The "Supporting the Circular Economy Transition in the Irish Construction Sector" report by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) provides a roadmap for enhancing material reuse and recycling in the construction sector. Section 6.2: Strategies for Material Reuse and Recycling (Page 46) emphasises that embracing circular economy principles is vital for meeting Ireland’s 2030 waste reduction goals.

With construction and demolition (C&D) waste accounting for a significant proportion of Ireland’s waste stream, the CIF highlights the need for industry-wide adoption of material reuse and recycling strategies to drive sustainability and regulatory compliance.

Ireland has made significant strides in managing construction and demolition (C&D) waste, achieving an 82% recovery rate—exceeding the EU’s 70% target. However, a closer look at the figures reveals a critical issue: only 10% of this waste is recycled, with the vast majority directed towards backfilling. Additionally, while Ireland’s overall Circular Material Use Rate (CMUR) stands at a mere 1.8%, far below the EU average of 11.5%, the construction sector plays a crucial role in this deficit. The construction industry generated 32.6% of Ireland’s total waste in 2020, making it the largest contributor among all sectors. Yet, limited recycling and reuse efforts mean that valuable materials are not being reintegrated into the economy. This reliance on backfilling rather than recycling highlights a key area where improvement is necessary for Ireland to align with leading European countries in sustainable construction waste management.

Site-won asphalt refers to asphalt that is carefully removed during road resurfacing or maintenance projects. Instead of discarding this valuable resource, it can be collected, processed, and reused—helping to create stronger roads, lower costs, and reduce environmental impact.

The construction industry has reached a turning point. As the demand for faster, more efficient project delivery grows, so does the need for sustainable practices, especially in managing material deliveries and construction and demolition (C&D) waste. For large organisations, embracing cutting-edge technology isn’t just a competitive advantage—it’s the key to long-term success.

In an era of increasing accountability and environmental regulation, the question is no longer whether technology should play a role in construction—it’s how to harness it effectively. Hub360 is leading this transformation by providing real-time solutions tailored to the complexities of modern construction projects.

The construction sector faces mounting pressure to meet sustainability goals, enhance transparency, and comply with regulatory requirements like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Hub360 offers a tailored solution that simplifies sustainability reporting, reduces operational inefficiencies, and positions companies as leaders in ESG performance.

Developers and contractors have a vital role in managing construction and demolition (C&D) waste, and they must adhere to several specific legal obligations to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Here’s an overview of their key responsibilities:

The EPA State of the Environment Report 2024 paints a clear picture of the environmental challenges Ireland faces. The report underscores the urgency of addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution through systemic solutions. With sectors like construction, energy, and transport being major contributors to environmental degradation, there is a growing push for stricter regulations and digital solutions to track, manage, and mitigate these impacts. For businesses, this means adapting to new realities of compliance, transparency, and sustainability.

In an evolving construction landscape, where sustainability and efficiency are paramount, one of Ireland’s largest developers has recently made headlines by refusing to accept paper-based documentation from suppliers and subcontractors on their project sites. This bold move is not just about cutting down on tedious, time-consuming processes, but is also aimed at ensuring compliance
with various new regulations that demand accountability in both environmental and operational aspects.

The Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 introduces specific responsibilities for waste management, particularly targeting those involved in construction and demolition industries. It places the obligation directly on waste producers, including both main contractors and subcontractors, to ensure that all construction and demolition waste is managed in line with strict regulations regarding recycling, reuse, and disposal.

The Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 has brought significant changes to how the construction industry in Ireland must manage its waste. Despite this, many in the sector seem unaware of the substantial legal responsibilities now placed upon them. If you are a contractor, subcontractor, or part of the broader construction industry, it’s time to take note: you are responsible for the waste generated from your projects, and where it ends up, and failure to comply could have serious consequences.

Based on the Green Public Procurement (GPP) Guidance for the Irish Public Sector, Hub360 can assist in several important areas related to green procurement and compliance, particularly in terms of data management, sustainability, and tracking environmental performance:

The concept of a circular economy—where resources are kept in use for as long as possible, extracting maximum value before recovering and regenerating products and materials at the end of their service life—is crucial for the construction industry. With construction and demolition activities accounting for a significant portion of global waste, the sector is at the forefront of the circular economy challenge. However, without the proper digital tools to track material flows, monitor waste streams, and ensure compliance with sustainability directives, achieving circular economy goals remains out of reach.