Dublin, Ireland

Regenerative Cities Summit

Corgan, in partnership with Climate Group, hosted its inaugural Regenerative Cities Summit in Dublin on April 22 (Earth Day). This event was a catalyst for transitioning our cities into regenerative, net positive, environments. The summit provided a platform to bring together industry experts, decision makers and practitioners to network, build partnerships, and share knowledge to turn ambitions on decarbonization, climate adaptation and resilience, health and wellness, biodiversity restoration and the transition to circularity economy into action.

Panel Topics

Topics were selected to align with the Smart Energy Coalition’s energy productivity / efficiency-first agenda and the RIAI’s focus on sustainable, performance-led design and upskilling—while addressing Ireland-specific challenges and opportunities: Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) transposition by 29 May 2026, rising compliance and investment pressures (including emerging Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS) expectations under the revised EPBD), and the evolving constraints and rules around grid connections for large energy users.

Panel 1

Understanding the legislative landscape and current barriers

This panel focused on Ireland's policy direction concerning sustainability and net zero goals, exploring recent decisions that are changing the context for larger developments.

Moderator: David O'Brien - Corgan

Panelists:

• Carina Galavan - AVIVA

• Tim Millar - Incendium Consulting

• Stephen O'Shea - Cairn Homes

• Pat Berry - Irish Green Building Council

Panel 2

Proven delivery pathways and strategies to minimize energy demand

This panel focused on what works now, sharing proven strategies to minimize energy demands and how to replicate them at scale in Ireland. The panel will also examine Ireland-specific enablers and the links between building performance and system outcomes.

Moderator: Peter Swallow - Corgan

Panelists:

• Patrick Kavanagh - BDP

• Alan Fogarty - Cundall

• Kieran Sexton - Johnson Controls

Panel 3

Accelerating energy efficiency across existing and new buildings

The final panel focused on how Ireland can accelerate to a market standard for energy efficient new builds. Discussion will cover levers that unlock pace, clearer minimum requirements, measurement and verification, access to models, and more.

Moderator: Nicola Cullen - Climate Group

Panelists:

• Andrew Smyth - Siemens

• Michelle Wang - Deloitte

• Duncan Price - Buro Happold