Protecting the Environment

We aim to protect the environment by minimising our emissions and use of natural resources while ensuring we leave space for nature at our properties.

Our key materiality areas are:
 

  • Climate change (energy consumption, carbon emissions and climate risk)

  • Environmental management (biodiversity, water, pollution, and waste)

     

Creating a Sustainable Portfolio

At I-RES, we are dedicated to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions across our portfolio by 2050, aligning with the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming. We recognise the vital role we must play in transitioning to a low-carbon economy.

We have strategically invested in a young, energy-efficient property portfolio that benefits our residents and stakeholders. To guide our net zero efforts, we have set science-based emissions reduction targets and established a carbon intensity baseline related to our buildings' operational energy. We are actively working to decarbonize our portfolio.

As a responsible, forward-thinking real estate company, we are committed to leading our industry's pursuit of net zero carbon buildings and operations.

3660 units
(as at February 2025)
34
Locations across Dublin
Walk Score
72/100
Walk score with excellent connections to transport public transport, local services, schools and employment
locations
100 %
Waste diversion from landfill for wholly managed assets
Of directly managed common areas powered by renewable energy
100 %
Of directly managed common areas powered by renewable energy
units have a BER rated A-C
92 %
units have a BER rated A-C

CASE STUDY Energy-Efficient Trials: Demonstrating the Potential of Low-Carbon Technologies

Building on our comprehensive deep retrofit analysis and heat pump trial we advanced our energy efficiency initiatives in 2024 with the successful retrofit of three apartments in our Ashbrook, multi-unit development in Clontarf. These retrofits achieved significant improvements in Building Energy Ratings (BER): • A 2-bedroom apartment improved from D2 to A3 • A 1-bedroom apartment improved from D2 to B1 • A 3-bedroom apartment improved from D1 to A2 The upgrades involved: • Installation of external wall insulation • Replacement of the heating and hot water electric systems with an air to water heat pump • upgrading all external glazing • Enhanced ventilation systems This initiative is part of a larger project aimed at evaluating potential improvements that can be achieved through retrofits. The outcomes will provide critical insights into: • The extent of carbon reductions possible • Associated costs • Best practices for scaling these efforts across our portfolio Through these trials, I-RES continues to pioneer the use of low-carbon technologies, driving progress toward achieving our sustainability and Net Zero goals. This analysis has informed the development of a two-pronged strategy for future upgrades: • Individual Apartment Retrofits: Focused on units that meet the criteria for impactful and efficient upgrades. • District/Communal Heat Pump Systems: High-level designs for communal heating solutions to decarbonise developments. By combining focused individual upgrades with comprehensive asset-level strategies, I-RES is taking a proactive approach to improving energy performance, reducing carbon emissions, and aligning with national sustainability objectives.

CASE STUDY Energy-Efficient Trials: Demonstrating the Potential of Low-Carbon Technologies

Building on our comprehensive deep retrofit analysis and heat pump trial we advanced our energy efficiency initiatives in 2024 with the successful retrofit of three apartments in our Ashbrook, multi-unit development in Clontarf. These retrofits achieved significant improvements in Building Energy Ratings (BER): • A 2-bedroom apartment improved from D2 to A3 • A 1-bedroom apartment improved from D2 to B1 • A 3-bedroom apartment improved from D1 to A2 The upgrades involved: • Installation of external wall insulation • Replacement of the heating and hot water electric systems with an air to water heat pump • upgrading all external glazing • Enhanced ventilation systems This initiative is part of a larger project aimed at evaluating potential improvements that can be achieved through retrofits. The outcomes will provide critical insights into: • The extent of carbon reductions possible • Associated costs • Best practices for scaling these efforts across our portfolio Through these trials, I-RES continues to pioneer the use of low-carbon technologies, driving progress toward achieving our sustainability and Net Zero goals. This analysis has informed the development of a two-pronged strategy for future upgrades: • Individual Apartment Retrofits: Focused on units that meet the criteria for impactful and efficient upgrades. • District/Communal Heat Pump Systems: High-level designs for communal heating solutions to decarbonise developments. By combining focused individual upgrades with comprehensive asset-level strategies, I-RES is taking a proactive approach to improving energy performance, reducing carbon emissions, and aligning with national sustainability objectives.
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Our Evolving Approach

Climate change

We are committed to reducing our carbon emissions through net zero targets, reduced energy use, renewable energy and sustainable design, for example, in 2022 we delivered Ireland’s first LEED Gold residential building and Solar panels have been installed across the portfolio.
environmental management

Environmental management

We responsibly manage our environmental footprint through positive biodiversity actions, water conservation, and waste minimisation initiatives, incorporating circular economy principles through reuse, recycling, refurbishment and restoration.
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Biodiversity at I-RES

I-RES recognises that the development of urbanised areas can lead to a potential loss of biodiversity if not managed properly.

No Mow May Pollination All Ireland Pollinator Plan

Pollination

We are proud to be a partner of the All-Ireland Pollinator 5-year plan, where together with other partners, we will encourage a better way to manage all our landscapes. Year on year we increase our pollination across our buildings, raise awareness via resident competitions and various initiatives. We have contributed to wider community pollination via donations.
Biodiverse Green Roof Sustainable Design

Green Roofs

Another way in which I-RES is helping to improve biodiversity at our properties is through introducing green roofs which provide benefits to the environment in addition to enhancing the surroundings. The green roofs encourage biodiversity whilst also providing other advantages including serving as a rainwater buffer, purifying the air, reducing the ambient temperature, regulating indoor temperatures, and saving energy. Two of our properties have green roofs, Tara View has 1,225m2 of grass area on its roofs and The School Yard has a warm insulated built-up bituminous green roof.
Swift Bird Conservation

Swift Conservation

The swift bird is on the red list of birds of conservation concern in Ireland because its population has declined by over 40% in the last 15 years. I-RES are proud to be part of the conservation actions across the country that are helping to recover populations. We currently have swift boxes at 3 of our residential properties with plans to expand across the portfolio.

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