done it. This year, the Irish Green Building Council’s annual residential conference, Better Homes 2023, explores how we can balance the demand for comfortable, climate-proof housing while staying within our carbon budget. Building upon the findings of the ‘Building a Zero Carbon Ireland” roadmap,

EPA projections (and recent storms) show that Ireland is increasingly experiencing extreme weather, potentially leading to devastating effects on homes and communities. As the CEO of AXA, one of the world’s largest insurers, said in 2015: “A 2°C world might be insurable; a 4°C world certainly would not be”. Against this background, Justyna Banasik of Allianz, Julie Clarke of Trinity College Dublin, and David Feighery of Cundall, will examine how we can construct climatesafe homes that not only withstand these challenges but also safeguard the health and wellbeing of users.

MAKING POST-OCCUPANCY EVALUATION THE NORM

Our third panel will talk about the importance of post-occupancy evaluation and the role of the Home Performance Index Certification in improving quality and transparency in the market. For this panel, we will be joined by Madeline Hallinan of Dublin City Council, Charlie Conway of Ballymore and Simon Keogh of Coady Architects, and Darragh Lennon, Home Building Finance Ireland.

BETTER HOMES 2023

These topics will be extensively discussed at Better Homes 2023 on Friday, 01 December, at the Gibson Hotel, Dublin. Join over 200 building and construction professionals, policymakers, and researchers at Better Homes 2023 and reimagine our approach to housing with us. To learn more, phone 01 681 5862, email info@igbc.ie or visit www.igbc.ie

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S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

Critical skills shortages threatening Ireland’s climate targets The EU-LIFE-funded ‘Build Up Skills Ireland 2030’ initiative has identified significant skills and labour shortages in the built environment sector. A new study highlights how this challenges Ireland in reaching its climate targets and identifies possible solutions.

esearch findings from the Build Up Skills Ireland 2030 (BUSI2030) initiative, led by Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), show that the construction industry will require up to 120,000 additional skilled construction workers and the reskilling of 164,000 construction workers by 2030 to deliver on Ireland’s housing and climate targets.

BUSI2030 PROJECT

BUSI2030 is a national project funded by the European Commission to analyse the current and future skill gaps in sustainable construction and create a roadmap to ensuring these skills needs are met so that Ireland can achieve its national objectives regarding housing, climate action, retrofitting and the decarbonisation of our built environment. The BUSI2030 project is a collaboration between higher and further education institutes, policymakers, and other key stakeholders in education, as well as the professional bodies and organisations in the construction industry. The initial research shows that despite a tenfold rise in construction and engineering courses over the past two years, enrolment in these courses remains relatively low, and the number of students enrolling in some apprenticeships has decreased. Of those who choose apprenticeships, over 60% are electricians, showing an imbalance in critical trades, with a marked shortage of plumbers and carpenters.

STRATEGIES TO DELIVER HOMES In addition to actions to attract more people into the industry and to incentivise upskilling, the report stresses the importance of better using our existing building stock, high-quality, large-scale renovations, and innovative methods of construction as key strategies to deliver much-needed homes without overstretching Ireland’s carbon budget. The latter would ensure a more effective use of scarce labour, financial and carbon resources.

MORE DIVERSITY

Commenting on the research, Dermot Carey, Director of Safety & Training, Construction Industry Federation (CIF), said, “Our sector is experiencing

significant labour and skill challenges despite increases in construction courses in recent years. Addressing this challenge will require more diversity in the industry and a cultural shift so that more people see apprenticeships and traineeships as viable and rewarding options. The construction sector has a vast array of opportunities to offer, but we need more young people to consider it as a career choice to ensure the industry can continue to evolve and thrive to secure a future pipeline of talent.” Sinéad Hughes, Programme Manager, Irish Green Building Council (IGBC), said that while most of the focus to date has been on improving energy efficiency, a more holistic approach is required to tackle the climate and housing crises. She commented, “We need to use our existing stock better and make sure that new builds are not only highly energy efficient but are also designed and built to reduce embodied carbon emissions. This requires upskilling the industry in topics such as whole life cycle measurement and circularity.” Pádraig Boland, Further Education and Training Strategic Manager, Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB), said that the further education and training (FET) sector is well placed to respond to the future skills needs of the construction sector. He commented, “SOLAS and the education and training boards (ETBs) have developed strategically located centres of excellence currently focussed on nearly zero energy buildings (NZEB) and retrofit, and we are partnering with industry and higher education in developing programmes that will enable the sector, and its workforce, pivot to modern methods of construction (MMC), leading to a greener, leaner built environment.” Seamus Hoyne, Dean of Flexible and

Work-Based Learning, TUS, added, “What the research shows is that we need greater collaboration and more multidisciplinary approaches at all levels. In particular, industry and education must work together to improve construction processes and address climate change. We also need clear pathways between further and higher education to facilitate career progression. These are the issues we are tackling through this initiative, and we invite all key stakeholders to get involved”.

UPSKILLING ROADMAP FOR SUSTAINABILITY IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

The report was developed by TUS in collaboration with IGBC, LOETB and the CIF. It involved academic research and extensive industry engagement as part of the BUSI2030 project. The interim findings will inform the development of a national upskilling roadmap for sustainability in the built environment. A first draft of the roadmap will be ready by December 2023 for public consultation.

