Low Carbon Construction in Practice Galway

Join us for a nationwide roadshow on low-carbon construction, featuring interactive presentations and hands-on demonstrations.
Provides 3 structured CPD points upon completion.

With the built environment responsible for 36% of the EU's greenhouse gas emissions, this workshop explores practical ways to achieve sustainability through low-carbon materials, and meet targets set out by the RIAI and RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge.

Hosted across Ireland, this series is perfect for construction professionals looking to deepen their knowledge of sustainable building practices.

* A €25 booking deposit is required to secure your place. This deposit is fully refundable and will be returned with your CPD certificate upon completion.

Date and time

5th March 2025
10:00am - 1:00pm

Location

Ardilaun Hotel, Taylors Hill, Galway H91 H29F

Ideal for

Architects
Architectural Technologists
Specifiers
Engineers
Consultants

Key learning

Learn how to minimise embodied carbon in your projects.
Design for efficient and sustainable energy use.
Apply circularity principles to reduce waste and reuse resources.
Discover the benefits of natural fibre materials in construction.
Select materials for optimal performance and sustainability and explore innovative techniques to build smarter and faster.
Improve thermal performance with precise detailing.
Evaluate environmental impact with life cycle assessment tools.
Summary of RIAI 2030 Climate Challenge and design strategies to meet and surpass these requirements.

Description

Agenda

10:00am - Tea/Coffee
10:15am - Introduction to event
10:30am to 11:15am - Section 1:
Drivers for low Carbon Construction
Embracing circular principles
Prioritising low carbon material

Natural material performance with demonstration of
Summer heat protection
Sound absorption quality
11:15am to 12:30am - Section 2:
Energy/Carbon/Build Efficient Construction methods

Principle of good thermal detailing
Installation of a Primary and Secondary insulation layer (Woodfibre and natural fibre)

Moisture management on site with demonstration of
Rain protection and airtight detailing for mass timber construction (CLT, modular panels)
Weather protection for Woodfibre layers on (Timberframe, straw frame)

Hygrothermally safe construction principles
Airtight detailing for timber frame construction
12:30am to 12:50am - Case Studies & Independent Life Cycle Assessment
12:50am to 13:00pm - Q&A
13:00pm - Lunch provided by Ecological Building Systems

What you will gain from attending this CPD

Practical experience with low-carbon materials and energy efficient installation techniques
How to design for sustainability, including thermal detailing and moisture management
Demonstrations of advanced construction methods, including natural material performance and rain protection
Expert tips on implementing circular principles and hygrothermally safe construction practices
Knowledge of summer heat protection, sound absorption and airtight detailing for timber construction
Real-world case studies and independent lifecycle assessments to support informed decision making
Certificate of attendance awarded on completion

Points Gained

This CPD is a 3 hour stand-alone CPD providing 3 points upon completion.

Speakers

Joe Fitzgerald

Technical Specification Manager

Joe is a Passivhaus Contractor with Degree qualifications in Sustainable Construction and Energy Management. He also completed Postgraduate Diplomas in Green Engineering and Advanced Thermal Modelling and a Postgraduate Certificate in Hygrothermal Risk Assessment.

Fergal Flatley

Insulation & Ventilation Specification Advisor

Fergal is a qualified construction project manager, he has a keen interest in green building and the development of biodegradable materials for construction and so went on to complete a B.Sc. in Advanced Wood & Sustainable Building Technology at Sligo I.T. Following this, Fergal completed an honours degree in Construction Project Management before joining Ecological. Most recently, he successfully completed the Passive House Contractor exam run by the Passive House Institute in Germany, is fully trained on low energy detailing, and is a Certified City & Guilds Ventilation Validator.

Cronan Kennedy

Technical Specification Advisor

Cronan has over 15 years’ experience in the construction sector across multiple technical roles. Having originally started out as a Tradesman, Cronan gained considerable experience on numerous large-scale projects before progressing to Specification Manager - a role that led him to working alongside Architects, Engineers, County Councils and local businesses for the past decade. Cronan was also heavily involved in providing on-site technical installation training to contractors and external sales representatives as a method of improving their product knowledge, efficiency and understanding of building materials.