Tipperary man gives speech at Áras an Uachtaráin about greener future

Dr Michael Casey, of Cloone, Templemore, was asked recently to say a few words on Building Greener – retrofitting and sustainability in the construction and the infrastructure sector.

In his short address, Dr Casey reminded a number of distinguished guests at Áras an Uachtaráin, among them representatives from Tipperary County Council and leading Tipperary entrepreneurs, that the built environment is responsible for 39% of global emissions, with 11% coming from materials and the construction process, and the remaining 28% from operational emissions.

The sector also produces 35% of global landfill waste, plus additional emissions caused by transport of waste to landfill sites.

As a neighbour of the UK, it is Dr Casey’s considered opinion that Ireland and the UK can mutually support each other to take the next steps in greener construction and achieve UN emission targets by 2030 in the near-term, and 2050 in the longer term.

He further noted that sustainability in Tipperary is not only about the materials and processes used in buildings: It is also about making sure our built environment is resilient to the effects of climate change in all its varying and challenging forms.