A national initiative to decarbonise Ireland’s built environment has been launched by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) and the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC), funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

‘Design for Performance’ introduces a transformative, performance-based framework for building design and operation, one that ensures sustainability targets are met in a co-ordinated, strategic manner through considered project planning. 

The initiative comes as Ireland and other EU member states prepare to implement whole-life carbon (WLC) limits for buildings (responsible for 37% of our national emissions), in line with the 2024 revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).

Embodied carbon from materials and construction

This shift reflects growing EU recognition that operational energy use alone no longer tells the full story and embodied carbon from materials and construction now makes up a significant share of emissions and must be tackled head-on.

Design for Performance introduces adaptable tracking templates for monitoring WLC, energy consumption, water usage and indoor environmental quality (IEQ), allowing for precise and comprehensive assessment of these factors.

Furthermore, a training programme and workshop series commenced on May 23, 2025, inviting a diverse group of stakeholders – architects, engineers, contractors, clients, and facilities managers – to participate, creating collaboration and the sharing of best practices across the built environment industry.

Plans to refurbish 500,000 homes present an opportunity, not only to reduce emissions and improve efficiency, but also to ensure that these homes are more comfortable and healthier for the people living there.

Design for Performance has pinpointed key indicators, including – air quality, overheating, and CO2 levels – that can be tracked from a project's inception, throughout the design phase and during post-completion occupancy. The framework reflects that you can’t manage what you don’t measure. 

Strategic turning point

RIAI president, Sean Mahon, said: “Design for Performance marks a strategic turning point for Ireland’s built environment. It comes at a crucial time, not only for the architectural profession but for all those shaping our national response to the climate crisis.

"This framework positions Ireland among a leading group of EU countries, including Denmark, France, and the Netherlands, committed to tackling the full climate impact of buildings over their entire life cycle.

"The built environment is responsible for over a third of global emissions. If we are to meet our national and European climate obligations, we must move beyond design intentions to demonstrable performance.

"This new guidance supports that shift by enabling every stakeholder – architects, engineers, contractors, and clients – to collaborate around measurable outcomes and shared responsibility.

"What makes this initiative transformative is not just the tools and templates, but the culture of collaboration that will be embedded through construction stages at the earliest commencement.

"Free and open access to the framework and training will drive the kind of transdisciplinary thinking needed to deliver sustainable, resilient buildings that work for people and for the planet.”

Pat Barry, CEO of the IGBC, added: “This is a major leap forward for Ireland. Design for Performance connects global best practices and serves as a model for other nations addressing similar challenges to align with EU directives. It ensures that all construction professionals are taking responsibility for tracking and measuring the impact of their design decisions on carbon, water use and health and wellbeing.”

First EU-wide methodology for assessing building sustainability

The programme aligns with the EU’s Level(s) framework, the first EU-wide methodology for assessing building sustainability across design, construction, use and end-of-life stages.

It responds directly to Ireland’s obligations to introduce WLC limits by 2030. Multidisciplinary thinking, communication and collaboration are key to avoid unintended consequences. This project provides standardised industry frameworks to turn these goals into manageable, realistic outcomes.

Dr Francesca Martini, programme manager, Funded Research, SEAI, said: “The SEAI is central to delivering a low-carbon economy.

"As a leader in Ireland’s energy transformation, SEAI is committed to advancing innovative, evidence-based solutions that are tailored to the Irish context. By supporting research projects like Design for Performance, we are helping to shape the future of our built environment – ensuring it is efficient, resilient, and aligned with our national climate goals.”