Strategic Report

Raw material extraction

Raw materials extraction refers to the removal of resources from the earth’s natural reserves. In the context of the construction industry, the majority of construction raw materials can be typically classified into two categories: mined raw materials, such as minerals and fossil fuels, and plant-based raw materials derived from forestry and bio-based materials, such as trees and plants. Raw materials are typically used in the primary production of construction products.

Processing, manufacturing and distribution

The majority of the raw materials used in the construction sector must be processed and manufactured into construction materials products. They play a pivotal role in Glenveagh as we ultimately use them to build our homes. These construction materials and products must be robust, reliable and meet stringent safety standards to ensure the durability of built structures. The construction materials industry is known for its high-temperature operations, use of large-scale processing and manufacturing plant and machinery as well as its energy consumption. This industry relies on its supply chain to ensure it not only procures raw materials to create the products, but also ensures the delivery of its products to the likes of Glenveagh and our subcontractors.

Land acquisition, planning and design

Land acquisition is one of the first steps within the direct control of Glenveagh and is critical in developing new communities across Ireland. This step requires significant due diligence to ensure, for example, that the land is viable, that the area is not subject to flooding or other environmental risks, and the appropriate zoning is in place.

Glenveagh manufacturing (NUA)

NUA, the manufacturing arm of Glenveagh, was established in 2023 and comprises three factories based in Carlow, Arklow, and Dundalk. These factories employ over 100 people and supporting regional businesses by sourcing materials from local suppliers. The factories use industry-leading technology to produce high-quality timber frames and light gauge steel (LGS) frames used in our homebuilding process. The process includes a type of 3D printing to produce steel parts for the houses, using computer-generated 3D design models, as well as pre-programmed sawing technology to cut timber into the required shapes and sizes.

Construction

Construction is a core element of our business and sits within the operations section of our value chain. This is where the various materials which have been extracted, processed, and manufactured are used to construct high-quality, energy-efficient homes for our end-users. This is done in compliance with planning and building regulations in place in Ireland and the EU. This element of our value chain requires a large skilled workforce comprising both directly employed colleagues as well as a significant involvement of subcontractors across an array of trades. These include groundworks contractors, crane operators, block layers, plasterers, painters, tilers, and landscapers among others.

Sales and marketing

Glenveagh interacts with our potential customers through our internal sales and marketing functions as well as third-party selling agents. Our marketing strategy raises awareness of our offering through a variety of media including TV, radio, social media, websites, and events. We also make potential customers aware of the affordability of housing through a variety of government schemes and initiatives to ensure inclusiveness of our product. We are investing in technology to further improve our online customer portal and increase its accessibility.

Product use

The houses and apartments we create provide a home for our customers for many years. During the lifetime of these products, residents consume water, energy, and other materials. They also produce outputs such as waste, carbon emissions, and wastewater. Elements of the house will also come to the end of their useful life or become redundant and require replacement. The houses we produce are highly energy-efficient and we are developing a more circular approach that will facilitate easier disassembly and reuse. We also provide our customers with valuable information on the efficient operation of all aspects of their homes.

End of life

At the end of its useful life, the house or apartment can be deconstructed. Certain components of the house can already be reused and/or recycled and we aim to increase this through the adoption of more circular principles in our design, through such initiatives as design for disassembly. These activities can transform waste management into sustainable materials management and drive new patterns of production and consumption. Inevitably, at the moment, the deconstruction is likely to have certain environmental impacts including the production of waste and carbon emissions.