Ireland’s transposition of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) Recast into national regulation marks the most significant shift in building energy standards in over a decade. Coming into force on 24 May 2026, the legislation moves the industry away from a pure energy-efficiency focus towards a combined carbon and zero-emission performance framework.
This document provides a plain-English overview of the changes, their immediate and medium-term design implications, and the strategic opportunities they create, specifically for Developers, Contractors, and Architects operating in the Irish market.
Carl Cappuccini leads our Energy & Sustainability team with a career rooted in building performance, energy strategy, and a passion for impactful design. Beginning his journey through a surveying apprenticeship, Carl quickly found his focus in energy auditing and performance modelling, laying the groundwork for a career defined by technical expertise and real-world results.
With experience spanning both large firms and specialist consultancies, Carl has grown from a hands-on energy assessor to a strategic leader, guiding teams and shaping energy design strategies across everything from single residential units to full portfolio decarbonisation programmes.
At the core of Carl’s approach is a drive to deliver tangible outcomes. He excels in helping clients design smarter, more efficient buildings that go beyond compliance and in supporting asset managers with clear, cost-effective decarbonisation pathways. Known for his collaborative mindset and ability to translate complex technical insights into actionable plans, Carl is committed to building a more sustainable future through innovation, data, and design.
