Donal Hickey: We need to end our old 'take, make, break, and throw away' habits 

And meeting construction industry environmental targets will bring us more liveable, healthier and nature-rich towns and cities

Ireland needs a revolution in how it delivers homes if it is to achieve its climate change targets, said Irish Green Building Council chief executive Pat Barry. Picture: Larry Cummins

It will take a lot more than chimney-less houses to reach environmental targets set for the construction industry.

Taoiseach Simon Harris has set a goal of 250,000 houses over five years — but Ireland needs a revolution in how it delivers homes if it is to achieve its climate change targets, said Irish Green Building Council chief executive Pat Barry.

Meeting this challenge will bring us more liveable, healthier, and nature-rich towns and cities, offering a better quality of life for all, he added.

Accounting for 50% of solid materials generated globally every year, construction in general, be it in buildings, or roads, cries out for sustainability.

In line with EU strategy, the aim here is to end the old ‘take, make, break, and throw away’ habit and to make goods more durable, repairable and recyclable by 2027.

Only a green “revolution” can deliver sustainable homes and liveable streets for all, IGBC conference hears. Speakers at the Irish Green Building Council’s 'Build Green Now' conference included Patrick Moloney, director at Ramboll Denmark, Pat Barry, CEO of the Irish Green Building Council and Sylvain Grisot, urban planner and founder of dixit.ie Picture: Marc O'Sullivan

“There’s no time for business as usual, or for incremental steps. We can deliver sustainable and affordable homes, but we need a revolution in the way we think and act about buildings, infrastructure, and transport, and it needs to start now,” Mr Barry recently told his council’s conference.

Other experts pointed out that, if we start acting now, we can radically transform our urban spaces before 2050 — filled with trees and green spaces, clear air and clean rivers, and net zero carbon buildings adapted to the new climate.

The dream is of cities filled with nature and walkable streets where children can play safely. But to achieve this, a gentle transition won’t be enough. We need a redirection in how we design and build our urban spaces, they stressed.

Only 4% of Irish homes have an A BER rating, according to the CSO. The average rating is C, which basically means 'relatively efficient in regard to heating and insulation'. Our homes use 7% more energy than the EU average. Picture: Chani Anderson

Only 4% of Irish homes have an A BER rating, according to the CSO. The average rating is C, which basically means 'relatively efficient in regard to heating and insulation'. Our homes use 7% more energy than the EU average.

An EPA report last August showed that construction is our largest waste stream — nine million tonnes and a 10% increase. Much of the soil and stone is used for backfilling while a proportion of timber, glass, plastics and metals is recycled.

Many people also like to pick up antique fireplaces, stair railings and old furniture to adorn their modern homes.

A renewed focus on refurbishing old buildings and retrofitting is also called for. And need we go back to that old chestnut: renovating traditional over-the-shop living quarters in commercial buildings, many of which are falling derelict in every town and city!

Marie Donnelly, chair of Ireland's Climate Change Advisory Council

Finally, Marie Donnelly, chair of the Climate Change Advisory Council, called for targeted actions in construction, such as reducing the emissions-intensity of cement production and increasing the use of sustainable timber.