Constructive Voices
Ireland
IrelandRetrofitting in Ireland: the 2026 Report
Ireland has never spent more on home energy upgrades, never completed more of them, and never been further behind on the one number that actually counts. This is what the 2026 data says — and what it means for the people doing the work. This report is part of our ongoing commitment to analyse retrofitting in Ireland. […]
Jackie De Burca · 8/12/2026
IrelandThe State of the Built Environment in Ireland
The State of the Built Environment in Ireland The State of the Built Environment in Ireland Ireland · Built environment · 2026 audit The State of the Built Environment in Ireland Buildings and construction produce 37 per cent of Ireland’s carbon emissions — the same share as agriculture, and far less discussed. This is where […]
Jackie De Burca · 8/10/2026
IrelandWind Energy in Ireland: A Third of Our Power, and the Grid That Can’t Carry It
In August 2022 we published a short, optimistic piece about Ireland leading by example on wind. Four years on, most of the optimism was justified — and the one thing nobody was talking about has turned into the central problem. This report is part of our ongoing commitment to analyse renewable energy in Ireland. It […]
Jackie De Burca · 8/9/2026
CorkSustainable Building in Cork Ireland: An Updated Report
Sustainable building in Cork: the city holds an EU Mission Label and a €2.2bn climate plan, yet just 6% of its rated homes are A-rated. This report is part of our ongoing commitment to analyse how sustainable building is going in Cork, Ireland. It sits within the Constructive Voices’ national record, that you can find […]
Jackie De Burca · 8/9/2026
IrelandIreland Biodiversity and the Built Environment
This report is part of our ongoing commitment to analyse biodiversity and the built environment in Ireland. It sits within the Constructive Voices’ national record, that you can find at The State of the Built Environment in Ireland. Ireland Biodiversity and the Built Environment You can still see rural landscapes like this in Ireland. The […]
Jackie De Burca · 8/8/2026
IrelandHow Many BREEAM Buildings Are There in Ireland? 173 In Use
How Many BREEAM Buildings Are There in Ireland This report is part of our ongoing commitment to check the evolution of BREEAM buildings in Ireland. It sits within the Constructive Voices’ national record, that you can find at The State of the Built Environment in Ireland. Ever Wondered How Many BREEAM Buildings Are There In […]
Jackie De Burca · 8/6/2026
IrelandWhere Does Ireland Actually Rank in Europe for Green Buildings and Passive Houses?
This report is part of our ongoing commitment to evaluate how Ireland is ranking when it comes to green buildings. It sits within the Constructive Voices’ national record, that you can find at The State of the Built Environment in Ireland. Coming from Ireland, I can tell you that it wouldn’t have been that long […]
Jackie De Burca · 8/6/2026
PodcastsS4, E27: Building Climate-Ready Streets, Homes & Transit with Feljin Jose
Building Climate-Ready Streets, Homes & Transit with Feljin Jose Public transport advocate and Dublin City Councillor Feljin Jose joins interviewer Ciara to unpack how streets, housing and rail policy shape daily life—and climate action. Feljin Jose Podcast cover Tune into Feljin Jose and Ciara O’Brien below We connect DART+, MetroLink and better buses to the […]
Ciara O'Brien · 11/12/2025
PodcastsS4, E26: Healthcare's Role in Climate Change with Irish Doctors for the Environment
Healthcare’s Role in Climate Change with Irish Doctors for the Environment The built environment and of course, the environment in general, are inextricably linked to our health and well-being. With so much media coverage on climate change and biodiversity loss, it is hard to ignore these facts. Places and people are also connected in various […]
Dr. Lisa McNamee · 11/9/2025
BiodiversityWhat is the European Commission's Roadmap towards Nature Credits?
