Ken Mulkerrins, Group Head of Sustainability & Innovation at Kilsaran
With sustainability and innovation at the core of construction in Ireland, we interviewed, Ken Mulkerrins, Group Head of Sustainability & Innovation at Kilsaran. He shares his insights on the role of cutting-edge materials, and how collaboration across the sector can help achieve Ireland’s environmental targets. He also reflects on Kilsaran’s commitment to a positive company culture, staying competitive, and the honour of being recognised at the Guaranteed Irish Business Awards 2025.
Q.1 - As a leader in sustainability and innovation at Kilsaran, how do you see the construction industry evolving to meet Ireland’s net-zero targets?
In a report published by the Oireachtas, it is estimated that approximately 37% of our carbon emissions stem from the construction and built environment sector. Whilst this is obviously significant and requiring critical action, it is contrasted by the country’s urgent need for an estimated additional 93,000 units per annum until 2031. This coupled with necessary National infrastructure programmes to meet needs of Irelands 2040 Development Plan, will most likely increase the sectors emissions.
However, in my opinion, all may not be lost! Innovation in construction materials and project design techniques can help deliver a high quality, new built environment, but one with a fraction of the associated embodied emissions. Companies like Kilsaran are working tirelessly on developing a wide range of low carbon construction products that can have as much as 50% less embodied carbon than traditional materials. In addition to this greater education in the responsible specification of materials (to avoid over-specification) can cut project related emissions significantly using the same materials used in the sector on a daily basis.
I think there will be an even bigger focus on building emissions, whether during construction or during its operational life. Designers, specifiers and product suppliers will all be tasked with combining their efforts to deliver lower carbon buildings and infrastructure, and I for one think the industry is ready to deliver on same.
Q.2 - How does Kilsaran cultivate a positive and inclusive company culture, and what initiatives have been most effective in creating collaboration and innovation within the team?
Kilsaran published their ESG strategy back in 2023. Our strategy is centred around the UN SDG’s and our four pillars of sustainability, Planet People, Solutions and Performance. As a company we recognise that our people are our greatest asset. Encompassing a Diverse and Inclusive workforce and ensuring equality among all has been the goal of our Diversity and Inclusion team over the last few years, which is ever-growing and evolving. Learning and Development is also another core area of focus in which all employees are invested in encouraged to achieve to the best of their abilities.
In parallel to publishing our ESG strategy we also announced our new, stand-alone Research an Innovation Team. This team which is lead by our Groups Head of Innovation & Sustainability, services the entire Kilsaran group, with representatives from each of our divisions. This team do not have a role in the day to day activities of the business, but have a sole objective to carry out research and innovation work in our laboratories across the company. The team meet regularly to discuss current R&I projects and to share knowledge of each other’s work and research.
Q.3 - What strategies have helped your company stay competitive in the industry?
As a company Kilsaran have always seen themselves as pioneers, and have forged new paths in relation to product and operational innovation numerous times. I think the companies relentless appetite to improve and create newer and better solutions for the construction industry sets it apart from others. Not only do we embrace change, we encourage it by challenging the status quo. Investing in a stand-alone research and innovation function is a costly exercise but one that allows us to stay and the cutting edge and thus remain competitive.
Q.4 - What does it mean to kilsaran to be a member of Guaranteed Irish?
It means everything! As an Irish company founded in the village of Kilsaran in Co. Louth, there is an immense sense of pride in knowing that we can compete with large companies, both here in Ireland and across the UK, on any level. Being a member of the Guaranteed Irish family further compounds this and we feel that having the GI logo instils a level of trust, pride and accountability to our customers.
Q.5 - Kilsaran has been shortlisted in two prestigious categories at the Guaranteed Irish Business Awards 2025 – Construction, Engineering & Manufacturing and Guaranteed Irish House Champion. What does this recognition mean for the company?
Again it means everything! As a company, achieving excellence is at the core of everything we do. We pride ourselves on being pioneers in the development and manufacture of innovative building materials. To be recognised for this by our peers and by the prestigious GI Family really is an honour in itself.
