About Buildcost

Buildcost are chartered quantity surveyors and experts in providing excellent cost consultancy services to the construction industry. Renowned for their client-focused approach and technical precision, Buildcost deliver end-to-end cost management solutions across commercial, fit-out, healthcare, hospitality, residential, logistics, retail and educational projects.

Their work is grounded in three principles: accuracy, accountability, and added value, ensuring every project is delivered efficiently, on time, and within budget. With an expert team of quantity surveyors and cost consultants, Buildcost supports clients from feasibility through to final account, offering services that include cost planning, procurement strategy, value engineering, and lifecycle cost analysis.

The Strategic Move to ISO Certification

With the growing demands of the construction sector, particularly in areas of regulatory compliance, tender qualification, and sustainability, Buildcost recognised the strategic importance of gaining internationally recognised certifications.

Working with CG Business Consulting, Ireland’s leading ISO and ESG consultancy, Buildcost embarked on a two-phase journey:

• In 2019, they achieved ISO 9001 certification, formalising their quality management systems.
• In 2025, they advanced their commitment to environmental responsibility by securing ISO 14001

Each certification represented more than a compliance exercise; it was a business-critical decision to future-proof the organisation and enhance client confidence.

Phase One: ISO 9001 – Laying the Foundations for Quality Excellence

As a consultancy working closely with public and private sector clients, Buildcost needed to demonstrate that their systems and processes met the highest standards. ISO 9001 offered a structured approach to:

• Streamlining internal procedures
• Reducing project risks and rework
• Enhancing communication and documentation control
• Embedding a culture of continuous improvement

CG Business Consulting began with a gap analysis, mapping Buildcost’s existing practices against ISO 9001 requirements. Together, they developed a tailored Quality Management System (QMS) that reflected Buildcost’s operations, supported staff, and improved client service delivery.

“Achieving ISO 9001 with CG Business Consulting was a turning point for Buildcost. It gave us the operational consistency and structure to scale our services while maintaining the high-quality standards we’re known for. The support and guidance we received from CGBC were practical, professional, and completely aligned with our business needs.”

• Jason Tully, Director, Buildcost

The certification also gave Buildcost a competitive edge in public procurement and commercial tenders, helping them secure larger, more complex projects.

Phase Two: ISO 14001 – Embedding Environmental Responsibility

By 2025, environmental sustainability had become a major factor in construction, with clients, contractors, and regulators demanding clear environmental management practices. Buildcost saw ISO 14001 as the logical next step to formalise and strengthen their environmental commitments.

Business drivers for ISO 14001 included:

• Responding to green procurement requirements
• Supporting clients in achieving LEED, BREEAM and NZEB standards
• Reducing energy use and operational waste
• Enhancing Buildcost’s ESG profile and contribution to national sustainability goals

With CG Business Consulting’s expert support, Buildcost conducted a full environmental impact review, implemented a practical Environmental Management System (EMS), and aligned policies with ISO 14001 standards, all while maintaining day-to-day business continuity.

“Working on the ISO 14001 project gave me a completely new perspective on our day-to-day operations. With CGBC’s help, we were able to assess our environmental impact honestly and constructively, and then build a practical plan for reducing it. I’ve learned so much, and I’m proud that we’ve taken this step as a company.”

• Katrina McColgan, Office Administrator, Buildcost

The Certification Process: A Collaborative Partnership

Both certification projects followed a structured yet collaborative methodology:

• CG Business Consulting conducted on-site reviews to identify where Buildcost met ISO standards and where improvements were needed.

• Bespoke policies, manuals, and registers were created to match Buildcost’s real-world workflows, ensuring usability and compliance.

• Workshops were delivered across departments to build understanding of ISO principles and secure buy-in at every level.

• CGBC conducted pre-certification audits and addressed any gaps before third-party assessments.

Certification & Ongoing Support

External certification was achieved with minimal disruption, thanks to the strength of preparation and staff engagement 

Business Impact

The benefits of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 have been tangible and transformative:

Increased Operational Efficiency

• Processes are now clearly documented, standardised, and continuously monitored for improvement.

Competitive Advantage

• Certifications are powerful differentiators in both public and private tenders, where quality and environmental criteria are becoming standard.

ESG Alignment

• ISO 14001 has enabled Buildcost to proactively support client ESG goals and prepare for upcoming regulatory frameworks like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

Staff Engagement

• Team members feel more empowered and aware of their role in achieving both quality and environmental targets.

What’s Next for Buildcost?

With both certifications firmly embedded in its operations, Buildcost is now exploring:

• ISO-integrated digital management systems
• Scope 1 and 2 emissions tracking
• Supplier engagement strategies to reduce environmental impact across the value chain

Future readiness for CSRD compliance and sustainability assurance

“Our ISO certifications are not just plaques on the wall, they’re the foundation of how we operate. CGBC brought genuine expertise and a human approach to what could have been a rigid process. Their team understood our business, respected our time, and helped us build systems that work. We now have the structure to grow responsibly and the credentials to prove it.”

• Jason Tully, Director, Buildcost

About CG Business Consulting

CG Business Consulting is Ireland’s leading ISO and ESG consultancy. Specialising in ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and CSRD/VSME aligned sustainability services, CGBC helps businesses across all sectors build robust, certifiable management systems that create real-world value. Get in touch with us today at hello@cgbc.ie to explore more.