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October/November 2023

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S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

Technological University of the Shannon: Pioneering research and development in construction Technological University of the Shannon has emerged as a beacon of innovation in the construction industry. BENNY MCDONAGH, Senior Project Assistant, TUS, sets out how its Research and Development Unit is developing the skills needed to create a net zero carbon construction sector.

he Thurles campus of the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) has been at the forefront of numerous groundbreaking EU-supported projects. Its commitment to advancing the construction sector is evident through initiatives such as BUSI2030, BUSLeague, BUSGoCircular, HP4ALL, Construction Blueprint, and other strategic sustainability projects, which bring construction stakeholders together to collaborate and align with sustainability, circular targets and goals. These initiatives are led from the university’s Sustainable Development Research Institute and Research and Development Unit, both located in Thurles. TUS has participated in many EU-funded projects, showcasing its commitment to transforming the construction landscape.

BUSI2030

Build Up Skills Ireland 2030 is compiling the National Upskilling Roadmap for the Built Environment to 2030+. The initiative is co-funded by the EU Life programme. Similar national roadmaps are being completed in parallel across Europe regarding construction and professional skills.

BUSLEAGUE

BUSLeague fosters innovation and entrepreneurship in construction. By creating a platform for collaboration and idea-sharing, this initiative aims to invigorate the sector and encourage novel solutions. Through this project, TUS has collaborated with builders’ providers such as Chadwicks to train over 200 of their staff in NZEB fundamentals, retrofitting, and ventilation. Chadwicks has also created eco centre zones in some of its stores to show customers materials that can be used for new builds and retrofitting, as well as how to install them correctly.

BUS-GOCIRCULAR

BUS-GoCircular aims to address and overcome the challenges of the stimulation of demand for green energy skilled workforce, along with hands-on capacity building to increase the number of green energy skilled workforce across the value chain. BUSGoCircular has developed a circular

Students visiting the Mount Lucas NZEB Inspiration Centre, an initiative with TUS. construction skills training qualification framework. This is stimulating market demand for circularity skills and presenting case studies in circularity in Ireland. The project revolves around promoting a circular economy in construction, emphasising resource efficiency, recycling, and waste reduction.

HP4ALL

Heat Pumps for All (HP4ALL) was a programme developed by TUS to promote the skills required for high-quality, optimised heat pump installations within residential/non-residential buildings. To date, 12 county council building departments have completed training, and a training webinar has had 5,000 viewings to date.

CONSTRUCTION BLUEPRINT

Construction Blueprint is a Europeanwide sectoral strategic approach to cooperating on the future skills needed in the construction industry, matching skills training provided with contractors’ needs. It has collated a range of training and support programmes, which are available online, that address the topics of energy efficiency, digitalisation and circular economy.

DIGITAL ACADEMY FOR THE SUSTAINABLE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

TUS has launched the Digital Academy for the Sustainable Built Environment (DASBE), an educational initiative to upskill the construction workforce in sustainable building skills, funded through the Higher Education Authority Human Capital Initiative. Led by industry experts Seamus Hoyne,

Dean of Flexible and Work Based Learning, TUS; Lis O’Brien, DASBE Manager; and Benny McDonagh, Senior Project Assistant, TUS, the academy offers courses designed to equip and upskill construction professionals and operatives in the broad range of energy efficiency, digitalisation and circular economy skills. The courses encompass a wide array of topics, including digital construction, sustainable building practices, energyefficient designs, circular economy principles, and innovative materials. Courses are tailored to address the industry’s current needs and prepare for future challenges. DASBE is committed to bridging the gap between traditional construction practices and the industry’s future skills needs. By equipping individuals with the requisite skills and knowledge, TUS aims to create a workforce that is adaptable, innovative, and ready to embrace the evolving landscape of construction.

IN CONCLUSION

The TUS Research and Development Unit, with its extensive involvement in EU projects, is dedicated to pioneering advancements in the construction sector. DASBE further upskills and advances sustainability goals in the construction sector, underscoring its commitment to preparing the industry for a more sustainable and technologically driven future. Through these initiatives, TUS is actively shaping the construction landscape and laying the foundation for a more innovative, efficient, and sustainable industry. To learn more, visit www.tus.ie

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Towards Net Zero Awards 2023 winners and sponsors.

Towards NetZero Ireland Awards 2023 honour the best in Irish sustainable construction Congratulations to all the winners at the Towards Net Zero Awards 2023. Irish Construction News was delighted once again be a sponsor of this very important awards programme.

Mona Duff, (Judge); Paula Kirk (Arup, and Net Zero Champion 2023); Robbie Cousins (Irish Construction News); and Michael Curran (Judging Panel Chair).

fter a great deal of deliberation on the part of the panel of assessors, the winners of this year’s Towards NetZero Ireland Awards were presented with their trophies at a major industry gathering in the RDS recently. The 100 or so net zero leaders who attended, comprised a mix of architects, consultant engineers and contractors. Collaboration of the entire construction team is essential in pursuit of the net zero goal, and these awards encourage and reward those who work as a collective to do just that. The judges’ task proved exceptionally challenging this year because of the

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increase in the number of submissions, and the high quality of the projects. It is obvious that architects, consulting engineers, contractors – and their clients – have bought into the net zero objective, at both the commercial and residential levels, and this augers well for Ireland’s overall net zero target.

THE WINNERS AT THIS YEAR’S AWARDS WERE NETZERO CHAMPION – Sponsor: Irish Construction News Paula Kirk, Director and Global Leader Climate & Sustainability, Arup

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

Design Practice winners DTA Architects: (L to r): Tomas O’Leary, (Judge and Net Zero Champion 2022); Stefany Georgieva (DTA); David Kenny (Forbo Flooring); Niall Rowan (DTA); John Maguire (DTA); Leanne Martin (DTA); John Macken (Judge); and Declan Crowley (DTA).

