Biodiversity And The Built Environment: Irish Case Studies
Set of Irish Case Studies about protecting and enhancing biodiversity in the Built Environment in various building and infrastructure typologies.
National Forensic Mental Health Service - photo: STW Architects
Project description
In early 2024, the Government published the National Biodiversity Action Plan-2023-2030 , highlighting the importance of continuing to work on nature protection and enhancement.
The IGBC Biodiversity Team, with the support of members of the Biodiversity and Built Environment Community of Practice, is developing a catalogue of case studies on protecting and enhancing biodiversity in various building typologies and infrastructure in an Irish context. The first 2 case studies have been published here.
Goal
- Showcase how biodiversity and nature-based solutions have been integrated into various building types and infrastructure projects.
- Inspire building and construction professionals to protect biodiversity and incorporate nature-led features into their projects.
Steering Committee
» Eimear Fox, Senior Landscape Architect at Transport Infrastructure Ireland
» Dr. Úna FitzPatrick, Chief Scientific Officer at National Biodiversity Centre
» Michael Goan, Urban Design and Sustainability Manager at Land Development Agency
» Oisin Griffin, Head of Landscape and Urban Design at Cairn Homes
» Maryann Harris, Environmental Planning Manager at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
» Fran Igoe, Manager at Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO)
» Patrycja Kochaniuk, Sustainability Lead at Scott Tallon Walker Architects
» Neil Menzies, Director of Sustainability at Hibernia Real Estate Group
» Elizabeth O’Reilly, Project Officer (Ireland) at Chartered Institute of Ecology and
Environmental Management (CIEEM)
» Fiona Patterson, Senior Ecologist
» Ruth Saurin, Sustainability Manager at Glenveagh
» Lorcan Scott, Biodiversity Officer at Office of Public Works (OPW)
» Susan Vickers, Head of Environmental Sustainability at Cluid Housing (Chair)
» Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer at Offaly County Council
Timeline
1 year – (May 2024 – May 2025) – extended to October 2025. Publication expected in July 2026.
Partners
Who Was Involved?
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List of Contributors
» Áit Urbanism + Landscape » Bat Conservation Ireland » Cairn Homes » Clúid Housing » Cork County Council » Glenveagh » Heritage Council » Hibernia Real Estate Group » HSE » Irish Doctors for the Environment » Local Authority Water Programme » Monaghan County Council » Murray Associates » National Biodiversity Centre » Russell Environmental and Sustainability Services Limited » Scott Tallon Walker » Swift Conservation Ireland » Transport Ireland Infrastructure » Tuath Housing
Funders
Who supported the project?
IGBC Team
Who Works On This?
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Irene Rondini
Irene joined IGBC in 2019, leading communications and dissemination across national and EU projects. Irene currently supports IGBC’s growing work on Biodiversity & the Built Environment and administered EPD Ireland programme from 2019 to 2024. With an MSc in Environmental Science and a Certificate in Digital Marketing, Irene brings a rare mix of technical and creative expertise, with previous experience as an EHS Officer and Web Specialist in the construction sector. -
Marion Jammet
Marion leads IGBC’s policy and advocacy work, developing position papers, engaging on consultations and draft legislation, and representing IGBC on the WorldGBC Europe Policy Task Force and Renovate Europe Committee. With a background in policy, stakeholder engagement and project management, Marion has worked on energy renovation projects across Europe. She previously held roles at Dublin Chamber, Eurochambres and the European Parliament. Marion holds an MA in European Affairs from Sciences-Po and an MSc in Environmental Sustainability from UCD.
Latest Insights
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The Irish Green Building Council Launches Irish Case Studies to Mainstream Biodiversity in the Built Environment
Dublin, 22nd May 2025: The Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) celebrated Ireland’s National Biodiversity Week today with the… -
Biodiversity And The Built Environment: Irish Case Studies
First Set of Irish Case Studies about protecting and enhancing biodiversity in the BE
How to Get Involved
If you have any questions about this project and want to get involved, please contact Irene.
Project