Sustainability

In line with our Mission, Vision, and Values, the Grangegorman Development Agency is committed to delivering the regeneration of the Grangegorman Quarter in the most sustainable way possible. Guided by the Government’s call for the Irish public sector to lead the green transition by example, we have strengthened our Sustainability Strategy, grounding it in the principles of ESG. It is supported by transparent annual reporting aligned with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). 

We recognise the influence of public procurement in shaping the Irish market. We are using this leverage to ensure that our construction activities minimise negative impacts on both people and the planet. 

To inform our approach, we undertook a retrospective baseline analysis of our buildings and studied national and international best practices and standards. Building on these insights, we have set ambitious performance targets for future developments covering operational energy, embodied carbon, embodied environmental impacts of materials, waste reduction, water conservation, indoor environmental quality, climate adaptation, and biodiversity enhancement. We look holistically at the value for money and consider the whole life cycle of a building in our financial calculations reported under the International Cost Management Standards (ICMS-3) framework. 

The sustainability performance of our projects is continuously monitored and managed. Our Design Teams and Contractors must develop sustainable buildings by following the process of the EU Level(s) Framework, with structured reporting integrated into the Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF) stages. This ensures measurable progress and accountability. 

Looking ahead, the decarbonisation of the district heating system at the Grangegorman Quarter – including the transition to geothermal energy – will place us on a strong pathway to delivering Zero Emission Buildings, aligning with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). In doing so, we contribute directly to Ireland’s legally binding climate-neutral, biodiversity-rich economy goal by 2050 under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021. 

We take a long-term view: GDA’s activities are designed to leave a positive, lasting legacy – both tangible and intangible – for the communities we serve, and by sharing our expertise with the wider public sector, we aim to inspire and accelerate collective action towards such a sustainable approach.