DESIGN PRACTICE CATEGORY – Sponsor: Forbo Flooring Systems Winner – DTA Architects Highly commended – Henry J Lyons

COMMERCIAL BUILDING CATEGORY – Sponsor: Soprema

Winner – 1 Cumberland Place, Dublin 2 – Meehan Green and Hibernia REG Highly commended – Premier Inn Hotel, Gloucester Street South, Dublin 2 DTA Architects and Vision Contracting Highly commended – Cherrywood Sustainable Meeting Pods MOLA Architects and ClearyDoyle

HOUSING CATEGORY – Sponsor: Soprema

Commercial Category winners Meehan Green (L to r): Paul Martin (Judge); Cathal Henaghan (Meehan Green), Hannah O’Keeffe (Hibernia REG); Tom Nidhin (Hibernia REG); Martin Meehan (Meehan Green); and Richard Crocker (Soprema).

Winner – Bungalow retrofit – SustainABLE Highly commended – Millfield PassivHaus, Cork – The Passivhaus Architecture Company Highly commended – Passive House on the Marina, Cork – Wain Morehead Architects

RETROFIT CATEGORY – Sponsor: Automatic Winner – The Rubrics Building, Trinity College – Pascall + Watson Highly commended – Central Plaza, Dublin – Henry J Lyons Commended – Beaufort Housing Development Dun Laoghaire – SSE Airtricity Energy Services and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council

PUBLIC BUILDING CATEGORY – Sponsor: Reynaers Aluminium

Towards Net Zero Retrofit Category winners Pascall+Watson (L to r): Mona Duff (Judge); Patrick Griffin (TCD); Seamus McMorris (Pascall+Watson); Peter Cox (Carrig); and John Nolan (Automatic Fire).

Winner – Erne Campus, South West College, Enniskillen – Mullarkey Pedersen Architects Highly commended – Strength & Conditioning Squad Gym, UCC – O’Connell Mahon Architects.

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Guaranteed Irish Construction Forum panellists (L to r): Hugh Wallace; Niall O’Connor, Managing Director, Kingspan Insulation; Lawrence Bowles, Associate Director KPMG, Future Analytics; Patrick Phelan, Managing Director Ireland, Ballymore Group; and James Nugent, Senior Director, Head of Commercial Agency, Lisney.

Guaranteed Irish forum puts spotlight on key sustainability challenges for Irish construction The Guaranteed Irish Annual Construction Forum 2023 convened a panel of industry experts to discuss the topical questions, Is Construction in Ireland Sustainable, and Can we really green build our way out of this housing crisis?

pened by the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Dara Calleary, the Guaranteed Irish Annual Construction Forum panel of industry experts discussed sustainable solutions to housing, national infrastructure, and planning regulations. Architect and RTE presenter Hugh Wallace hosted the forum. The panel comprised Niall O’Connor, Managing Director, Kingspan Insulation Ireland; Lawrence Bowles, Associate Director KPMG, Future Analytics; Patrick Phelan, Managing Director Ireland, Ballymore Group; and James Nugent, Senior Director, Head of Commercial Agency, Lisney. Minister Calleary highlighted the momentum in home building in his opening address and was optimistic about meeting the housing target of 29,000 homes this year. He said that Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and R&D will be game changers for delivering public housing faster.

ENERGY PERFORMANCE BUILDING DIRECTIVE

Lawrence Bowles, KPMG, addressed a question on whether upcoming revisions to the Energy Performance Building Directive will help deliver carbon-neutral building stock by 2050. He said, “The real estate industry needs to fully embrace the new reality, which is not just net zero, but also nature positive. The climate and nature agenda will have a material impact on all future infrastructure, including buildings. However, a long-term approach for our construction infrastructure with a masterplan progressed by successive governments will be necessary.” Kingspan Insulation’s Niall O’Connor commented, “These ambitious targets are essential, as combined, the building

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materials/construction sector and building operations account for almost 40% of carbon emissions. They present an enormous opportunity for the sector to raise industry standards, increase collaboration between design and construction, and, in particular, drive growth in retrofit. However, there is a significant shortage of qualified people in this sector, and there is a need to employ over 25,000 additional people.”

BORING CITIES

Hugh Wallace asked the panel whether we are creating “boring cities” that lead to social problems and how they, in the construction industry, aim to eliminate the “architectural blandness” of our cities. Lisney’s James Nugent responded, “I believe part of the problem is that we think too small. We tend to look at an individual planning application for a single site. That building or scheme must comply with planning requirements, sometimes with little regard for the surrounding area. To plan cities or urban areas properly, there needs to be a more cohesive view or vision of what we want the city or urban area to be like.” Ballymore’s Patrick Phelan gave his perspective on those who wish to dwell in these potential new homes. “It is important that in creating buildings, places, and spaces, we consider the people who will use them. Places that have been considered in terms of landscaping, protection from the elements and which have animation at street level will be successful and won’t be boring. Buildings, places, and cities should be sociable environments where people want to gather, visit, and stay. This should be the starting point for the industry and where the focus should be. The emphasis should be on cultured and educational facilities, on creating community

engagement, not just a design.”

