How is sustainability changing the delivery of property developments?
3D Design Bureau
We provide creative and technical 3D solutions for the built environment.
Undeniably, sustainability is an important part of planning, building, and delivering properties. As Europe makes significant commitments towards achieving Net Zero Emissions, the AEC industry finds itself with increased responsibility.
In this article, we explore the current state of sustainable property development in Ireland and highlight practical solutions that developers and design teams can adopt to enhance sustainability in their projects.
Sustainability in the Irish property industry
Ireland has made significant commitments to reduce emission levels in line with global efforts. The government’s Climate Action Plan sets ambitious targets to achieve a 50% reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and attain net-zero emissions by 2050. The most recent data from the action plan shows that in 2022, the built environment contributed to 11.1% of the country’s total emissions.
The government has outlined a series of measures to achieve these ambitious goals. These include transitioning to alternative heating methods in new buildings, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, implementing solar PV systems on building rooftops, increasing energy efficiency on old and new buildings, and adopting more sustainable materials within the construction industry.
Companies across the industry are increasingly embracing sustainability in their projects. Cairn Homes, for example, recently committed to becoming the first large-scale Irish homebuilder to adopt the Passive House standard, addressing both climate action and Ireland’s housing shortage. This standard aims to significantly reduce the need for traditional heating systems. According to Cairn’s Position Paper, it will cut heat energy demand by about 55%, leading to a projected 41% annual reduction in energy bills for residents and asset owners.
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