Funding of €9m has been granted to 43 organisations involving capital investment projects of circa €25m, under the national Energy Efficiency Fund (EEF).
Of the 43 projects that are to be completed by the end of 2010, 20 are for the public sector and 23 are for private and voluntary sectors. It is expected that the combined energy efficiency actions taken will create lifetime savings of more than €70m, with 50,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions being avoided each year as a result – this translates to taking more than 100,000 cars off Irish roads.
Launched in May 2010, the EEF is being managed and co-ordinated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). It provides support for upgrades to buildings, services and facilities involving ambitious packages of energy efficiency investment actions aimed at achieving ongoing and lasting energy savings. Projects relate mainly to thermal and electrical energy usage in buildings.
Speaking at the announcement today, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan TD, said: “We must tackle the needless waste of energy across all sectors. In these straightened times, no one can afford to pay for unused energy.
“For every euro granted by the Government under this scheme, €10 in savings is delivered. The benefits far outweigh the costs. The lifetime savings of such a switch make it more than worth the effort for the businesses involved. This benefits business’ bottom line, protecting jobs and making us more competitive. It is yet another example of the green economy in action, where we create and maintain the jobs of the future while helping to fight climate change. It is the right investment for the smart business.”
Prof Owen Lewis, chief executive, SEAI, added: “The EEF is a timely example of organisations in Ireland working towards best practice in energy efficiency to deliver real energy reductions in all sectors of our economy. There are tremendous opportunities for almost every company in Ireland to learn from these organisations and replicate the benefits of energy savings by following in their footsteps.”
Some of the recipients
Entities that will avail of EEF funding include Keelings Softfruits, which will use its funding (€0.5m) for the site optimisation of energy demand in an industrial scale glasshouse and refrigeration site.
Bus Eireann obtained €52,000 to roll out advanced driver training, with the goal of improved energy efficiency through the installation of advanced in-vehicle monitoring and feedback devices.
With €0.5m in funding, Tesco is to retrofit technology projects in its stores in 2010, including more efficient lighting and fridge/freezer cooling systems.
Trinity College Dublin obtained €131,000 to carry out multi-building retrofits and upgrades across 11 buildings on its campus, covering lighting controls, lighting, insulation and building management systems upgrades.
Roadstone will use its €3,000 funding for a ‘Sustainable Energy Transport project’, which will involve the installation of fuel efficiency software for a pilot of 10 commercial vehicles with the potential to roll out to the remainder of the 700 fleet.
Boston Scientific Cork is to use its €25,000 funding for a humidification system upgrade.
Novartis Ringaskiddy is to carry out a chilled water generation upgrade with its funding of €201,250.
Diageo is to use its €209,625 funding for refrigeration systems upgrades in two brewing plants.
The Institute of International and European Affairs will hold a conference entitled Improving the Energy Efficiency of Buildings: From Policy to Practice, at Croke Park Conference Centre on 24 September 2010. For further information, click here.