THE 15-MINUTE CITY

The concept of the 15-minute city (FMC) was explored, with the panel agreeing that Waterford is leading the way with the development of its North Quays project. A call for additional incentives to do the same at a faster pace should be put in place across the country, especially in higher-density locations such as Cork, Galway, Limerick and Dublin. Addressing other areas, the panellists were unanimous in opinion on the following issues: • We need to build up, not out, in our cities, as is being done across Europe • We need to incentivise the repurposing of existing housing in our cities • New homes must comprise more recycled materials, preferably supplied by Irish companies. Government incentives are needed to develop this sector to help these companies be more competitive • We need to significantly increase the pace of the planning process by reducing the bureaucracy within the planning process. Speaking after the event, Brid O’Connell, CEO, Guaranteed Irish, said that supporting local businesses and communities is one of the most sustainable things the construction industry can do, adding that the sector is well resourced and has exceptionally gifted people with the know-how and drive to deliver innovative sustainable solutions, but bureaucratic and administrative challenges are holding the sector back and need to be addressed. “The Irish construction sector has a wealth of talent and gifted personnel. It has shown it has the drive and funding in place to succeed. If the construction industry

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y drive business to Irish manufacturers from specifiers such as architects, engineers and quantity surveyors. Brid O’Connell added, “The sector can support Irish jobs and communities by sourcing more products locally. This would impact on the sustainability at a local level in communities across the country.”

GUARANTEED IRISH

Pictured at the Guaranteed Irish Construction Forum 2023 (L to r): Camilla Cullinane, Tax Partner, KPMG; Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Dara Calleary; Brid O’Connell, CEO, Guaranteed Irish; and Niall O’Connor, Managing Director, Kingspan Insulation. had more certainty around planning, administration and long-term government policy, it could deliver the housing and infrastructure the country desperately needs. “As an NGO, Guaranteed Irish is well

placed to help disseminate this message from industry to government.

GUARANTEED IRISH HOUSE

Attendees at the event heard about GuaranteedIrishHouse.ie, a new portal to

Guaranteed Irish is a not-for-profit membership network that has been championing businesses based in Ireland since 1974. The iconic Guaranteed Irish symbol is the national symbol for trust and provenance. Guaranteed Irish supports a network of over 2,000 member businesses employing over 120,000 people across Ireland, generating an annual combined Irish turnover of over €14bn. The licenced mark is only awarded to businesses based in Ireland, both homegrown and international, that sustain jobs and local communities and are committed to Irish provenance. To learn more, visit www.guaranteedirish.ie

GUARANTEED IRISH HOUSE – DRIVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITIES ACROSS IRELAND Guaranteed Irish House is a one-stop shop of Irish-produced construction products for specifiers. It includes all the elements of the supply chain required for a building, from raw materials to final furnishings, which can be sourced locally from Guaranteed Irish members, helping to reduce the environmental impact of projects of all sizes while supporting jobs and businesses in Ireland. All companies listed on the Guaranteed Irish House portal are based in Ireland or contribute to the Irish economy and communities nationwide. The register can be found on the Guaranteed Irish website and includes all products from local sources required to build or retrofit a house or any building type in Ireland. Companies are listed under the

following categories: Retrofitting, Concrete & Aggregates, Energy Efficiency, Circular Economy, Property, Commercial Services, External Structures, Furnishing, Hardware DIY, Roofs, Plumbing, Insulation, Waste Management, Windows and Doors, Timber and Steel, Electrical, Renewable Energy, Floors, Walls, Heating, Gardens. Clémence Jamet, Operations & Sustainability Manager, Guaranteed Irish, administers the Guaranteed Irish House programme and is promoting member firms that are committed to sustainability while at the same supporting jobs at a local level. She says that by specifying or purchasing products manufactured in Ireland, specifiers could reduce the carbon footprint of their projects. “While it is nearly impossible to source products that are 100% manufactured using Irish-produced raw materials, if producers can show that a high percentage of the raw materials are sourced locally, they will help customers further reduce the environmental impact of their developments,” Clémence Jamet explains. “Jobs and Community are two of the three pillars of Guaranteed Irish. By buying locally, construction firms are supporting jobs in local communities. The long-term future of Irish producers and the quality of jobs they can offer are guaranteed by firms making this choice.” Clémence Jamet continues by

saying that her role as operations and sustainability manager is twofold. “First, I am supporting our members in their sustainability journey and promoting their initiatives. Then, my role is also to educate our members. We will be running regular masterclasses starting in the coming months around sustainability supply chain and new EU regulations coming down the line that will impact all sectors of the industry.”

GUARANTEED IRISH HOUSE MEMBERSHIP

Any producer operating in the construction sector that would be interested in becoming a Guaranteed Irish licence holder and gaining a listing on the Guaranteed Irish House register should complete a membership application form. They will then be appraised with due diligence being carried out on their products. Companies can become Guaranteed Irish members based on the criteria that they support jobs, communities, and that their products or services have a physical provenance of being homegrown, or that at least 50% more added value is put on the product or service in Ireland. To learn more about Guaranteed Irish House, email Clemence Jamet at clemence@guaranteedirish.ie or visit www.guaranteedirishhouse.ie

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Guaranteed Irish Member Profile – Wavin Ireland Since 1958, Wavin Ireland has been a part of Ireland’s infrastructure and is integrally woven into the fabric of the Irish construction industry. It currently employs over 66 people.

The Wavin Lake in Balbriggan.

Wavin TreeTank solution for urban spaces.

avin is a world leader in plastic pipe systems for residential, non-residential and civil engineering projects. Its systems include market-leading above and below-ground drainage, Hep2O hot and cold plumbing and underfloor heating, as well as a wide range of Wavin drainage and stormwater management solutions for all application areas. Wavin Ireland is a member of the Wavin Group, which is part of Orbia, a community of companies bound together by a shared purpose: ’To advance life around the world’. Wavin Ireland offers technical support, including project quotations for specialist soil and waste systems, K5 plumbing, underfloor heating and stormwater management. Building information modelling (BIM) services, continuous professional development (CPD) training and customer support are also provided to ensure efficient, high-quality installation and project delivery.

