As Ireland’s construction and DIY sector undergoes rapid transformation, sustainability, innovation, and collaboration are becoming the cornerstones of progress. At the heart of this shift is Paul Candon, CEO of Homevalue, one of Ireland’s leading home and hardware brands and a proud Guaranteed Irish member. With a network of over 90 family-owned stores nationwide, Homevalue has deep community roots and a clear vision for the future of Irish retail.
In this feature, Paul shares his perspective on the innovations set to redefine sustainability in construction, the supply chain challenges facing Irish merchants, the value of local partnerships such as Homevalue’s collaboration with DID Electrical, and how evolving consumer expectations are shaping a new era of design-led, energy-efficient living. His insights offer a unique look at how a trusted Irish brand is adapting, innovating, and leading with purpose.
What innovations or technologies do you see having the biggest impact on sustainability in Ireland’s construction and DIY sector over the next 5 years?
Here are the key innovations I believe will shape sustainability in Ireland’s construction and DIY sector over the next five years, and why they matter for builders, merchants and homeowners alike.
Low-carbon cement and concrete are moving from niche to normal. Public projects already require low-carbon mixes and whole-life carbon checks, which is accelerating the shift from traditional CEM I to CEM II. This will filter through to merchants, who will stock more low-carbon bagged cement and adjust ready-mix specifications accordingly.
The recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is another major driver. It must be transposed into Irish law by May 2026 and introduces zero-emission standards for new buildings – 2028 for public buildings and 2030 for all. That means higher insulation performance, fossil-free heating and solar readiness will become standard features, influencing everything from design choices to what merchants keep on their shelves.
Rooftop solar is also going mainstream. With the Clean Export Guarantee and a tax-free €400 allowance in place through 2025, Ireland already has over 120,000 microgeneration connections. We expect to see more households adding hybrid inverters, power diverters and batteries to maximise self-consumption.
Heat pumps combined with smart controls will play a big role too. Grants remain generous (up to €6,500 for air-to-water systems) and smart meters with time-of-use tariffs are now widely available. This will encourage homes to integrate heat pumps, cylinders, EV chargers and batteries as part of a flexible energy system.
Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and timber are gaining traction. Government is backing MMC skills and a national demonstration park, while a Timber in Construction steering group is working on standards and approvals. Expect more panelised and offsite systems, plus early CLT and mass-timber pilots in housing and public buildings.
Finally, high-performance retrofit solutions are becoming standard. Airtightness systems, smart vapour-control membranes, wood-fibre insulation and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery are now common in deep retrofits, helping homes cut energy use and improve comfort.
Being a network of over 90 Irish, family-owned stores with deep community connections—as a Guaranteed Irish member—what are your most significant supply chain challenges and how are you addressing them?
Price volatility and availability remain a challenge. Timber, insulation, cement and steel are still subject to global commodity cycles, transport costs and geopolitical risks, which can lead to unpredictable lead times for merchants and their customers. Brexit adds another layer of complexity. While the situation has stabilised, UK-origin goods can still mean extra paperwork, delays and cost spikes, particularly for niche products, so we’ve expanded our international supply chain to reduce exposure.
Transport and distribution costs are also under pressure. Rising fuel prices impact logistics directly, and decarbonisation targets are pushing us to rethink diesel heavy fleets. We’re continuously improving route planning, working with suppliers on load efficiency and exploring lower emission options where possible.
Finally, skills and digital readiness are critical. Merchants need better tools to manage stock, track environmental credentials and share sustainability data with trade customers. In response, we’re investing in digital platforms and staff training.
It's great to see two Guaranteed Irish companies working together - What motivated the partnership with DID Electrical, and how does it align with Homevalue’ s vision for Irish retail?
The partnership with DID Electrical came down to shared values and complementary strengths. Both businesses are Irish, family-owned and deeply rooted in their communities. By working together, we keep more spend within Irish-owned retail, supporting local jobs and reinvestment.
Homevalue brings expertise in building materials, DIY and home improvement, while DID adds appliances and consumer technology. Together, we offer customers a complete solution, from renovating the fabric of the home to fitting out with energy efficient, connected appliances. It’s a practical response to what customers want: integrated solutions that make homes more efficient and future ready.
The partnership underscores Homevalue’s role as a trusted local hub, expanding what customers can find under one roof and promoting Irish business.
This collaboration also strengthens the Irish retail ecosystem. Instead of competing head-to-head, we’re creating a credible alternative to international chains and online giants. It shows that collaboration, not consolidation, is the way to keep Irish retail competitive and community focused.
In recent years, homeowners have shifted from “basic maintenance” to more design-led and sustainable upgrades. How is this trend shaping Homevalue’s product mix and customer experience?
The shift from “fix what’s broken” to “improve how my home looks and performs” is reshaping both what we stock and how we serve customers. On the product side, we’re expanding ranges in energy efficiency and retrofit (insulation, airtightness systems, smart controls, low-carbon cement and water saving fixtures) alongside design-led finishes like premium paints, decorative surfaces, flooring and outdoor living solutions. Our partnership with DID Electrical adds smart home tech, EV chargers and energy efficient appliances, while we’re also increasing natural and low-tox materials such as eco paints, wood-fibre insulation and FSC-certified timber.
Customer experience is evolving too. Many stores now feature showroom-style displays – colour walls, kitchen and utility setups, outdoor living zones, rather than purely functional aisles. We’re creating project bundles for “whole home” solutions, offering advice on SEAI grants and sustainable products, and running community workshops on energy upgrades and design trends. Online, we’re improving access to sustainability data and making click-and-collect more convenient.
All of this makes sustainable, stylish living more accessible, strengthens our one stop shop positioning and reinforces our role as a trusted local brand.
See how Homevalue can support your next project — browse their range here.