Lunch & Learn 2026: EU Taxonomy Alignment & HPI Certification
Two Frameworks. One Opportunity.
For many residential projects in Ireland, EU Taxonomy alignment and Home Performance Index (HPI) certification are still being treated as separate processes.
This often leads to:
Late-stage evidence gaps Duplication of work across teams Increased delivery risk Challenges in meeting funding and investor requirements
But when aligned early, these frameworks can work together to streamline delivery, strengthen sustainability performance, and reduce risk.
Progress
Success
Conversion
Income
Why Attend
This IGBC Lunch & Learn will explore how EU Taxonomy requirements align with HPI certification for residential developments in Ireland.
As EU Taxonomy continues to shape green finance, regulatory compliance, and investor expectations, understanding how it integrates with HPI is becoming essential for project teams.
Drawing on real project experience, this session will provide practical insights into how both frameworks can be aligned across design, construction, and handover stages.
What You’ll Learn
Where EU Taxonomy technical screening criteria and HPI indicators overlap Key differences and additional requirements to consider How early alignment can reduce delivery risk and avoid compliance gaps Practical steps to integrate Taxonomy into your HPI workflow How alignment can support funding eligibility and ESG reporting
Speakers
Ciaran O’Leary leads Catalyst’s Sustainable Finance division, driving regulatory-aligned ESG strategies that unlock measurable value for institutional investors, real estate platforms, and public sector clients across Europe. With over 20 years of international experience in the built environment, he brings deep technical capability as a structural engineer, ISO 14064-3 Lead Auditor, certified BREEAM AP, and Passivhaus Consultant. Ciaran specialises in applying the EU Taxonomy and Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) to real assets and investment portfolios. He has advised some of Europe’s largest pension funds and asset managers on fund classification , integrating technical screening criteria into development and asset management workflows, and delivering robust, audit-ready ESG reporting frameworks. He contributed to the technical review of the EU Taxonomy Circular Economy annex, collaborating with DGNB and CPEA on the refinement of activity-level criteria. He also served as an external expert and rapporteur with the European Commission, where he has evaluated sustainable innovation projects under Horizon 2020 and other programmes. In parallel, Ciaran provides strategic advice to the Green Assist programme, supporting sustainable finance integration in major infrastructure and built environment initiatives. Ciaran holds a Master’s degree in Structural Engineering, is a Certified ESG Analyst (CESGA), and completed a Diploma in Sustainable Finance through the Institute of Bankers (IOB) and University College Dublin. He is a regular contributor to industry education through the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) and other forums focused on practical ESG delivery, regulation, and sustainable investment. EU TaxonomyPriscilla Nunes
Priscilla Nunes is an Environmental Engineer with a Master’s in Construction Project Management and a Postgraduate Certificate in Financial Management and Sustainability, with ten years of experience delivering environmental and ESG advisory services across the built environment sector. She is a Senior ESG Consultant and HPI Service Lead at Catalyst, leading the delivery and development of the Home Performance Index (HPI) certification for residential developments in Ireland. Priscilla provides technical leadership and quality assurance across projects, working closely with developers and design teams to ensure compliance with Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) requirements and sustainability targets. Her expertise includes ESG strategy, EU Taxonomy alignment, carbon emissions assessments, sustainability reporting, and green building certifications such as HPI and BREEAM Infrastructure. She has supported large residential, mixed-use, and infrastructure projects, integrating sustainability considerations throughout design and construction. Priscilla also specialises in carbon footprint quantification, climate risk and climate action planning, helping organisations align with evolving regulations and best practice sustainability frameworks.
