Long-time contributor to Selfbuild magazine Dr Barry Mc Carron has been appointed managing director of KORE Retrofit.
KORE Retrofit is a leading provider of sustainable retrofit solutions in Ireland. As its new managing director, Barry brings extensive experience in sustainable development, building energy performance, and project management to this pivotal role.
Barry was also a values Selfbuild Live contributor, answering self-builder about the passive house method questions at Selfbuild’s live events.
Before joining KORE Retrofit, Dr Mc Carron served as Head of Business and Industry Support at South West College.
He holds a PhD focused on monitoring indoor radon levels in certified passive house buildings, an Honours Degree in Architectural Technology and Management from Ulster University, and an MSc in Sustainable Development from Queen’s University Belfast.
Dr Mc Carron also recently chaired the Passive House Association of Ireland (PHAI), further establishing his credentials in the field of energy-efficient construction.
KORE Retrofit is proud to be a SEAI registered One Stop Shop, a fully managed solution designed for homeowners carrying out multiple energy upgrades. This service guides homeowners from the initial energy assessment to contractor quotes, with KORE Retrofit overseeing quality and project management throughout.
Dr Mc Carron’s leadership comes at a crucial time as Ireland works towards meeting the ambitious goals of the national retrofit plan, aiming to upgrade 500,000 homes to a B2 energy rating by 2030—a project backed by an €8 billion investment. This initiative is part of a broader response to the climate and biodiversity emergency declared by the Irish government, recognising that the built environment is responsible for 39 per cent of global emissions, with 11 per cent attributable to embodied carbon.
In addition to his new role, Dr Mc Carron is also looking forward to enhancing KORE Retrofit’s involvement in the Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme (NISEP). This initiative offers financial assistance for energy-efficient home improvements such as heating and insulation upgrades, supporting Northern Ireland’s commitment to achieving a net zero future by 2050.
Under Dr Mc Carron’s guidance, KORE Retrofit will continue to drive innovation in retrofit solutions, making homes across Ireland and Northern Ireland more energy-efficient and sustainable.
Dr Mc Carron’s expertise is not just theoretical; he recently completed an award-winning Passive House-certified bungalow retrofit in Monaghan, demonstrating how traditional Irish bungalows can be transformed to meet modern environmental standards.
This project is intended to serve as a model for future retrofits, highlighting the possibilities for making existing homes more energy-efficient and comfortable.
Throughout his career, Dr Mc Carron has been recognised with numerous accolades, including the Belfast Builder’s Association Outstanding Achievement Award and the Gibson Institute Scholarship. A committed advocate for climate action, he has contributed to several United Nations Climate Change Conferences (COP17, COP26, and COP27) on issues related to climate finance and mitigation.
Dr Mc Carron is also a respected researcher, focusing on building energy performance and indoor air quality.
His work has been presented at prestigious institutions worldwide, and he has successfully secured funding for various projects while providing consultancy and training to industry professionals.
He actively contributes to the architectural and sustainability sectors through his roles on the Ministerial Advisory Group for Architecture in Northern Ireland and the RSUA Climate Change Committee as well as the Board of Grove housing association.
Recently, he was also appointed as the Technical Chair for the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists in Ireland.
Barry’s experience in research and development and with housing associations will also help with KORE Retrofit’s participation in the Circular Reno project, an EU Interreg NW initiative focused on developing bio-based construction materials from agricultural crops.
The Irish portion of the project, led by KORE Retrofit in partnership with Tuath Housing Association, includes three key work packages: developing a sector action plan, retrofitting 10 social houses with bio-based materials, and supporting the transition to Agri-crop bio-based construction in Ireland. The project began in 2023 and is set to conclude in 2026.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Barry Mc Carron as the new Managing Director of KORE Retrofit,” said Caroline Ashe Brady, commercial director at KORE Retrofit. “His leadership and deep commitment to sustainable development make him the ideal person to guide our company as we continue to deliver innovative retrofit solutions across Ireland.”
In his new role, Dr Mc Carron will oversee all aspects of KORE Retrofit’s operations, driving the company’s mission to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability in homes across Ireland.
For more information about KORE Retrofit and its services, visit www.koreretrofit.com
Text adapted from KORE Retrofit, images from the KORE Retrofit website.
