“What we are now seeing is a positive effect on business as more and more companies, and indeed public bodies, are working to reduce their energy costs”, said Dr Motherway. “Over 10,000 people are employed in the organisations that entered the Sustainable Energy Awards this year and they are all active proof that sustainable energy is important, not only from a cost-saving perspective, but also for protecting vital Irish jobs.”
The Sustainable Energy Awards reward excellence in energy management by organisations of all sizes and this year attracted almost 100 entries. The joint winners of the Outstanding Leadership in Energy Management Award were Padraig Traynor, Facilities Manager, Stewarts Care and Pat Mehigan, Facilities Manager, Tyndall Institute.
Stewarts Care won the Award for its multi-faceted retrofit programme, funded through an energy performance contract with Dalkia, saving 11% in energy costs. Tyndall implemented an intensive energy reduction programme focusing on the site’s significant energy users that resulted in a 30% reduction in energy use and a zero-carbon impact from its new 5,500 sq m building.
Other notable winners included – Astellas Ireland, winner of the Renewable Energy Systems Award, for the installation of a wood chip boiler displacing 90% of its oil consumption and a wind turbine offsetting over 20% of imported electricity; and the Department of Education and Skills for a new primary school facility, Colaiste Choilm, in Tullamore. The school which acquired an A2 rating, is 40% more efficient than a standard school and will serve as a test facility for the Department’s school building programme.
Congratulating the 2012 Award winners, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Mr Pat Rabbitte, TD, said: “The organisations that have been showcased through the Sustainable Energy Awards are to be commended for their innovation, determination and ultimately success in bringing about meaningful cost and CO2 savings. Initiating change, as many of these companies have, can be very difficult, not least in challenging economic circumstances. But I hope these organisations can truly appreciate the benefits of what they’ve achieved and I encourage others to learn from their example.”
Commenting on the Awards Bríd Horan, Executive Director, Electric Ireland, said: “The financial savings achieved by the organisations participating in this year’s Awards are proof that embracing energy management and engaging staff in energy efficiency projects can greatly improve an organisation’s bottom line.”
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For full details on the Awards log on to www.seai.ie/energyawards ■