HOW DOES WAVIN IRELAND SUPPORT LOCAL COMMUNITIES?

The Wavin Lake in Balbriggan is an example of Wavin’s commitment to the local community. It was acquired by Wavin in 1974 to augment the Balbriggan water supply to the factory. After improvements to the water supply system in the area, Wavin gave it back to the community. The lake is now a rich community resource for fishing, full of wildlife and fauna. A volunteering day each year is offered to each member of the team at Wavin, and they have undertaken several projects together across a variety of causes, including canal maintenance, tree planting and litter picking in Balbriggan. In 2022, Wavin entered a collaboration with the Irish Institute of Music and Song (IIMS) development in Balbriggan. Sustainability is at the heart of this development, and Wavin AquaCell units have been supplied to facilitate stormwater management within the site. Wavin supports Bí Urban, an award-winning social enterprise in the Stoneybatter area of Dublin, which uses roof-top rainwater runoff to create mini gardens. Wavin also supports TU Dublin’s Design + Construct Centre at its Broombridge site in Dublin.

WHAT ROLE DOES SUSTAINABILITY PLAY IN WAVIN IRELAND’S OPERATIONS?

Wavin Ireland’s sustainability promise extends across products, processes and community involvement. The company is committed to building healthy, sustainable environments and is focused on finding innovative solutions to help create a more sustainable Ireland.

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HOW DOES WAVIN IRELAND SUPPORT CUSTOMERS IN REDUCING THE EMBODIED CARBON OF THEIR PROJECTS? To help its customers reduce their carbon footprint, Wavin has recently launched environmental product declarations (EPDs) for its Irish product portfolio. Based on third-party verified life cycle assessments (LCAs), EPDs transparently map production processes to resource impacts. Providing details on the environmental impact across the entire life cycle, EPDs enable building designers, planners, contractors and developers to choose more sustainable products and solutions.

WHAT SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES HAS WAVIN IRELAND INTRODUCED RECENTLY?

Wavin has introduced water absorption products like TreeTanks, which can be easily and effectively integrated into urban areas without disrupting vital infrastructure, thereby allowing nature to thrive. Rootseal Technology, available on Wavin sewer systems, uses a natural mineral additive to harmlessly repel tree roots, reducing potential damage, upheaval and considerable financial and environmental costs. Wavin remains focused on innovative solutions. Most recently, it has launched the AS+, a wastewater system designed to tackle noise pollution in multi-occupancy buildings. This increases the comfort and wellbeing of buildings’ occupants. Launching in 2024, Wavin AquaCell NG is the latest generation of AquaCell attenuation/soakaway units to manage stormwater. With its nested design, units require a quarter of the space on site, with four times fewer deliveries and four times lower carbon emissions Wavin has also recently announced Wavin PolderRoof, a solution that transforms flat roofs on existing or new buildings into intelligent and controlled water reservoirs with an integrated irrigation function, forming an indispensable foundation for intensive or extensive green roofs.

WHAT DOES BEING A GUARANTEED IRISH MEMBER BRING TO THE WAVIN BRAND? Being a member of Guaranteed Irish highlights Wavin’s pride in its Irish roots. It also provides Wavin with the opportunity to engage in collaborative activities such as the Guaranteed Irish House and the Guaranteed Irish Forest. The forest initiative aims to encourage climate action engagement and increase biodiversity. Guaranteed Irish aligns its values with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), which are the overarching goals that guide us all to a sustainable future. Wavin aligns its business sustainability strategy with these same goals. Contact projects.ie@wavin.com for advice on your next project

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

Supply Chain Sustainability School Ireland to launch in January 2024 The Supply Chain Sustainability School Ireland is a new industry-supported resource that has been established to provide training, extend knowledge and support best practices on sustainability issues in the Irish built environment industry.

aunching in January 2024, the Supply Chain Sustainability School will be a free learning environment helping to upskill those working within or aspiring to work within the built environment sector in Ireland. The school is a collaboration between industry stakeholders, including clients, contractors and supply chain members who have a mutual interest in building the skills of the sector’s supply chain.

JOHN SISK & SON “Sisk is an innovative, international construction and engineering company delivering high-quality projects across the UK, Ireland and Europe. For over 160 years, this family-owned business has continued to have a positive impact by delivering on our Purpose - Creating Places for Future Generations. “Sisk wanted to bring the positive experience of being a partner in the UK school to Ireland and be part of a movement to improve the industry’s response to responsible and sustainable business. Upskilling companies across the industry is essential to support decarbonisation and implementing wide-ranging sustainable business practices.” – John Devereaux, Supply Chain Director, Ireland & Europe, John Sisk & Son

Its focus is on sustainability and environmental issues, including carbon and climate change, community and social impact, workforce issues and sustainable procurement. The school will cover the following topics: • Sustainability Strategy • Sustainable Procurement • Environmental Management • Waste and Resource Efficiency • Energy and Carbon • Water • Air Quality • Biodiversity • Materials • Fairness Inclusion and Respect • Modern Slavery • Business Ethics • Employment • Training & Skills • Community (and social impact) • Supplier Diversity • Wellbeing The school, which has been established in the UK since 2012 and operating across all levels of the construction supply chain, is being fostered in Ireland through a collaborative process involving government, semi-states, energy companies, house builders, major contractors and manufacturers who are providing funding and strategic direction for the school to transform the capability and performance of their supply chains. The launch of the school in Ireland

has been inspired by the success of the Supply Chain Sustainability School in the UK, which is now supported by 205 major partners and delivers training and knowledge regularly to over 6,000 companies and 25,000 individual learners,

