This week marks World Green Building Week 2025 (8–12 September), a global campaign that highlights how buildings and construction can accelerate the shift to a net zero future. Across Ireland and the UK, professionals are coming together to showcase innovation, share ideas and explore practical steps toward more sustainable buildings.
Today, our CEO Lewis is attending one of the headline events: Behind the Scenes – Ireland’s First Net Zero Supermarket at Lidl Maynooth. This project is a milestone in sustainable retail and sets a new benchmark for how commercial buildings can operate.
What we learned from Lidl Maynooth
The Lidl Zero Maynooth store is designed to generate as much energy as it consumes annually, thanks to forward-thinking design and technology. Highlights from today’s visit included:
• On-site renewable energy with solar PV and battery storage
• Advanced refrigeration and building systems to cut operational energy use
• Sustainable construction practices to reduce embodied carbon
• Biodiversity features and community gardens integrated into the site
• A wider sustainability strategy that ties the store into Lidl’s long-term climate goals
Why World Green Building Week matters for business
Commercial buildings are a major contributor to energy demand and carbon emissions. Rising energy costs, tightening regulations and the need to demonstrate climate leadership are now pushing businesses of all sizes to rethink their approach.
World Green Building Week shows that solutions are already available. From renewable generation to smarter energy management, businesses can act now to lower costs and reduce emissions while building resilience for the future.
How Encom can help
At Encom Energy, we work with businesses across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and the UK to design and deliver renewable energy solutions that support sustainability and financial goals. Our services include:
•Solar PV systems to generate clean, on-site energy
•Battery storage to manage demand and reduce reliance on the grid
•EV charging solutions for fleets and customers
•Energy management systems to track, forecast and optimise usage
Just like Lidl Maynooth, your business can take real steps today towards cutting energy bills and building a greener future.