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)
  • Sustainable supply chain practices

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.

To track our progress, we have benchmarked the energy and carbon performance of each property against trajectories from the Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor (CRREM). This enables us to understand current performance and the reduction targets we must hit by 2050.

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

rental homes
3734 units
(as at 31 December 2023)
locations
36
locations
Excellent
Excellent
connections to public transport, local services, schools and employment
portfolio BER A, B, and C energy rating
90 %
portfolio BER A, B, and C energy rating
Renewable energy for all building common areas
100 %
Renewable energy for all building common areas

Case Study - Ireland’s First LEED Gold-Designed Residential Development

Ireland’s first LEED Gold residential development

Ireland’s first LEED Gold residential development

In 2022, we delivered 61 new homes in Ireland’s first LEED-gold certified residential building, utilising a brownfield site in a well-serviced location in Dublin 1. At an investment of €21.8 million, The School Yard offers residents superbly built homes, designed by a multidisciplinary team for real-world sustainable apartment living. Aside from integrated kitchen appliances, quality bathrooms, and large openplan living spaces filled with natural light, residents benefit from ample storage and standalone utility rooms containing separate washing machines & tumble dryers. Each apartment also has floor-to-ceiling windows, with a generous balcony or terrace. Sustainability is a key consideration for our residents, and bringing the first LEED-gold certified residential building to Ireland was a major milestone for I-RES. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a voluntary, consensus-based national rating system for developing high performance, sustainable buildings. LEED was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the certification included detailed energy modelling to ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) standards. For residents, it means state-of-the-art features such as enhanced ventilation systems, efficient water usage and reduced energy consumption, which provides a healthier and more comfortable living space whilst also reducing the environmental impact. The School Yard is also designed with a sense of place – it is close to Croke Park, the headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) which is one of Ireland’s premier events venues, along with the Royal Canal and many other amenities. Transport links and employers are within easy walking distance. Conscious of its history, the development also features a maintained private landscaped courtyard with a small play area with stone salvaged from the boundary walls of the school that used to occupy the site. Alongside the apartments, which compliment I-RES’ existing property at Bakers Yard, The School Yard development also features four attractive multipurpose commercial units.
Case Study

Ireland’s first LEED Gold residential development

In 2022, we delivered 61 new homes in Ireland’s first LEED-gold certified residential building, utilising a brownfield site in a well-serviced location in Dublin 1. At an investment of €21.8 million, The School Yard offers residents superbly built homes, designed by a multidisciplinary team for real-world sustainable apartment living. Aside from integrated kitchen appliances, quality bathrooms, and large openplan living spaces filled with natural light, residents benefit from ample storage and standalone utility rooms containing separate washing machines & tumble dryers. Each apartment also has floor-to-ceiling windows, with a generous balcony or terrace. Sustainability is a key consideration for our residents, and bringing the first LEED-gold certified residential building to Ireland was a major milestone for I-RES. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a voluntary, consensus-based national rating system for developing high performance, sustainable buildings. LEED was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the certification included detailed energy modelling to ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) standards. For residents, it means state-of-the-art features such as enhanced ventilation systems, efficient water usage and reduced energy consumption, which provides a healthier and more comfortable living space whilst also reducing the environmental impact. The School Yard is also designed with a sense of place – it is close to Croke Park, the headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) which is one of Ireland’s premier events venues, along with the Royal Canal and many other amenities. Transport links and employers are within easy walking distance. Conscious of its history, the development also features a maintained private landscaped courtyard with a small play area with stone salvaged from the boundary walls of the school that used to occupy the site. Alongside the apartments, which compliment I-RES’ existing property at Bakers Yard, The School Yard development also features four attractive multipurpose commercial units.
Case Study slider

Ireland’s first LEED Gold residential development

In 2022, we delivered 61 new homes in Ireland’s first LEED-gold certified residential building, utilising a brownfield site in a well-serviced location in Dublin 1. At an investment of €21.8 million, The School Yard offers residents superbly built homes, designed by a multidisciplinary team for real-world sustainable apartment living. Aside from integrated kitchen appliances, quality bathrooms, and large openplan living spaces filled with natural light, residents benefit from ample storage and standalone utility rooms containing separate washing machines & tumble dryers. Each apartment also has floor-to-ceiling windows, with a generous balcony or terrace. Sustainability is a key consideration for our residents, and bringing the first LEED-gold certified residential building to Ireland was a major milestone for I-RES. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a voluntary, consensus-based national rating system for developing high performance, sustainable buildings. LEED was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the certification included detailed energy modelling to ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) standards. For residents, it means state-of-the-art features such as enhanced ventilation systems, efficient water usage and reduced energy consumption, which provides a healthier and more comfortable living space whilst also reducing the environmental impact. The School Yard is also designed with a sense of place – it is close to Croke Park, the headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) which is one of Ireland’s premier events venues, along with the Royal Canal and many other amenities. Transport links and employers are within easy walking distance. Conscious of its history, the development also features a maintained private landscaped courtyard with a small play area with stone salvaged from the boundary walls of the school that used to occupy the site. Alongside the apartments, which compliment I-RES’ existing property at Bakers Yard, The School Yard development also features four attractive multipurpose commercial units.
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Operational Performance

We ensure all our management decisions consider and have a positive impact on the environment. Sustainability is intrinsic to every aspect of our business; from what we invest in, to how we design and build, to the way we manage and protect our assets.

performance

Our Evolving Approach

school yard

Climate change

We are committed to reducing our energy use, carbon emissions, and climate impacts through net zero targets, renewable energy, and climate resilience. One example is our energy-efficient appliances at Tara View.
environmental management

Environmental management

We responsibly manage our environmental footprint through biodiversity protection, water conservation, pollution prevention, and waste minimisation. As well as general and mixed recycling waste facilities, we include electronic, organic, glass, and textile at our buildings where possible.
Sustainable supply chain

Sustainable supply chain

We engage suppliers to ensure responsible sourcing, materials selection, and ethical, eco-friendly business practices. Our Supplier Code of Conduct promotes the adoption and implementation of responsible, forward-thinking sustainable practices. Read more at about-us/policies
Circular thinking

Circular thinking

We incorporate circular economy principles through reuse, recycling, refurbishment, and restoration to maximise resource efficiency and minimise waste.
Innovation

Innovation

We leverage innovative technologies and nature-based solutions for improved environmental performance. One example of this is the use of PIR sensors to minimise energy wastage.
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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. Three of our properties have green roofs, Pipers Court has three sedum 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. Our first 5 nests are located at one of our city centre buildings and plans for nests at various other sites are in progress.

Related Links

Corporate Governance
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Corporate Governance

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Operating platform
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Operating platform

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