ESB “We are proud to be a founding partner of the Supply Chain Sustainability School Ireland, which we believe will play a key role in supporting our supply chain partners on our collective sustainability journey by providing tools, resources and learning materials.” – Mark Harmon, Chief Procurement Officer, ESB

ROADSTONE “Roadstone is proud to have become a founding member of the Supply Chain Sustainability School Ireland. This demonstrates our commitment to supporting our suppliers and customers in improving their resources and capability to deliver sustainable projects. The school aids Roadstone to be a better business and overcome sustainability challenges with a common industrywide approach.” – William Wilson, Sustainability Manager, Roadstone

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all free of charge. After being approached by several clients to establish a similar platform for Ireland,

SKANSTEC “Skanstec is a specialist engineering company in the energy and telecommunications sectors. We design, build and commission critical infrastructure in power grids and communication networks. We are a single-source solution to the end client by having the capability to deliver and manage the entire life cycle of a project in both sectors. “Skanstec has partnered with the Supply Chain Sustainability School Ireland because we are passionate about sustainability, and we want to help transform the industry, promote green practices, and lead positive change. “The Supply Chain Sustainability School pioneers sustainable practices in the built environment. Education, collaboration, and innovation empower professionals to adopt eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient designs, and ethical sourcing, creating a greener, more sustainable future for construction and infrastructure projects.” – Rory Hannick, Interface Manager, Skanstec

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the school quickly gained support, with 15 founding partners signing up to date. The 15 founding partners of the Supply Chain Sustainability School Ireland are: CIF Cairn Homes ESB Gas Network Ireland Glenveagh IPUT Irish Rail Uisce Eireann John Sisk & Son Kingspan Kirby Group Murphy Group Roadstone Saint-Gobain Skanstec

IPUT REAL ESTATE DUBLIN “The Irish Supply Chain Sustainability School will support the wider uptake of sustainability training, improving our industry and positively shaping our cities. The school can build on our relationships with our design, construction, and building management teams and help create new and lasting partnerships across Irish real estate.” – Ellen McKinney, Sustainability Manager, IPUT Real Estate

BECOME A MEMBER

Membership of the Supply Chain Sustainability School Ireland is completely free for individuals and companies and will provide access to hundreds of online sustainability learning resources and training sessions relevant to the built environment industry. Registration is quick and straightforward: Complete an assessment form, and the school will prepare a bespoke action plan for individuals or organisations. Membership will also entitle you to attend networking and training sessions, gain CPD points through an accredited suite of e-learning modules and online training activities.

BECOME A PARTNER

If your organisation wants to collaborate with industry peers to shape the development of the school for the Irish built environment industry, consider joining as a partner. School partners set its strategic direction and identify critical issues to be addressed, new training to develop, workshop and conference content, and ensure good governance. The official launch of the Supply Chain Sustainability School Ireland will take place on 24 January at Croke Park. To find out more about the School and book your place for the launch, visit: www.supplychainschool.ie

S E C TO R F O C U S

Casey Rutland, Chair, bSUKI, presenting at the first openBIM meet-up in Dublin.

Moving towards open digital standards for BIM processes CASEY RUTLAND, Chair of buildingSMART UK & Ireland (bSUKI) and founding director of Digital Green, introduces bSUKI and talks about the first openBIM meet-up that took place in association with Build Digital in October at TU Dublin’s Grangegorman campus.

Casey Rutland and delegates at the Build Digital bSUKI OpenBIM meet-up.

uildingSMART is the worldwide industry body driving the digital transformation of the built asset industry. It is committed to delivering improvement by creating and adopting open, international standards and solutions for infrastructure and buildings. bSUKI is delighted to partner with Build Digital, the Irish government initiative to enable digital adoption in the construction and built environment sector to run events in Ireland. The first event in October introduced bSUKI, provided an overview of buildingSMART domains and invited audience discussion on openBIM.

WHAT IS BUILDINGSMART, AND WHAT CAN IT OFFER INDUSTRY PRACTITIONERS?

Information about our environment is key to unlocking the many challenges we encounter

as an industry. At buildingSMART, we help asset owners and the extended supply chain to work more efficiently and collaboratively throughout the entire project and asset lifecycle. buildingSMART is a neutral, international forum for initiating, developing, creating and promoting the adoption of open digital standards for BIM processes. We lead a global community of chapters, members, partners and sponsors. That global community is committed to creating and developing open digital ways of working for the built asset industry. Since its incorporation in 1995, buildingSMART has focused on solving industry interoperability challenges.

BUILDINGSMART UK & IRELAND (BSUKI) In the UK and Ireland, buildingSMART International is represented by its local

chapter, bSUKI. This chapter is responsible for gathering industry requirements and representing the region’s needs at an international level. In this way, we ensure that the UK and Ireland are catered for when standards are being developed.

HOW DOES BSUKI DELIVER VALUE?

As a chapter, bSUKI is dedicated to providing value to our industry. We do this by adhering to what we call ‘our four Vs’. This way, we ensure our activities are Vast, Vibrant, Vital and Valuable. On a global level, buildingSMART International divides its work into ‘rooms’, a practice that bSUKI mirrors. Wherever possible, our chapter has two co-leads for each room, practitioners in our sector. There are also ‘projects’ within these rooms. These projects deal with specific topics, such as bSUKI, OpenCDE, decarbonisation and safety.

