Sustainable Infrastructure
“Like with most infrastructure, investment in our cities and towns will never be cheaper than it is today.
Business Energy Upgrades Scheme: strengthening Ireland’s sustainable infrastructure by increasing energy efficiency
The Government is fully committed to a low-carbon future and to playing a leading role in meeting the global energy and climate challenge.
Darragh O’Brien Minister for Department of Environment, Climate and Communications
We are equally focused on strengthening Ireland’s energy security and maintaining the competitiveness of our economy. That’s why our programme of supports for business has expanded with the Business Energy Upgrades Scheme (BEUS), which I launched in April.
Financial support scheme for SMEs
This new scheme is designed specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It is funded by my Department and delivered by our expert partners, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. It provides financial support alongside expert advice to help businesses cut their energy use and costs by improving the efficiency of their buildings and operations. Its contribution to sustainable infrastructure is clear, not only in terms of emissions reductions but also in building long-term economic resilience.
Why it’s easy to use and supports climate action
by 2030 and helps build climate resilience into Ireland’s infrastructure.
Cost savings and job generation
The benefits of BEUS are not just limited to carbon savings. Energy efficiency also delivers real cost savings to businesses by improving competitiveness, particularly for SMEs, which are the backbone of our economy. The scheme also supports jobs across the country in the retrofit and engineering sectors, driving regional employment and balanced growth.
It provides financial support alongside expert advice to help businesses cut their energy use and costs.
This scheme is a game-changer because of how easy it is to use. For the first time, SMEs can apply online and receive grant approval within minutes, removing one of the biggest barriers to taking climate action.
From a policy perspective, the scheme aligns directly with our national climate targets by supporting retrofits, such as energy-efficient lighting, insulation, heating systems and renewable technologies. Every upgrade that reduces commercial energy use is a step toward meeting our goal of a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
This is a replicable, scalable model of public-private cooperation. By lowering practical, financial and technical barriers, we are encouraging more businesses to invest in sustainability.
We’re also gathering feedback from participants to help shape future climate and energy strategies.
Crucially, the scheme promotes behavioural change in the business community — embedding sustainability into everyday planning and decision-making. That kind of voluntary leadership creates a powerful momentum for Ireland’s wider energy transition.
Enabling sustainable business growth
The Business Energy Upgrade Scheme is not just a funding mechanism; it’s a strategic enabler of sustainable infrastructure, delivering high-impact climate action while boosting economic vitality. It shows how targeted government support can deliver real, lasting benefits for Irish businesses and communities alike.
Empowering Irish construction to tackle carbon emissions
A new tool, backed by CIF, is helping Irish construction companies, particularly small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), take the first steps toward credible carbon reporting.
The Scope 3 challenge
As Ireland accelerates efforts to deliver sustainable infrastructure, understanding and managing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have become essential. For the construction sector, this means addressing Scope 3 emissions — the indirect emissions associated with purchased goods, transportation, waste and supply chains. These typically account for 80% or more of a company’s total carbon footprint. However, until recently, there was no practical way for SMEs to accurately and consistently track these emissions.
The calculator reduces administrative burden, encourages collaboration and builds a common language around carbon.
An industry-ready solution
The CIF Carbon Calculator — developed in partnership with the Supply Chain Sustainability School — is now helping to close that gap. Tailored to the Irish construction sector, the tool allows businesses to estimate their carbon footprint
using standardised methodologies. Unlike spend-based methods, which often rely on generic economic data, this tool enables activity-based assessments, improving accuracy and transparency.
It’s already making a difference: over 200 organisations have already signed up, with more expected as public and private sector clients begin mandating Scope 3 reporting. It also supports alignment with the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) requirements, particularly under the new voluntary standard for SMEs (VSME), offering a scalable and auditable approach to Scope 3 carbon accounting.
