The ZEB Summit 2025 is where the future of construction takes shape. Featuring industry leaders, cutting-edge case studies, and breakthrough innovations, this year’s programme is designed to equip you with the knowledge and connections to drive the transition to zero-emission buildings.
The NorDan Stage will be livestreamed, allowing attendees to join in real time from anywhere in the world. Sessions from the Exhibition Hall Stage and EBS Stage will be recorded and uploaded to our dedicated event platform, ensuring you can catch up on all the insights whether you’re joining us in person or online.
ZEB Summit 2025: Key Themes & Categories
This year’s ZEB Summit brings together thought leaders and industry experts to explore the latest advancements in zero-emission buildings, sustainability, and the future of the built environment. The talks are grouped into five key themes, ensuring a strong focus on embodied carbon while covering essential topics in performance, policy, and innovation.
Alongside ongoing interactive practical workshops, topics and talks include:
1. The Big Picture: Climate, Policy & Leadership
The built environment is at a crossroads, and global leaders are setting the pace for urgent climate action. These sessions address policy shifts, city-wide strategies, and the role of leadership in delivering a net-zero future.
- Built Environment & Climate: The Industry’s Responsibility – Diana Urge Versatz, IPCC
- Future-Proofing Dublin: A City’s Roadmap to Resilience – Richard Shakespeare, Chief Executive, Dublin City Council
- Scotland’s Zero-Carbon Standard: A Policy Blueprint – Stephen Good, CEO BE-ST
- ZEB Summit Reflections: The Road Ahead – Tomás O'Leary
2. Low-Carbon Materials & Circular Design
educing embodied carbon is the next frontier in sustainable construction. These talks dive into cutting-edge materials, circular economy principles, and design strategies that lower environmental impact.
- Building with Nature: The Future of Renewable Materials – Bjórn Kierulf, Ecococon
- Designing for Disassembly: A Circular Approach to Construction – Gary Alston, ECD Architects
- Low-Carbon Homes: Fabric-First Innovation for a Greener Future – Jeff Endean, Cast London
- Architects Leading the Climate Charge – Chris Williamson, RIBA President Elect (2025-2027)
3. Passive House in Action: Large-Scale & Deep Retrofit
Scaling up Passive House and deep retrofit is key to decarbonising buildings. These real-world case studies showcase ambitious projects pushing the industry forward.
- Pioneering Performance: Ireland’s First Certified Passive House Office – Art McCormack, MosArt
- Building the Future: Low-Carbon Schools in Action – Ann-Marie Fallon, Architype
- One Opera Square: The Next Generation of Sustainable Cities – Paul Lennon, Coady Architects
- Revolutionising Public Buildings: Tom Johnson House Retrofit – Dan Costelloe, OPW
- Leitrim’s Low-Carbon Offices: A Case Study in Action – Mary Quinn
4. Smarter Systems: Innovation in Mechanical & Energy Solutions
From heating and ventilation to large-scale district energy systems, these talks explore the mechanical strategies that bring high-performance buildings to life.
- Lessons from the Field: Mechanical Systems in Large Passive House Projects – Anthony Clarke
- District Heating Reimagined: How Shanganagh Works Without Radiators – Brian Homan, Homan O’Brien
- Fresh Air, Smart Design: Retrofitting Libraries for Comfort & Efficiency – Garrett Quinn
- Passive House at Scale: HVAC Strategies for 800+ Bed Student Accommodation
5. Scaling Up: Delivering the Future of Zero Emission Housing
Scaling Passive House and zero-carbon construction from niche to mainstream is the next industry challenge. These talks explore how to deliver at volume without compromise.
- Breaking Ground: Delivering 3,000 Passive Homes at Scale – Stephen O’Shea, Cairn Homes
- Dublin’s Zero-Carbon Vision: Scaling Up ZEB – Dublin City Council
- Designing for Impact: Passive House at Urban Scale – John Palmer, ABK Architects
- Future-Ready Buildings: Cooling Strategies for a Warming Planet – Tom O'Sullivan, NorDan
- Raising the Bar: Integrating Building Science for Net-Zero Success – Jessica Grove Smith, Passive House Institute