LEEDing the Way: The Impact of LEED on Irish Construction

18 Dec LEEDing the Way: The Impact of LEED on Irish Construction

LEEDing the Way: The Green Building Revolution – The Impact of LEED on Irish Construction

VHA has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of LEED in the construction industry. In this mini blog, we’ll look at how LEED is reshaping the construction landscape in Ireland and driving the adoption of sustainable practices, green materials, and cutting-edge technology.

The LEED Revolution in Irish Construction

The adoption of LEED in Irish construction is picking up pace. This globally recognised green building certification system has influenced individual projects and instigated a positive shift in the industry’s mindset and practices.

Sustainable Practices are the Norm.

Thanks to certifications such as LEED, sustainability is a cornerstone of modern construction in Ireland. From the earliest stages of project planning, architects, builders, and developers are now considering energy-efficient design, eco-friendly practices, and environmental responsibility as integral components of their projects.

Energy Efficiency is King

LEED’s emphasis on energy efficiency has increased the uptake of the integration of advanced heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, energy-efficient lighting, and renewable energy sources. Buildings designed to LEED standards use less energy, which benefits the environment and results in significant cost savings for building owners and occupants.

Green Materials Take Centre Stage

LEED has pushed for the use of sustainable and environmentally responsible materials. As designers, VHA is constantly researching how to source materials with low environmental impacts that contain recycled content and can be sustainably sourced. This shift not only reduces a project’s carbon footprint but also supports local and global sustainability goals.

Green building materials are at the forefront of LEED’s impact on Irish construction. They include:

• Recycled and Recyclable Materials: LEED encourages using materials with recycled content. These materials reduce the demand for new resources and divert waste from landfills. Additionally, they can often be recycled at the end of their life cycle, contributing to a circular economy.

• Sustainable Sourcing: Timber, for example, plays a significant role in construction. LEED promotes the use of timber sourced from sustainably managed forests, where trees are replanted to maintain a healthy ecosystem.

• Low-Emitting Materials: Green building materials produce fewer emissions or pollutants. This is crucial for maintaining high indoor air quality, as materials with low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions are preferred.

• Energy-Efficient Insulation: Insulation materials that minimise heat transfer contribute to the energy efficiency of a building, reducing the need for heating and cooling.

• High-Performance Glazing: Advanced window technologies help manage heat gain and loss, enhancing energy efficiency and natural daylighting.

The Impact of Green Materials

Integrating green building materials into construction projects offers several advantages, including the contribution to a reduced carbon footprint, as green materials often have lower embodied energy, meaning they require less energy to manufacture and transport, resulting in reduced carbon footprint. Often, green materials use recycled and recyclable materials and sustainably sourced timber, contributing to resource conservation. As well as this, low-emitting materials support healthier indoor air quality, making buildings more comfortable and conducive to well-being.

Technological Advancements

LEED encourages the integration of advanced technology into construction projects. Building management systems, smart sensors, and IoT technologies are being used to optimise energy use and enhance the overall functionality and efficiency of buildings. The result is a generation of smarter, more connected, and more environmentally responsible structures.

Join the Green Building Revolution with VHA

At VHA, we’re proud to be at the forefront of the green building revolution in Ireland. We have seen the positive impact of LEED on our projects, our clients, and our environment. Our commitment to sustainable architecture and the LEED principles goes beyond compliance —it’s a reflection of our passion for creating a better, more sustainable future.

Whether you’re planning a residential, commercial, or public building project, we’re here to help you embrace the green building revolution. Contact our LEED Consultancy Department today to learn how we can make your architectural vision a reality while contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for all. Contact: grainne@vha.ie