Western Building Systems has been named a finalist in the 2025 Irish Construction Excellence (ICE) Awards in the Commercial – Up to €30M category, thanks to its work on a landmark sustainable project for Kerry County Council.

Located in Rathass, Tralee, the two-storey Modular Office Building was designed to support long-term climate goals. It provides high-quality workspace for 40–48 employees and was developed with a strong focus on energy efficiency, environmental impact, and future-proofing. The project is a standout example of how public sector buildings can meet net-zero energy targets through smart, sustainable design.

Western delivered the full superstructure and fitout using a modular construction method. This offsite approach allowed for faster, safer construction with reduced waste and environmental impact. The building includes a range of features that help it meet rigorous energy performance standards:

• Super-insulated foundation system that cuts concrete use by 40% and achieves top thermal performance
• Triple-glazed windows and high-spec insulated wall and roof panels to reduce heat loss
• Airtight design, with testing results well above required standards
• Mechanical heat recovery ventilation and an air-to-air climate control system for efficient heating and cooling
• 50kWp solar PV system generating more electricity than the building uses—helping the campus overall reduce its carbon footprint

From May to October 2024, the building used just over 16,000 kWh of electricity while producing more than 30,000 kWh through its rooftop solar panels. Smart energy meters and automatic controls ensure efficient use and monitoring of every system.

Delivered in just eight months with no reported incidents, the project shows what’s possible when sustainability and innovation come together. It’s part of Western’s wider mission to lead the way in responsible construction.

Western’s commitment to excellence and sustainability has been recognised across multiple sectors. The company was recently honoured with the “Best Acute Design” award at the 2025 Healthcare Design Awards for its work on Stoke Mandeville Hospital. That same project also earned Western the 2023 INCA Award in the ‘New Build EWI – Low Rise – Render Finish’ category, highlighting its high-performance design and quality delivery in healthcare environments.

As the construction industry moves toward greener, more efficient practices, Western Building Systems continues to set new standards for what sustainable building can achieve—for clients, communities, and the planet.