Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI ) has commenced its annual search for Ireland’s most energy efficient businesses with the launch of the Sustainable Energy Awards 2009 and is looking for the best in Westmeath in a number of categories.
The awards, organised by SEI in association with ESB customer supply, recognise the achievements of Irish businesses succeeding in their efforts to cut energy costs and improve environmental performance.
Entrants in 2008 demonstrated energy savings of over €17m, with some projects delivering as much as 40 per cent energy cost reductions.
The judges are especially interested in entries which are innovative and replicable. Given the growing interests from SMEs in managing their energy costs, entries from Westmeath’s small companies are particularly encouraged.
“Once again we are inviting businesses across the whole island of Ireland to show us how they are leading by example in energy cost reduction. In these times the issue is more important than ever – and our award winners continue to show that real savings are possible,” said Professor J. Owen Lewis, chief executive of SEI.
Entries are open to all businesses and public sector bodies and can span a range of sustainable energy categories from employee awareness programmes to sustainable buildings and renewable energy.
Entrants, both large and small, have typically delivered energy savings of 20 per cent or more as a result of their energy management activities.
The Sustainable Energy Awards highlight these successes and allows other to replicate their success.
“All of our work with Irish business is proving that energy savings are available, often at low cost. It is clear that energy and money is being wasted. Many businesses are now acting to address this, but there is still plenty to do. Our awards winners are showing what is possible,” added Professor Lewis.
Pat Fenlon, general manager, ESB customer supply, said: “We are committed to continuing to work in partnership with Sustainable Energy Ireland and our customers to encourage energy efficient behavior as it plays such an important part in ensuring that customers get the best value from their electricity usage as well as being important in protecting the environment for future generations.”
Further details on the Sustainable Energy Awards 2009 can be found on SEI’s website at www.sei.ie/energyawards
