Ecofix offers construction expertise in commercial, community and specialist services. The company has successfully delivered high-quality projects across Ireland. Director Colin Durkan discussed some of the company’s projects and sustainability objectives, in conversation with Imogen Ward and Antonia Cole.
Founded in 2009 as a retrofit specialist contractor, Ecofix has retrofitted over 1,500 homes since its inception. The last six years, however, has seen the company transfer its expertise in External Wall Insulation (EWI) systems for one-off homes to new build apartment blocks, hotels, schools, hospitals and care centres.
The fabric-first approach involving externally wrapping the building envelope is increasingly being used by developers and contractors. This method is cost efficient and comes a with a wide variety of finishes. It also eliminates the moisture content within the structure, resulting in a longer lasting,
more energy efficient building that is healthier for its occupants.
The net result of the fabric-first approach is therefore a more efficient building, and one with healthy occupants and lower maintenance costs, which resonates well with individual homeowners and institutional investors.
Ambitious retrofit targets
The Irish government is planning to retrofit 500,000 homes to a B2 energy rating by 2030. EWI systems will help the country to achieve this goal as insulation is effective in reducing heat loss from a building, minimising the necessary energy required to heat the property. Overall, this improves the energy efficiency of the building and limits future carbon emissions in the property’s use.
Given the ambitious scale of the Government programme, Ecofix has decided to re-enter the retrofit market. Having recently completed five pilot schemes in the Dublin area, Ecofix will be rolling out a nationwide campaign in Q3 2024.
The company strives to be environmentally conscious in operations by limiting double handing in importations. The majority of Ecofix’s resources are shipped from source, be that the UK or Europe, to the required site. By reducing the movement of goods, the company minimises transport emissions and its carbon footprint.
Ecofix is committed to making 75% of its vehicles electric by 2027 and is currently at 37%. The company is on target to achieve this goal, as it is preparing two
phases of electric vehicles to join operations by mid-2025, which will bring Ecofix up to the 75% target.
Streamlining success
In 2020, Ecofix began reinventing its internal operations system. The new system has been built from a quality assurance perspective, reinforcing the company’s high standards and ability to deliver great service to clients.
“By founding our operations system on quality assurance, then standards of safety, reliability and value are integrated into every level of the company,” explained Mr Durkan. “From procurements to our operatives on site, we are confident that all sectors of the company are operating according to our high standards.”
From procure-ments to our operatives on site, we are confident that all sectors of the company are operating according to our high standards
Ecofix uses PlanRadar for its quality assurance operations system. This software identifies potential defects early in the process to eliminate reliance on quality control after the project’s finalisation. The system promotes better communication, enhanced risk management and efficient utilisation
of resources to streamline project completion and success.
“At Ecofix, we are certified NSAI and SEAI installers and we continuously review and train our staff,” said Mr Durkan. “We strive to encourage constant improvement by using
We are constantly looking for new ways to evolve and we believe that collaboration is the most effective way to do this
client feedback and our quality assurance internal operations system. All of this ensures that we are providing the best quality service and products to our clients in the safest and most efficient manner possible.”
Effective collaborations
Silken Park was Ireland’s largest passive housing development at the t ime it was built and led the way for more
environmentally conscious passive housing. This project proved that housing founded on sustainability was not only achievable but affordable. Ecofix delivered the required airtightness to the buildings for passive housing certification.
Ecofix also provided its services in the delivery of 47 passive house certified units in Killiney, Co Dublin, the result of which is not just immensely efficient houses, but visually spectacular as well.
“It’s very rewarding, being able to contribute to projects like these,” said Mr Durkan. “Sustainability is a vital factor for housing in today’s climate and we are happy to play our part in making Ireland more energy efficient while still delivering a visually pleasing home.”
The company is successfully innovating sustainable practices and products but recognises the importance of collaboration in building a more energy efficient future. Ecofix has maintained relationships with partners for the past decade by working alongside them to achieve common goals.
“Collaboration with our partners is so important to our success as a company,” concluded Mr Durkan. “By utilising the expertise of professionals across the
industry, we can develop the best solutions for our clients. We are constantly looking for new ways to evolve and we believe that collaboration is the most effective way to do this.”
A good example of this would be a project Ecofix is currently working on in Northwood in North Dublin, a development of 200 apartments over two blocks. The client requested a specific stone (Dekton) was used in conjunction with a proposed system. Ecofix worked with the system provider, the architects and the client to get the product approved, the result being a more sustainable and cost-effective solution, while at the same time deliv ering on the required aesthetic requirements. n
