SEAI Awards Aim To Reward Energy Excellence

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is calling  for innovative entries for the ninth annual all-island Sustainable  Energy Awards.

The 2011 Awards saw  nominations for 105 pioneering  projects, representing cumulative  energy savings of over €23 million.  Last year also saw a big jump in  the number of smaller businesses  entering the Awards, showing that  organisations of all sizes are now  taking energy management much  more seriously.  Sponsored by Electric Ireland, the  Awards reward excellence in  business energy management  amongst Irish organisations of all  sizes, recognising their  achievements in cutting energy  use and CO2 emissions.  Last year saw a wide variety of  winning projects including:

• the Irish Aviation Authority’s  plane route optimisation strategy  which cut distances travelled by  planes in Irish airspace by 2.2  million kilometres, equating to a  saving of 16 million litres of airline  fuel per annum;

• Green Isle Foods’ Gurteen  plant’s implementation of energy  upgrades to its hot water  generation and chiller facilities  which saw the site deliver 18%  energy savings;

• Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceutical’s  holistic and cross-functional  energy awareness campaign  ‘YOU have the power’ which saw  the entire site embracing efficient  energy management, leading to  6% energy savings in one year;

• Astellas Ireland’s Energy  Manager, Micheál Cassidy,  recognised for adopting a  strategic approach to energy  management in the  pharmaceutical company that has  led to almost 7 million kWh in  energy savings over the past five  years.

All categories are open to both  public and private sector  organisations throughout the  island of Ireland and can include  electrical, thermal or transport  initiatives.  The awards will focus on  individuals, groups and  organisations who demonstrate a  commitment to include energy  management as part of their  overall management structure  and provide an opportunity for  organisations, regardless of size,  to gain public recognition for their  achievements in reducing energy  use and emissions.  Professor Owen Lewis, CEO  SEAI, stated: “It is very  encouraging to witness the rise in  entries year on year. Businesses  across Ireland are now embracing  energy efficient practices as they  realise that any savings achieved,  quickly benefit their bottom line.  “These Awards give the people  who are leading the way in  energy management the  recognition they deserve, while  also rewarding organisations  driving the green agenda and  reducing Ireland’s CO2  emissions.”  Electric Ireland is committed to  sustainability and are actively  working to reduce their CO2  emissions and make their own  business more sustainable.  They see a key part of their role  as a leading Irish energy supplier  as promoting energy efficiency  and providing information and  support so as to enable their  customers get the best value for  money from their energy usage  and protect our environment for  future generations.  Bríd Horan, Executive Director,  Electric Ireland, said: “We are  delighted to once again partner  with SEAI for the annual  Sustainable Energy Awards.  “Over the past nine years the  Awards have stimulated  awareness of the potential energy  savings to be made by all  companies regardless of size.  Energy efficient behaviour is  crucial for all businesses to  maintain competitiveness and  also to protect the environment