Driving collective impact
CIF’s goal is not just to support individual firms but to elevate the sector as a whole. The calculator reduces administrative burden, encourages collaboration and builds a common language around carbon. For many SMEs, it removes the intimidation factor of climate reporting and provides a first, vital step on the path to sustainability.
This isn’t just a compliance exercise; it’s a critical enabler of collective climate action. With shared tools, consistent data and growing participation, the Irish construction sector is now better positioned to lead on sustainable infrastructure delivery.
Delivering the homes we need faster and more affordably
Transitioning to low-carbon infrastructure can cut costs and carbon by using existing systems better and coordinating utilities, freeing up resources to build more homes efficiently.
Remarkably, Ireland lacks water efficiency regulations, not to mention water charges. Unfortunately, this leads to wasteful use. What is perhaps less known is that it also limits housing development capacity, drives up infrastructure and treatment costs, and could delay young adults moving out well into the 2030s.
Outdated standards hinder sustainability
Our members, including some of Ireland’s leading home developers, are well on the way to reducing carbon in new homes by using more sustainable materials. Yet, it’s all for nothing if they must follow outdated guidelines and standards for water, road, and electrical infrastructure — guidelines that were all developed before we were thinking about the climate emergency and resource scarcity.
For example, research by UCD shows that building a single Uisce Eireann-compliant manhole outside a new home probably has a higher climate impact than heating your home for an entire year.
Example of more resilient living
I recently visited the all-timber, high-density (140 units per hectare) Falloeby development in Copenhagen. Remarkably, it features minimal hard surfaces — just emergency access and pedestrian and cycle paths woven through greenery and ponds. By concentrating parking in one area, as well as using leaner designs and nature-based drainage to manage runoff, the project cuts construction materials, boosts climate resilience and enhances liveability.
Build smarter, not bigger
The greenest infrastructure is the infrastructure we don’t need to build. We can increase density in existing towns and cities, bringing vacant space and sites back into use and utilise the infrastructure that is already there to deliver the homes we need. It’s not only good for our planet; it’s also faster and more cost-effective.
UCD’s carbon analysis previously mentioned that we can cut carbon by one-third for every new home by using existing infrastructure and avoiding greenfield sites for new development. Taking this approach to infrastructure means that we use fewer materials, build faster, increase our capacity to build homes and create more naturefriendly communities where people want to live.
Pat Barry CEO, Irish Green Building Council
PJ Ryan Head of ESG, Construction Industry Federation (CIF)
How the construction industry is building a cleaner and greener future
Businesses in the construction industry have a responsibility to protect the planet and its people with robust environmental, social and governance (ESG) measures and initiatives.
There’s a general perception that the construction industry is carbon-intensive and indifferent to environmental concerns. In reality, that image is increasingly outdated, says Louise Martin, Environmental and Sustainability Manager and ESG Lead at Walls Construction, a leading Irish building contractor.
Responsible growth and accountability
“We know it’s important to behave responsibly to protect the planet and its people,” she insists. Walls’ latest ESG Report outlines its comprehensive ESG strategy, goals and initiatives. “EU Green Deal funding is now available to support the building of sustainable projects, driving more conscientious planning, development and construction. ESG practices are connected to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which address climate change, biodiversity loss and social inequality. Many clients are on their own sustainability journeys, so there is real market demand for responsible approaches.”
Any business serious about its future must now reckon with ESG.
Legal compliance and biodiversity
An ESG strategy, Martin emphasises, must be grounded in strong legal compliance. “Abiding by the law is just the starting point,” she notes. “We must comply with extensive
Green infrastructure and low-carbon materials redefine construction standards
Learn how one company drives low-carbon innovation in construction with sustainable concrete, climate transparency and circular practices — transforming infrastructure across Europe.
Jenvironmental legislation — but we also ask what more can be done to improve sustainability on construction sites.”