What is the European Commission’s Roadmap towards Nature Credits? “When I first saw the news of the EU’s Roadmap towards nature credits, I was excited, but then reality set in. So I set up an interview with Brian MacSharry of the European Environment Agency (EEA) ” Jackie De Burca Listen To This Podcast Interview With […]
Jackie De Burca · 9/28/2025
PodcastsS4, E22: Ireland’s Retrofit Race — with Dr. Ciarán Byrne (SEAI)
Ireland’s Retrofit Race with Dr. Ciarán Byrne (SEAI) How Ireland is making homes warmer, cheaper to run, and lower-carbon—at real scale—and what you should actually do first. Ireland’s Retrofit Race Ireland set out to decarbonise its housing by upgrading existing homes—insulation first, fossil heating out, heat pumps and other renewables in. Dr. Ciarán Byrne from […]
Dr Ciaran Byrne · 9/12/2025
PodcastsS4, E18: Good News: A New Way To Look At Sustainability & Pocket Forests & Retrofitting in Ireland
Good News: A New Way To Look At Sustainability & Pocket Forests & Retrofitting in Ireland In this uplifting edition of the Constructive Voices Good News podcast, we bring you a short, sharp burst of positive stories from the built environment — with a dash of conservation inspiration. TUNE IN, LEARN & BE UPLIFTED IN […]
Jackie De Burca · 8/14/2025
PodcastsS4, E16: The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD): A Game-Changer for European Building Sustainability With Stephen Barrett of the IGBC
The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD): A Game-Changer for European Building Sustainability With Stephen Barrett of the IGBC, S4, E16 – article & podcast LISTEN BELOW TO THE FULL EPISODE The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is a European Union directive focused on improving the energy performance of buildings. It aims to reduce […]
Stephen Barrett · 7/28/2025
PodcastsS4, E14: A Sustainable Snapshot of Cobh: Local Action, Global Implications
A Sustainable Snapshot of Cobh: Local Action, Global Implications S4, E14 “I just hope all this new development is done well. There’s a huge amount of ambition around Cork—but not enough legislation to measure the environmental impact.” Stephen Barrett “Cobh is still a beautiful place. The people care and want to do the right thing. […]
Stephen Barrett · 7/11/2025
Podcasts,S4, E11: Greening Ireland: From Pocket Forests to Native Woodlands With Catherine Cleary
Greening Ireland: From Pocket Forests to Native Woodlands With Catherine Cleary ‘Greening Ireland: From Pocket Forests to Native Woodlands With Catherine Cleary’ is a feature created by Sarah Austin. We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Catherine Cleary, author, journalist, and the CEO & Co-founder of Pocket Forests. Having authored and co-authored 4 books […]
Sarah Austin · 6/2/2025
Youth VoicesLessons From COP With Ireland’s Climate Youth Delegate Beth Doherty
lessons from COP with Ireland’s Climate Youth Delegate, beth doherty Ireland’s Climate Youth Delegate, Beth Doherty, has been involved in climate advocacy since the age of 15. She has grown from a local climate strike organiser to an international advocate. Her role in COP processes has taught her many things. She sees a change in […]
Ciara O'Brien · 4/24/2025
RetrofittingThe Health Benefits of Retrofitting Your Home
The Health Benefits of Retrofitting Your Home Retrofitting your home can greatly improve your health. It can lower the risk of respiratory diseases and boost your wellbeing. This is crucial for a greener, more energy-efficient home1. By retrofitting, you make your home healthier and more eco-friendly, which is vital for those who care about the […]
Jackie De Burca · 1/21/2025
IrelandRetrofitting in Ireland in 2025 and Beyond
Retrofitting in ireland in 2025 Retrofitting in Ireland in 2025 and beyond is a combination of up-to-date facts about the topic along with some audio clips taken from a podcast episode that features Dr. Ciaran Byrne, the Director of National Retrofit at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). You can also hear the full […]
Jackie De Burca · 1/20/2025
ExpertsDr. Ciaran Byrne, Director of National Retrofit Ireland
DR. CIARAN BYRNE INTERVIEW Dr Ciaran Byrne, Director, SEAI on Ireland’s Retrofitting Success Stories, Challenges and Opportunities Dr Ciaran Byrne is currently the Director of the National Retrofit Directorate in Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). In this position, his key priority is to build the National Retrofit Directorate within SEAI and design the business and […]
Jackie De Burca · 9/22/2024
Built EnvironmentS3, E5 Dr Ciaran Byrne, Director, S.E.A.I. on Ireland's Retrofitting Success Stories, Challenges & Opportunities
S3, E5: Dr Ciaran Byrne, Director, SEAI on Ireland’s Retrofitting Success Stories, Challenges and Opportunities In this enlightening episode of the Constructive Voices Podcast, Jackie De Burca talks to Dr. Ciaran Byrne, the Director of National Retrofit in Ireland. He offers invaluable insights into the country’s experience to date and the future of retrofitting in […]
Dr Ciaran Byrne · 6/11/2024
Top Green BuildingsDublin Top Green Buildings and Their Architects
Dublin Top Green Buildings Ireland is a hotspot for stunning green buildings. They mix cool designs with being kind to nature. Because building the green way is more popular, Ireland is at the forefront. They focus a lot on making buildings that use less energy and materials wisely.1 As Dublin is the country’s capital city, […]
Jackie De Burca · 5/10/2024