London-based eco-architecture firm SystemCore, established three years ago by previous bond trader Cathal O’Leary, is set to expand its staff from 10 to 60 within the forthcoming two years in order to cope with rising demands in the realm of energy renovations for commercial properties. Thus far, prestigious clients such as Grafton Group, the owner of Chadwicks, Dublin’s Herbert Park Hotel, Mater Private Hospital, and Alexandra College private school have had energy improvements implemented by the company.
SystemCore employs data analysis to guide the planning and operation of building systems, cooperating with businesses to enhance their property values whilst advancing towards zero carbon emissions. O’Leary, who formerly lead the Irish bond division of South African investment business Investec from 2010-2015 and served as a stockbroker with NCB before that, co-created SystemCore with chartered building services engineer Conor McGinn in 2021. Lately, McGinn has assumed the position of managing director with O’Leary shifting to oversee business development in the firm.
According to Climate Group, a global non-profit organisation, buildings are responsible for 40% of global carbon emissions. The Irish government has committed to legally achieve a state of zero emissions by 2050 alongside a 51% emission reduction from 2018 to 2030. Property advisor firm Savills Ireland predicts that owners of Irish commercial properties may be expected to spend a minimum of €7 billion to meet upcoming energy efficiency requisites. The European Green Deal, aimed to eradicate greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, requires offices to attain a minimum of a B energy rating.
While retrofitting services for buildings are offered in Ireland by large engineering consultancy groups such as Arup, Ethos, AxisEng, and Metic as part of their package, SystemCore’s main focus is on the renovation of existing buildings. The company claims it can provide design solutions that lower energy use by 30-60%.
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