One example is the company’s focus on achieving a biodiversity net gain through its Biodiversity Action Plan. “If we’re building a factory or facility, it might displace local flora and fauna,” Martin explains. “So, where possible, we work with landscape architects, ecologists and other specialists to enhance the natural environment and protect the existing biodiversity during construction.”
Sustainable practices and community focus Walls is also reducing carbon emissions by transitioning to electric vehicles and introducing eco cabins for workers, equipped with sensor lighting, thermostats and doubleglazed windows to maximise energy efficiency. It uses hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) in site generators and is trialling hybrid generators to gauge carbon savings
The company follows circular economy principles for waste management, reusing materials like soil and stone. “If done correctly, circular economy practices can save money,” says Martin. Community engagement is also a core value, including support for local groups, businesses and charities.
For companies starting their ESG journey, Martin advises: “Think about where you can have the most impact and start there. If it’s sensible and workable, it’s the right thing to do.”
ohn Sisk & Son, Ireland’s premier construction and engineering contractor, is spearheading a transformation in the construction sector by embedding sustainability at the core of its operations. Sinéad Hickey, Group Sustainability Director, explains: “We use standards such as ISO 14001 for the environment and ISO 50001 for energy as a starting point to embed sustainability into how we operate.”
Collaborative sustainability roadmap
“Our overall approach to sustainability is firstly shaped and guided by the standards we follow. True sustainability happens when project teams, design, supply chain and sustainability teams work together — it’s through this collaboration that
sustainable practices become part of the whole organisation,” adds Hickey.
Developing low-carbon concrete
A central part of the company’s sustainability journey is its focus on developing and using low-carbon concrete — one of the most carbonintensive materials in construction. To tackle this, the company created an internal low-carbon concrete working group to better understand the material’s environmental impact and find practical ways to reduce embodied carbon in its projects. This effort led to the development of Advanced Cement Technology (ACT). Created through a collaborative partnership supported by Innovate UK, ACT can cut carbon emissions from cement production by up to 70%
while improving concrete’s strength and durability. This breakthrough makes sustainable cement a realistic, scalable option for mainstream construction and marks a major step forward for the industry.
A-rated carbon disclosure strategy
Sisk’s commitment to transparency and leadership in climate action has been recognised with an ‘A’ rating from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) in 2024, which places them among the top 1% of responding companies globally. CDP’s global environmental disclosure platform highlights the company as a front-runner in climate transparency and accountability, empowering stakeholders worldwide.
Efficient and eco-friendly infrastructure expansion
Through strong industry collaboration, Sisk shows how partnerships can drive sustainable innovation. Whether building hospitals or data centres, the company combines sustainability with engineering to create resilient, efficient and eco-friendly infrastructure that lasts for generations.
Alan Rodger, Managing Director of Sisk Infrastructure, explains: “We’re also seeing increasing demand in transport, with growing work in ports, airports and local authorities aiming to decarbonise their networks. Sisk’s strong track record in these areas positions us well to take on this expanding workload.”
Louise Martin Environmental and Sustainability Manager/ESG Lead, Walls Construction
Sinéad Hickey Group Sustainability Director, Sisk
Alan Rodger Managing Director, Sisk Infrastructure & UK North
walls.ie
Sponsored by Walls
Sponsored by Sisk
WRITTEN BY Tony Greenway
Taller, more compact urban development can create sustainable and affordable cities
Professor Carlos Moreno introduced the 15-Minute City at COP21 in 2015; it quickly gained popularity in urban planning worldwide.
The idea is simple: everyone in a city should be able to access education, healthcare, work and recreation by walking, cycling or public transport — improving quality of life and cutting transport emissions.
Concept of 15-minute cities in Ireland
Despite its significant popularity, the 15-Minute City has been little discussed in the context of Irish public policy, despite a longstanding ambition for more compact urban planning.