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S E C TO R F O C U S ADVANCING DIGITAL CONSTRUCTION POLICY IN IRELAND Build Digital and the British Embassy, Dublin, hosted a round table event on 04 October to respond to the upcoming BIM requirements in the Irish government’s Capital Works Management Framework, whereby Ireland will implement BIM on public construction projects over €100m from January 2024. The roundtable brought together key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors in Ireland and the UK to discuss the experience of the UK’s 2016 BIM Mandate, its impact on the UK construction sector, and opportunities and challenges for implementing BIM requirements for public construction projects in Ireland. Ireland’s BIM mandate signals to public sector clients the importance of information management and BIM in constructing and operating their portfolio of built environment assets. Build Digital is working with the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) to ensure a consistent approach to the application of the requirements of the BIM mandate

As an organisation, our role is to reach out to industry groups, organisations and individuals to gather industry needs and coordinate responses at an international level. So please get in touch if you would like to contribute to any of the rooms or projects or if you have experienced any specific interoperability challenges.

WHAT ARE BSUKI’S EXTENSIVE RESOURCES?

BSUKI also delivers a wide range of resources to support the implementation of buildingSMART and Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie) standards in the UK and Ireland. In our most recent publication, the vice chair of bSUKI, Nick Nisbet, and technical director at OSCRE International, Chis Lee, created a technical report that addresses the integration of risk, information management and asset management based on existing standards. Your feedback and comments are welcomed. We also host an extensive library of resources developed between 2021 and 2017. These remain valuable for ongoing projects, although terminology may have shifted or been superseded by more recent developments. These include: COBie For All – This includes a review of the challenges raised relating to using COBie in infrastructure and worked examples of five specific cases. It was produced as a collaborative project by several infrastructure partners, including Transport

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Clare Erickson, Director, Build Digital, speaks to delegates at Build Digital British Embassy roundtable event.

across the public sector and provide support relevant to the needs of the industry in accordance with the public sector BIM adoption timeline. Key themes emerging from the roundtable included the vision of people, process, and technology, with importance placed on how BIM’s benefits are suitably communicated, therefore better enabling the success of the uptake of BIM across the construction sector.

There was a recognised need for a suite of supporting enablers for clients to be created in the form of documentation and guides to assist the implementation of Ireland’s BIM Mandate.

for London (TfL) and Highways England (HE). COBie for all downloads – These illustrate the information required for specific components and product types, such as web pages, COBie spreadsheets and IFC files. They were prepared to support the COBie pilot implementations in 2012. COBie templates for download and COBie property sets – These summarise the additional property sets recommended in BS1192-4:2014 Clause 7 for use with COBie in the UK. The property sets are presented as web pages and buildingSMART PSet definitions in XML. We hope you find these resources helpful, and we’ll announce new publications and resources as they become available. In the meantime, if you have any particular requirements or ideas for projects or resources, please do let us know. As with the UK BIM Alliance (our parent organisation), the work we do is by the community for the community, and the strength of our chapter relies on successful engagement with the industry. So, if you would like to chat about your project delivery challenges or join more detailed discussions about developing standards and solutions, we’re here for you.

for BIM/open BIM, and the UK now has an information management mandate. There is an opportunity with managed data, as there is more to BIM than 3D. Interoperability is key to unlocking the power of the data, which I covered in my presentation. This was followed by a lively discussion on building SMART domains, which included a great conversation about IFC 4.3 and other building SMART standards such as Information Delivery Specification (IDS), BIM Collaboration Format (BCF), openCDE API family, buildingSMART Data Dictionary (bSDD), Use-Case Management service (UCM), and the IFC Validation service, which is under development (www. buildingsmart.org/standards/bsi-standards/). This was followed up with audience questions on Blender BIM (www. blenderbim.org), an open-source software making the utopia of working in an IFC native file a reality. bSUKI, in association with Build Digital, looks forward to many more events in the Irish regions.

FIRST IRISH MEET-UP

At the first Irish event in October, I gave a presentation about the value of open BIM and how it can be enabled by Industry Foundation Classes (IFC). There is a demand

Build Digital is a part of the Construction Sector Group, Project Ireland 2040. Further information can be found at www.builddigitalproject.ie

To learn more about bSUKI, visit www.builddigitalproject.ie, scan the QR code, or email robert.moore@ builddigitalproject.ie

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Mastertech launches new sustainable solutions division

&E building services specialist Mastertech Group has launched Mastertech Sustainable Solutions. The new venture underscores the company’s commitment to providing the latest electric vehicle (EV) and photovoltaic (PV) services, aligning with growing customer demand for sustainable solutions. Mastertech Sustainable Solutions is a significant step forward in the company’s journey and marks a strategic expansion of its offerings and positioning towards a greener, more sustainable future. With a clear commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its clients, Mastertech stands poised to lead the charge in environmental responsibility and progress. Robin Mongey, Director, Mastertech, comments, “Mastertech Sustainable Solutions marks a new era for our business and demonstrates our commitment to excellence in the delivery of sustainable solutions in EV and PV to our clients. They can expect the same great service they have been accustomed to as part of the Mastertech Group.” Mastertech Sustainable Solutions offers a comprehensive range of EV and PV services for residential and commercial clients. From state-of-the-art EV charging infrastructure installations to efficient and reliable PV energy systems, Mastertech is poised to support clients in their pursuit of sustainable practices. With a team of experts renowned for their technical skills and dedication to innovation, the division promises to deliver solutions that are not only environmentally conscious but also economically

(L to r): Robin Mongey, Director, Mastertech; David Mongey, Lead Sustainability Engineer; and Rhys Nesbitt, Sustainability Lead. beneficial. Mastertech’s reputation for excellence, spanning three decades, has been built on a foundation of trust, innovation, and customercentric service. With the introduction of Mastertech Sustainable Solutions, the company reinforces its core values while evolving the business in line with supporting clients in their sustainability commitments. For further information about Mastertech Sustainable Solutions, visit www.mastertech.ie

