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Circular Economy & Net Zero Q1 2026
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Why cement matters for net zero
As Ireland accelerates its net zero commitments, some of the most effective solutions already exist, particularly in construction, one of the country’s most carbon-intensive sectors. Concrete is the second most consumed material after water. However, its primary binder, traditional cement, is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Cement and the global carbon challenge Despite...
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How smart design and innovation can make Ireland’s energy sector more circular
Sustainability and emerging technology managers at Ireland’s leading electricity utility speak to the importance of designing for circularity and collaborative innovation. From Burke’s perspective, circularity should be embedded in the early development and design stages, long before construction starts. “Sustainability by design is about proactively integrating environmental, social and governance standards directly into the core...
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Decarbonising electricity through the principles of the circular economy
Ireland’s leading electricity utility is working to embed the principles of the circular economy into its operations, decarbonising electricity responsibly and sustainably to build resilient and flexible infrastructure. Decarbonising electricity is essential to achieve a net zero energy system, requiring a global shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy. While this transition has become an...
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Putting circular thinking into practice with national guidance
Across Ireland, companies are redesigning packaging and improving recycling systems in preparation for upcoming EU requirements. In 2025, Intersport Elverys’ packaging innovations meant that over 210 tonnes of cardboard and just under 15 tonnes of plastic were recycled. Repak membership in action As a Repak member, Intersport Elverys is already transforming packaging to reduce waste, eliminating unnecessary materials and...
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Repackaging the future
Innovations in packaging design are contributing to a greener future for Ireland, making meaningful progress in reducing waste, supporting reuse and producing sustainable packaging. For more than 25 years, Repak has been at the centre of Ireland’s packaging system, providing expertise to companies on sustainable packaging design, compliance with regulations and achieving EU recycling targets....
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Energy affordability must be at the heart of Ireland’s energy transition
As Ireland reshapes its energy system, affordability must remain a guiding principle for policymakers and industry. Recent rises in home heating oil and fuel due to global volatility, and Government concerns about safeguarding Irish consumers from price shocks, show that affordability is a very real issue for households across the country. At the same time,...
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Renovation, not reinvention, for Ireland’s building stock
Buildings are responsible for nearly 40% of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions. They present one of the biggest challenges to meet the Government’s goal of achieving a climate-neutral economy by 2050. Renovation, not reinvention for Ireland’s building stock Buildings provide one of the biggest opportunities to decarbonise, particularly through the large-scale retrofit of existing buildings to...
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The circular economy of buildings starts with what we already have
What comes to mind when you hear about the ‘circular economy?’ Maybe you think about carefully recycling waste or buying second-hand clothes in charity shops? These are both important, for sure. But the first step in a circular economy should always be avoiding the creation of waste and making the most of existing resources. In...
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Driving Innovation through Ireland’s New Circular Roadmap
The circular economy is about rethinking how we use resources by designing out waste, keeping materials in productive use for longer and creating economic value from what we already have. This isn’t simply an environmental goal, but an economic necessity that strengthens Ireland’s competitiveness, supports high-quality jobs and builds communities that can thrive. Since Ireland’s...
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Circular procurement tackles global e-waste challenge
E-waste is the world’s fastest-growing waste stream, yet less than a quarter is recycled. Green Public Procurement helps secure goods that have a lower environmental impact throughout their life cycle. Large quantities of resources are utilised throughout the life cycle of electronic equipment, including mining, manufacturing, transport, retail, consumption and disposal. Circa 31 million tonnes of...