Driving Sustainability: Ireland’s Property Industry Excellence Awards 2024 Winners Announced

Dublin, Nov 30, 2024. The annual gala of the Ireland Property Industry Excellence Awards 2024, regarded as the "Oscars" of the Irish property sector, celebrated ground breaking achievements and showcased the industry’s best. Held as Ireland's largest gathering of property stakeholders, the event highlighted how sustainability, innovation, and future proofing approaches are shaping the industry.

Jim Clery, Partner and Head of Real Estate at KPMG, speaking at last night’s awards, said:

“This year’s winners demonstrate tremendous achievements across a spectrum of categories, united by their commitment to sustainability, innovation, and progress. From redefining urban landscapes to preserving historic landmarks and delivering inclusive housing solutions, these projects exemplify the transformative potential of our vital sector.”

Shared Themes Across Ireland’s Property Award Winners

Sustainability at the Core: Winners like Todd Architects, Respond, and Limerick County Council exemplify a strong focus on environmental stewardship through sustainable design, nature-based solutions, and ESG-driven strategies.

Innovation and Technology: The use of cutting-edge platforms, such as Catalyst’s OBI for ESG reporting, and the integration of advanced technology in architecture and by real estate agents mark a growing trend toward digital transformation.

Preservation of Heritage: Projects like the Bank Buildings restoration by Bennett Construction and RIAM’s blend of Georgian and modern architecture by Todd Architects emphasise the importance of balancing progress with heritage conservation.

Community-Driven Development: From inclusive housing by Respond Housing at Elanora Court to green urban spaces like Limerick County Council Castletroy Greenway, there is a recurring focus on creating spaces that foster community well-being.

Leadership and Vision: The Rising Star finalists highlight the pivotal role of young professionals in driving fresh, transformative initiatives across the property sector. Meanwhile, construction leaders like Sisk and forward-thinking property fund managers such as ILIM demonstrate how sustainability and innovation are shaping the future.

2024 Award Winners 

  1. Technology Innovation Award

    Catalyst    : Recognised for its OBI platform, which simplifies ESG compliance for real estate funds and corporations, driving annual reporting efficiency through connected systems.

  2. Public Space Planning Award

    Limerick County Council for Go Green Routes, Castletroy Greenway    : A sustainable urban project featuring nature-based solutions and biodiversity-enhancing play areas.

  3. Architecture Award

    TODD Architects Ltd - Royal Academy of Music    : A visionary project blending Georgian aesthetics with modern functionality, featuring a highly modern academy and world-class new recital hall.

  4. Housing Award

    Respond - Elanora Court, Dublin    : A 153-unit development merging sustainability and community-building, setting a benchmark for inclusive and eco-friendly housing.

  5. Contractor of the Year Award

    Sisk    : Honoured for its scale, expertise, and innovative approach to delivering complex projects across Ireland and Europe.

  6. Residential Agency Awards

    Small Agency: O’Donnellan & Joyce    : A pioneer in auctions and sustainable property options, focusing on energy-efficient homes.
    Large Agency: Hooke & MacDonald: Recognised for driving sustainability in the property services market and promoting quality standards.

  7. Built Heritage & Conservation Award

    Bennett Construction - Bank Buildings, Belfast    : A meticulous restoration project safeguarding a Grade B1 listed building in Belfast which is now back in public use.

  8. Property Fund Manager Award

    Irish Life Investment Managers (ILIM)    : Managing Ireland’s largest institutional portfolio with sustainability at its core while achieving strong returns over many years.

  9. Rising Star Award

    Ellen McKinney    : A sustainability advocate within IPUT, championing innovative and eco-friendly building practices.

  10. Judges Award - Sustainable Ireland Property Award 2024

    TODD Architects Ltd - Royal Academy of Music: This exceptional architectural design holds sustainability at the core, with a ‘fabric-first’ approach, low-energy HVAC systems, a high-performance Building Management System, and solar and water optimisation. Features like contemporary aluminium curtain wall glazing and living green roofs further enhance biodiversity, setting a benchmark for sustainable design in education.

These winners reflect the dynamic evolution of Ireland's property industry and its capacity to tackle pressing challenges like climate change, urbanisation, and housing inclusivity. As the sector moves forward, the shared values of sustainability and innovation will undoubtedly continue to drive excellence.

About KPMG Irish Independent Property Industry Excellence Awards
Ireland's premier platform for recognising and celebrating excellence across the entire property sector. Established in 2015, the awards are endorsed by professional institutes, representative bodies, and government agencies, reflecting their significance and credibility.

With a commitment to independence and integrity, the judging process is free from category sponsorship, ensuring broad support from the Irish property industry. Now in its 9th year, the awards continue to honour outstanding achievements and innovation within the sector.