By Business & Finance Organisations entering the Sustainable Energy Awards 2014 demonstrated energy savings of €20m through their innovative energy saving projects.
The awards, hosted by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and sponsored by Electric Ireland, recognised and reward excellence in energy management in the Irish business, public and community sectors.
Businesses across many sectors including pharmaceuticals, dairy and food, hospitality and building services implemented sustainable energy projects which are now improving competitiveness and benefitting their bottom line.
Winning the Collaboration award, Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group, a joint venture of four Cork-based pharmaceutical and medical device companies – DePuy Synthes, GSK, Janssen Biologics and Novartis, undertook a project to install three wind turbines to generate electricity near their sites in Ringaskiddy. In addition, the Group developed a community outreach team to assist with funding local energy upgrades. The result has been a saving of 30% on the companies’ joint electricity costs as well as making the area more attractive for inward investment.
DCS Group in Kerry, an energy management, design and build service company won the Built Environment Award for its ‘Pay as you Save’ retrofit project of seven Tesco stores with efficient LED lighting, resulting in up to 50% energy savings. Food processor Queally Group in Kildare won the Industry Award for its replacement of an old, inefficient boiler with a new gas boiler which saved over €500,000 in energy costs. And Aurivo Dairy Ingredients in Roscommon, a co-operative with over 700 employees, won the Leadership Award for achieving a 70% reduction in oil consumption following the installation of a biomass boiler which uses locally sourced fuel, giving further benefit to the region.
Congratulating all the winners, Alex White TD, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources commented: “There is a national movement towards a more sustainable energy future which is evident in the sheer range of organisations honoured by SEAI at the annual Sustainable Energy Awards tonight. Irish businesses continue to be an example of the way in which energy efficiency has been embraced by communities and local organisations throughout the country. Delivering a sustainable energy future will make our homes and businesses more comfortable, healthier and cheaper to run, while replacing expensive imported fossil fuel with domestic jobs. I would like to commend all the participants tonight and urge more communities in Ireland to get active and get involved in local energy saving projects.”
Speaking on the night, Brian Motherway, CEO, SEAI said: “Communities and businesses all over Ireland are taking control of their energy issues, reducing their costs and exploiting local resources. Sustainable Energy is a great opportunity for Ireland.We have high ambitions in this area and the Awards recognise the leaders that are making it happen.”