A notable exception to this is the City Edge Project, an initiative that aims to reimagine the Naas Road, Ballymount and Park West areas of Dublin as a new urban quarter. Among its objectives are the provision of 40,000 homes and 75,000 jobs in a newly designed urban area that adheres to 15-Minute City principles. Housing is developed with nearby access to social infrastructure, including parks, open spaces, stores, childcare, employment and public transport.
Density in sustainable cities
by Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements, which have continually recommended that these authorities should promote increased residential densities in appropriate locations, including in cities and larger town centres.
Compact development has been promoted as a means of achieving greater affordability in housing, but additionally as a mechanism to curtail CO2 emissions through the reduction of energy consumption and more efficient energy use in the residential and transport sectors.
Density is a crucial element to achieving the compact development necessary to realise the 15-Minute City concept.
Building connected cities Ireland, however, has been slow to adopt higher-density housing. Accordingly, many public transport services are less efficient than they might be. Some, such as underground metropolitan railways, have not been developed at all, despite plans being developed in recent decades.
It must also be borne in mind that density is a crucial element to achieving the compact development necessary to realise the 15-Minute City concept.
Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Residential Density were first issued in September 1999, now replaced
Rainwater drainage specialists transform rainwater management internationally
Leading rainwater specialists are appointed to consult on an ambitious international airport project, expected to increase footfall to Singapore’s largest airport by over 50 million passengers annually.
SMore concerted efforts must be made to ensure more compact development proliferates in Ireland, with a focus on integrated and proximate amenities, if we are to create more sustainable urban environments and address our present housing crisis. Like with most infrastructure, investment in our cities and towns will never be cheaper than it is today.
iphonic drainage provides a smarter and more efficient way to manage rooftop rain. With a higher flow rate and the need for fewer and physically smaller pipes, it offers better protection from leaks and overflows while facilitating rainwater harvesting.
Drainage with environmental impact
“Not only does it look neater; it makes buildings greener,” explains Eugene Finn, Managing Director, Capcon. “Siphonic drainage supports rainwater harvesting and requires significantly fewer materials, fewer delivery loads and far less excavation.
It also adds a layer of certainty to the design and installation process, as the designs are usually tailored to the project. Compared to traditional systems, we’re seeing cost savings of 25–40%, and the carbon footprint of
installation is dramatically lower.”
The challenge of modern-day designs
According to Finn, many modern buildings are being constructed in environments where traditional pipework is neither practical nor aesthetically pleasing, meaning designs are becoming increasingly complex and sophisticated.
“Siphonic drainage by design is far more bespoke. We can discreetly channel water into concealed collection tanks outside of public view, where it can be stored and reused for sustainable applications,” he explains.
Changi Airport Terminal 5 project Capcon has been appointed as an independent consultant to advise on the design, scope, routes and coordination of the rainwater drainage systems for Changi Airport Terminal
5, an ambitious project expected to accommodate over 50 million more passengers at Singapore’s largest airport.
“Designed by KPF in collaboration with Heatherwick Studio and architects61, we are working alongside delivering advanced rainwater solutions tailored to meet the terminal’s ambitious performance and environmental standards,” explains Finn.
Terminal 5 will bring together rail, bus and other point-to-point transport services to connect Singapore travelers seamlessly, with Phase 1 expected to open by the mid-2030s.
Drainage specialists with global impact
International leaders of rainwater drainage and harvesting solutions, Capcon is a niche company experiencing rapid growth, having doubled its workforce within the last year. They currently have close to 140 live projects across 14 different countries and pride themselves on their ability to work in collaboration with both local and global industry stakeholders.
“All of our designs are completed in-house here in Ireland, but we partner with manufacturers and contractors across the world to deliver the installs,” says Finn. “We offer our clients the flexibility to work with any manufacturer of their choice, ensuring the final solution aligns perfectly with their preferences, requirements and local regulations.”
Damien Owens Director General, Engineers Ireland
Eugene Finn Managing Director, Capcon Engineering Ltd
Sponsored by Capcon
WRITTEN BY
Bethany Cooper