2024, Year in Review at KORE Retrofit

As we reflect on 2024, KORE Retrofit has experienced a year of growth, innovation, and collaboration, reinforcing our position as a leader in sustainable energy solutions and home retrofitting. This year has been pivotal, not only for the remarkable projects we’ve completed but also for the new initiatives we’ve been part of, each reinforcing our commitment to making homes across Ireland more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

Let's take a moment to look back at some of the highlights and successes that have defined our journey this year—and how they’ve set the stage for the future of KORE Retrofit.

On-Site Insights: Transforming Homes and Connecting with Homeowners

This year, our team had the unique privilege of being on-site at multiple project locations, immersing ourselves in the full home energy upgrade journey. From Donegal to Galway, Sligo, Dublin, and Cavan, we experienced every step of the process. We engaged in pre-start meetings with homeowners and contractors, collaborated closely with insulation installers, heating and plumbing experts during the works, and marvelled at the remarkable transformations—both in energy efficiency and aesthetics—that our projects brought to life.

One of the highlights of this year was the opportunity to meet with homeowners and hear directly about their experiences with our energy upgrade projects. During these conversations, homeowners shared valuable insights into the impact these upgrades have had on their daily lives. Many spoke of the significant improvements in comfort, energy savings, and overall quality of living. It was inspiring to learn how the enhanced energy efficiency not only reduced their utility bills but also made their homes more sustainable and environmentally friendly. These personal stories reinforce the importance of what we do and motivate us to continue delivering high-quality, impactful solutions for homeowners across the country

You can hear their stories, and learn more about these homes in our case study section.

Driving innovation for a sustainable future for all

Innovation is at the core of our retrofit solutions, driving us to continuously develop and implement cutting-edge processes and sustainable practices that enhance energy efficiency, improve building performance, making retrofit accessible to all, while supporting a greener future.

These advancements ensure that each project is completed in the most successful, sustainable, and efficient way possible, enhancing both customer experience and operational efficiency

We continued to educate and onboard a large number of new contractors and vendors, with the addition of new invaluable employees who are dedicated to helping communities across Ireland reach their energy goals, and together work towards achieving our climate action goals of 2030.

KORE Retrofit Thrives Through New Retrofit Initiatives

2024 saw the introduction of a number of innovative and accessible schemes to assist homeowners in Ireland upgrade their properties to maximum energy efficiency.

Financing a home energy upgrade can be a challenge for many, and In conjunction with SEAI, the Government of Ireland, SBCI, EIF and the European Investment Bank, the Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme provides low-cost, government-backed loans to homeowners looking to upgrade the energy efficiency of their home through the One Stop Shop Scheme. Working with AIB, PTSB, and BOI, you can receive a loan up to €75,000, funding at least 70% of the upgrade works.

With thousands of homeowners affected by defective concrete blocks, SEAI developed a new scheme to assist those affected, where homeowners availing of the Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Scheme, and using the One Stop Shop Scheme can receive additional grant funding towards many measures, including insulation, heat pumps, heating controls, external windows and doors, ventilation, solar PV and more. Check out our information webinar here.

In the latter half of the year, SEAI launched the Traditional Homes Pilot Scheme where homeowners of traditional builds such as stone cottages, heritage homes and more, can avail of the One Stop Shop grant scheme. This scheme aims to gain a detailed understanding of the technical aspects, materials, products, and associated costs with the solutions required for traditional homes, while enabling homeowners to acquire an energy efficient home. KORE Retrofit held a Traditional Homes Pilot Scheme Information Session in November, with SEAI, Ecological Building Systems, and Wain Morehead Architects. This session deep-dived into the practical elements of the scheme, product selection, upgrade roadmap, architectural challenges and solutions and how to preserve the heritage of the building throughout.

KORE Retrofit, Ireland’s first One Stop Shop provide full project coordination and grant administration on all these schemes.

Finally, we were proud to complete our first two home energy upgrades under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant this summer in Dublin. This grant provides an additional funding amount of up to €50,000 to retrofit a vacant property. If the home is considered derelict, you can receive an additional €20,000 top-up grant. These homes were vacant for a period of up to 10 years, both starting as E, and F Rated houses, and transforming to A1-Rated, modern, efficient homes.

Engaging with the Industry: KORE Retrofit’s Event Highlights of 2024

In 2024, KORE Retrofit had the opportunity to showcase our services and connect with industry leaders, customers, and partners at a range of exciting events. We exhibited at prominent events, including the SEAI Energy Show, and National Retrofitting Conference, where we highlighted our sustainable energy solutions, and the National Ploughing Event, where we engaged with a wide audience on the future of retrofit, including looking at the use of bio-based materials for retrofit.

Additionally, we participated in several Retrofit Ready Events across Ireland, including in Grange, Coolaney, Ballymote, Tubbercurry, Drumshanbo, Belturbet, and Inniskeen, providing valuable insights into energy-efficient retrofit solutions for homeowners and contractors.

This summer, we also had the privilege of hosting a customer race night, held in Dundalk stadium. This highly successful event provided an excellent opportunity to bring our customers together, fostering stronger relationships in a fun and engaging setting. The race night was a great way to show our appreciation for their continued support while enjoying an entertaining evening, and creating lasting memories.

We are committed to giving back

We have continued to demonstrate our commitment to the community through various sponsorships, both locally and nationally. These include supporting Cavan Gaels, Wexford Wanderers, and Dementia Inclusive Community Training, Ballyhaise Celtic Summer Camp, Anglo Celt Community & Sports Awards Sponsorship as well as the Analee Community First Responders.  

