Going Green: Advancing Sustainability Standards In Ireland's Construction Sector

It will come as little surprise to those with experience of the Irish construction sector that environmental and sustainability factors and regulations play an increasing part in our built environment.

In recent years, the evolving nature of construction standards coupled with unprecedented increases in fuel and materials costs, and improved environmental awareness have combined to emphasise the relevance of environmental and sustainability measures. Whether it is the incorporation of conservation of fuel and energy standards into the Building Regulations or the requirement for Building Energy Rating (BER) Certificates for new commercial buildings from July 2008, environmental and sustainability standards now play a considerable and growing role in our built environment.