TOPFLEX®-06-EMV-UV-2XSLCHK-J motor connection cable

n alignment with IEC 60502-1, the TOPFLEX®-06-EMV-UV-2XSLCHK-J motor connection cable for frequency converters ensures electromagnetic compatibility EMC in systems and buildings, facilities with devices and equipment from which electromagnetic interference fields can have an inadmissible influence on the environment. As a result of the permissible operating temperature of +90°C at the conductor, an enhanced current carrying capacity compared to PE insulated motor connection cables is permissible. Used as a connecting

cable for medium mechanical stress with fixed installation and occasional free movement in dry, damp or wet rooms, as well as outdoors and suitable to direct burial. Topflex is used in the automotive industry, food industry, environmental technology sector, packaging industry and in machine tools.

of Helukabel (GmbH). With over 2,200 employees located across 39 countries and a turnover of €1bn globally. A business history with 40 years of experience. Some of the core industries that Helukabel Ireland supplies are construction, electrical, renewable energy, pharmaceutical and the data centre sector.

ABOUT HELUKABEL

Fully operational with warehouse and cable cutting facilities now available in Ireland. Contact the Helukabel sales team on +353-1-2210640 or www.helukabel.ie

Helukabel is a leading international manufacturer and supplier of cables, wires and cable accessories. Helukabel Ireland is the subsidiary

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October/November 2023

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Croom Concrete becomes the first Irish company to achieve UKCA mark through NSAI subsidiary

room Concrete in County Limerick has been announced as the first Irish company to achieve the UKCA mark from NSAI Certification UK, a subsidiary of the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI). As a result, the precast concrete supplier, which employs over 90 people in Limerick, can export its precast concrete products to England, Scotland and Wales, bearing the UKCA mark. NSAI Certification UK was set up to facilitate trade between businesses in Ireland and Great Britain after Brexit. It achieved accreditation from the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS), for its work under the UK Construction Products Regulation earlier this year. Robin Byrne, Head of Office, NSAI Certification UK, explained the significance of the new mark, saying, “Exports from Ireland to Great Britain were worth over €14bn in 2021, and the UKCA mark applies to most products which had been previously subject to CE marking before Brexit. For Irish manufacturers and exporters, having this UKCA mark reduces barriers to trade and enables them to sell to Great Britain again.” Byrne added, “Croom Concrete’s achievement is a testament to their dedication to excellence and quality. We are proud to have been their partners on this journey and to have played a part in their success. This accomplishment opens doors for Croom Concrete to expand its market presence in the UK and beyond.” UKCA marking is a rigorous certification that ensures products entering the UK market meet the highest safety and quality standards. Achieving this certification requires companies to demonstrate compliance with a range of technical specifications and regulatory requirements, making it a significant accomplishment for

(L to r): Robin Byrne, Head of UK Office, NSAI Certification UK; Matt Costello, Founder, Croom Concrete; and Neale Richmond TD, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with special responsibility for Business, Employment and Retail. Croom Concrete. Speaking on behalf of Croom Concrete, company founder Matt Costello expressed gratitude for the support provided by NSAI Certification UK and stated, “This achievement signifies a milestone in our journey as a company. We are proud to represent Irish manufacturing on an international stage and assure our UK customers that we adhere to the highest quality standards. We thank NSAI Certification UK for their guidance and support throughout this process.”

Aqua electric limescale dissolver - empowering energy efficiency of buildings through cutting-edge, 24/7 automated, patented technology

arge quantities of heated and cooled water are used by businesses in their daily operation, creating limescale issues even in supposedly soft water areas. When heated, water makes deposits that often go unnoticed until damage occurs. They obstruct heat transfer, clog pipes and nozzles, induce corrosion and diminish system efficiency. This leads to lower energy efficiency, heightened maintenance costs, premature equipment replacement, operational downtime, and decarbonisation challenges. About 50% of all energy used is traced back to buildings, with 40% coming from HVAC systems. If these systems aren’t optimised, they become less efficient, raising energy and operational costs and the carbon footprint. According to the British Water and Carbon Trust, energy expenses surge by 7% for every 1mm growth in limescale. Typically, a build-up of 2-3mm over two years results in a 15% hike in energy bills. The Aqua electric limescale dissolver, a patented Swedish technology, provides robust 24/7 automated protection for water installations and equipment. It also dissolves existing limescale deposits,

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ensuring peak system efficiency and significant savings in energy, water, and resources. This green technology also reduces carbon footprints and prevents unexpected maintenance, interruptions, and premature equipment failure. Chemical, salt, and filter-free, it remains maintenance-free for an impressive 15 years without hidden costs. Industries across Europe, including data centres, pharmaceuticals, property managers, manufacturers, and food and beverage producers, have profited from Aqua’s smart technology. It boosts equipment performance, improves plant longevity and cuts costs without significant initial expenses, ensuring a return on investment typically after the first year of use. In one example, data centres commonly use liquid cooling to optimise facility operations. However, hard water supply disrupts cooling systems and reduces energy efficiency due to limescale. Aqua’s products effectively maintain scale-free liquid cooling systems, mitigating these disruptions. Residential, office, retail, hospitality and healthcare buildings typically demand

intense heating and cooling operations through HVAC systems. Aqua empowers cost-effective site management operations with its automated functionality and robust protection. The Aqua range is now available in Ireland through Green Connection and is already delivering significant results for companies operating in several sectors. To learn more, call 085 743 8697 for a demonstration or visit www.notolimescale.com

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