We have supported our customers with their charitable undertakings throughout the year, by partnering with them on various initiatives, we have helped amplify their impact and contribute to causes that make a meaningful difference. Whether through fundraising efforts, sponsorships, or community events, KORE Retrofit remains committed to supporting the philanthropic efforts of our customers and fostering a culture of social responsibility

We also are proud to be collaborating in the Galway Net Zero Cities Steering Group, as well as the Multi Unit Development (MUD) lobbying group, working towards advancing energy-efficient practices in multi-unit housing projects.

Advancing Sustainability with Circular Reno: A New Era in Retrofitting

2024 saw KORE Retrofit and KORE Insulation become integral Irish partners in the Circular Reno project, an Interreg Europe NW initiative with Túath Housing Association and project partners from four other EU member states.

This initiative to develop bio-based circular solutions for domestic retrofit projects and is split into three work packages. Each package capsulating an action plan to help achieve the goals outlined, including a deep energy retrofit of 10 social houses, using lightweight modularised construction techniques, and supporting and advancing the transition to agri-crop bio-based materials in construction within the Irish context. Two of ten homes have recently been completed to A-Rated homes, and KORE Retrofit were proud to showcase the first house in Ireland using off-site manufactured KORE low carbon EPS. These homes also were the first homes to have hemp used as attic insulation.

Together, these work packages represent a significant step toward a more sustainable, innovative, and resilient construction industry in Europe.

As partners in this EU project, alongside Túath Housing Association we had the opportunity to host out European counterparts in September. KORE Insulation and KORE Retrofit took the group on a field trip on day 2 from Dublin to Athlone and Offaly, showcasing three sites, including pilot homes, and the drive 0 house. All attendees left with a clearer vision of our plans and goals, and how we will achieve them.

Our researchers proudly contributed to the field of biobased construction by publishing two influential white papers in the International Journal of Architectural Engineering Technology. These papers focus on the growing importance of biobased construction solutions derived from agricultural crops, highlighting their potential to revolutionize the building industry and contribute to sustainability.

Paper 1: "Biobased Construction from Agricultural Crops: A State of Play of Commercial Solutions in Europe" and Paper 2: "Biobased Construction from Agricultural Crops: Supply Chain Dynamics of European Case Studies". As part of our ongoing efforts to push the boundaries of sustainability, these publications contribute to the global conversation on how biobased materials can play a central role in achieving a low-carbon, circular economy in construction

Prioritising Employee Wellness: Fostering a Healthy and Supportive Workplace at KORE Retrofit

At KORE Retrofit, we believe that the well-being of our team is essential to both individual success and the overall success of our family-run company. This year, we’ve continued to prioritise wellness in every aspect of our workplace, offering programs and initiatives that promote physical, mental, and emotional health. We held a week long wellness week in July, introducing our employees to the benefits of breathwork and meditation, as well as some wellness challenges with Taekwondo, HIIT classes and more. Our week ended with a fantastic day of golfing and a BBQ, celebrating our incredible employees. This special week was all about showing our gratitude and ensuring everyone knows how valued they are.

Six of our employees successfully completed a mental health first aid course, which equipped them with the skills to provide vital support and guidance to their peers, fostering a more supportive and resilient workplace.

The well-being initiatives continued throughout the year focusing not only on physical and mental health but also on professional growth. Several employees advanced their expertise by upskilling in their respective fields, including completing college programmes, obtaining certifications, and deepening their knowledge in retrofit practices. These achievements underscore our commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning, by investing in the development of our team, we ensure that KORE Retrofit remains at the forefront of innovation and industry leadership.

We are proud to have a collaborative culture with our employees, and this was reflected in our recognition as finalists Best Workplace Award - Under 250+ Employees category at the HR Leadership & Management Awards 2024! 

KORE Retrofit Appoints New Managing Director to Lead Future Growth

In 2024, KORE Retrofit were thrilled to announce the appointment of a new Managing Director, Dr Barry McCarron, who will steer the company into its next phase of growth. Dr McCarron brings extensive experience in sustainable development, building energy performance, and project management to this pivotal role. With a strong background in driving innovative solutions for energy-efficient buildings, Dr. McCarron is well-equipped to lead KORE as we continue to advance our commitment to sustainability and excellence in the retrofit. With a focus on enhancing operational efficiency, expanding market presence, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Dr McCarron is poised to lead KORE Retrofit in achieving its long-term goals and delivering exceptional value to customers, employees, and stakeholders alike.

Dr. McCarron brings practical expertise as well as theoretical know-how, and has received numerous accolades, including the Belfast Builder’s Association Outstanding Achievement Award, and the Net Zero Energy 2024 Housing Development award for retrofitting his bungalow in Monaghan, to being highly commended at the Architectural Technology Awards 2024 for the same project, and not to brush past his global climate action efforts at COP17, COP26, and COP27.

With his wealth of knowledge and passion for sustainability, Dr. McCarron is well-positioned to guide KORE Retrofit into a future of continued innovation and success.

As Dr. McCarron  closes the year with his team, he expresses his enthusiasm for the future:

"Reflecting on my first 100 days at KORE Retrofit, I’m genuinely inspired by a team whose passion, talent, and camaraderie have delivered our biggest year yet—together, we’re poised for even greater success as we step into exciting new premises and ambitious growth in the new year."

Looking forward, we are excited about the projects and opportunities that 2025 will bring. Our mission remains the same: to provide high-quality, energy-efficient solutions that help homeowners, businesses, and communities make the transition to a more sustainable future.

We would like to extend our thanks to all our employees, partners, and customers for their unwavering support. With a solid foundation of innovation, expertise, and collaboration, KORE Retrofit is ready for another year of success, sustainability, and growth.

Merry Christmas to you all, and Happy New Year.