Helping Ireland Get Back on Track: The Construction Industry’s Role in Achieving Climate Targets
“the scale of improvements that are being made across a variety of areas is insufficient to meet national long-term environmental objectives and targets, especially where they require coordinated action across thematic areas. In all cases, the outlook is not positive with substantial challenges to deliver on climate, air, nature, water and the circular economy.”
Ireland’s State of the Environment Report 2024 - Executive Summary
It’s official. It’s not looking good and we all need to start doing more!
Ireland's 2024 State of the Environment report has made one thing abundantly clear: the country is not on track to meet its climate targets, and the construction sector is no exception. As Ireland faces the challenge of reducing emissions by 51% by 2030 in accordance with the Climate Action Plan and the European Green Deal, the construction industry must play a pivotal role in driving decarbonisation efforts. Tritech is stepping up to meet this challenge by embedding sustainable engineering into every new development, retrofit, and operational improvement it undertakes. Our commitment to ensuring Ireland's built environment contributes positively to national and EU-wide climate goals is both urgent and strategic.
Sustainable Engineering in Every Project
At Tritech, we prioritise reducing embodied carbon; emissions from material production, transportation, and construction, by utilising Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), Building Information Modelling (BIM) and cutting-edge technologies. These tools streamline processes, enhance resource efficiency, minimise waste, and ensure energy-efficient systems are integrated from the outset. Additionally, advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and virtual reality further improve accuracy and efficiency, contributing to waste reduction.
A significant part of our work is the decarbonisation of existing commercial real estate, aligning with the European Green Deal’s ambition for net-zero emissions by 2050. By retrofitting older buildings with modern, energy-efficient systems, we not only extend their lifecycle but also reduce operational carbon, ensuring that they remain valuable and compliant with future environmental standards. This approach mitigates the risk of stranded assets while supporting investors and property owners in their sustainability goals.
Certifiable Commitments?
Incorporating frameworks like LEED, WiredScore, and NZEB into projects is key to supporting decarbonisation efforts.?
Meeting these stringent standards works hand in hand with reducing carbon emissions, enhancing building performance, and delivering both environmental and financial benefits.
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Case Studies: Sustainable Engineering in Action
We let our work speak for itself, showcasing our expertise through landmark projects that aim for the highest levels of sustainability accreditation. Two of our live decarbonisation projects in Dublin showcase this commitment. The first, a Grade A, 70,000 sq/ft, seven-story over basement office building at Georges Quay, Dublin 2, is designed to achieve LEED Platinum certification, a BER A3 energy rating, WiredScore Platinum connectivity, WELL-enabled features, and NZEB compliance. Similarly, another Grade A, 210,000 sq/ft, eight-story over basement office building in Dublin 2 integrates advanced decarbonisation measures, including LEED Platinum certification, an A3 energy rating, WELL Platinum standards, Carbon Zero operations, and IoT smart building technology.
Some of our previous projects include The Reflector Building which received both LEED Gold V4 accreditation and A3 BER Certification and Mastercard’s technology campus which not only met but exceeded client expectations, achieving both LEED Platinum and WELL Platinum certifications, reflecting our dedication to creating world-class environments. At Number 1 Ballsbridge, we showcased our innovative procurement and delivery strategies, enabling us to efficiently manage complex logistics while delivering premium commercial and residential spaces that adhere to stringent sustainability standards. Additionally, through our work at The Hamilton Building, Trinity College Dublin, we implemented effective waste management practices, recycling over 27 tons of materials, and significantly reducing our environmental impact.?
Leading the Charge for a Low-Carbon Future
With data centres accounting for a significant portion of Ireland’s energy consumption, energy efficiency must be at the heart of their design and operation. Tritech’s expertise in smart energy management systems enables data centres to optimise energy use in real-time, ensuring that they not only meet ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) standards but also contribute to Ireland’s broader environmental goals. In our project with Elavon, we executed the phased installation of a new UPS unit while maintaining operational continuity in a live environment. Similarly, at BT Communications, we developed a robust electrical infrastructure, installing 35 kilometres of cable and UPS systems to support the facility's future demands.?
In the pharmaceutical sector, Tritech partners with key players to integrate sustainable technologies that conserve water, minimise waste, and reduce energy consumption. This approach helps pharma companies meet their environmental responsibilities while maintaining the high standards of production required in this critical industry.
Our collaboration with Integer on the Dunbrody facility expansion exemplifies this dedication. Tritech enhanced efficiency and accuracy while minimising costs through off-site manufacturing, delivering advanced mechanical services for a new ISO Class 7 cleanroom and additional production space.
Meeting Ireland's Climate Targets: A Collective Effort
The State of the Environment report serves as a wake-up call for the Irish construction sector, but it also presents an opportunity for transformation. The estimated €160 billion investment required to decarbonise Ireland’s economy by 2030 underscores the scale of the challenge, but also highlights the potential for industry leaders like Tritech to drive real change.
Our strategy is simple but profound: sustainability must be at the core of everything we do. Whether through MMC, BIM, LEED, NZEB or BER, we are committed to delivering engineering solutions that not only meet the immediate needs of our clients but also contribute to long-term environmental goals. By focusing on retrofitting existing buildings and embedding energy-efficient technologies in new developments, Tritech is ensuring that the Irish construction sector plays its part in meeting Ireland’s climate targets.