Ronan Daly Jermyn (RDJ), one of Ireland’s leading law firms, held a breakfast briefing today, 3 April 2008, entitled Green Issues in Property. The briefing highlighted the current and future environmental issues surrounding sustainable building. The speakers offered advice on current best practice to ensure those involved in property development adopt a green mentality now to save unnecessary expenditure in the long run. The briefing featured presentations from members of the RDJ Construction and Environmental Law team and was geared towards individuals and businesses involved in construction and property development.
Pat Ahern, a Partner with RDJ, opened the briefing with a discussion on green property leases and outlined the advantages of implementing an environmental policy on a new build. He also stressed the importance of apportioning the environmental risks from the outset.
“Environmental issues are having an increasing impact on property development and property construction. You need to stay ahead of the game or count the costs at a later date. Property developers need to develop a green approach with environmental objectives at the core of any new project. Considered environmental planning will alleviate the need for retro fitting your buildings at a later date therefore saving you considerable future spend,” said Mr. Ahern.
Finola McCarthy, a Partner with RDJ, discussed BER (Building Energy Rating) Certificates and examined the issues that these regulations give rise to for the industry.
“The looming deadline for new commercial buildings is 1 July 2008. From this date on all new commercial developments will need a BER Cert. However, if you have your planning application submitted before the 30th June 2008 you will have till 2010 to obtain a Cert. It is in the developer’s best interest, if possible, to get their planning in prior to this date to minimise potential delays and additional costs for new developments” said Ms McCarthy.
Aoife Shields, a solicitor with RDJ, discussed new legislation and examined what is coming down the line by looking at trends in relevant markets such as the UK. Aoife highlighted the fact that buildings consumes more energy than industry or transport and therefore has a longer road to travel to become carbon neutral.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Susie Horgan, Ronan Daly Jermyn Tel: (021) 4802726 or email susie.horgan@rdj.ie
