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 construction industry is under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, particularly as governments and financial institutions tie green funding to strict environmental standards. One of the most crucial aspects of achieving compliance with these standards is proper waste tracking. The EU Taxonomy Regulation (2020/852) sets out clear technical screening criteria that construction projects must meet to qualify for green funding. Proper waste management and resource use monitoring are essential for demonstrating compliance and securing investment. Here’s why.

UK companies may be affected by the CSRD in the following scenarios:

1. Listed Securities: Companies with securities listed on an EU regulated market must comply with CSRD reporting obligations, regardless of their location.

2. EU Net Turnover: Companies with an EU net turnover exceeding €150 million over the past two consecutive years are subject to the CSRD if they have:

   • An EU subsidiary that is a large undertaking or has listed securities, or

   • An EU branch generating over €40 million in turnover in the previous financial year.

As the European Union sharpens its focus on sustainable finance, the recent adoption of the European Green Bond (EuGB) standard marks a pivotal step in ensuring that funds raised for green projects are used responsibly and transparently. For public bodies accessing green finance, this development highlights the critical need to report on their sustainability practices and maintain a proper audit trail for scrutiny. Hub360 is a crucial tool in achieving these objectives, ensuring that public sector entities not only comply with new regulations but also set a benchmark for transparency and accountability in green finance.

On 5th July 2024, the European Union (Corporate Sustainability Reporting) Regulations 2024 were signed into law by Minister Peter Burke. These regulations, which come into effect on 6th July 2024, are set to significantly change the landscape of corporate reporting across Europe. As part of a broader effort to align with the European Green Deal and the EU’s Action Plan for Financing Sustainable Growth, these regulations impose stringent new requirements on companies, particularly in the areas of sustainability and governance. The introduction of these regulations highlights the growing importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations in business operations.

The construction and demolition (C&D) sector is a significant contributor to waste generation, accounting for approximately one-third of all waste produced annually in the European Union. With C&D waste consisting largely of excavated soil and stone (around 85%), along with materials like concrete, brick, tiles, glass, metal, plastic, and wood, managing this waste stream effectively is crucial. At Hub360, we are committed to helping organisations in the construction sector implement sustainable waste management oversight that align with evolving regulations and contribute to the circular economy.

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.

Starting 1 September 2024, Ireland will see a significant change in its waste management regulations. The Waste Recovery and Landfill Levy Regulations will be amended to remove exemptions for Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste. This blog delves into the implications of this change and highlights how Hub360's digital tracking capabilities will play a crucial role in this new landscape.

In May this year, the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) came into effect in Ireland, marking a significant step forward in the EU’s efforts to secure a sustainable and reliable supply of critical raw materials. The Act is designed to help Europe achieve its 2030 climate and digital objectives by ensuring that these essential materials are sourced, used, and recycled in a sustainable and efficient manner.