Irish Business saves €40M through SEI Energy Management Programmes
Media Information
11 September 2007
New EU-wide energy standard to draw on successful Irish standard
Large Irish companies engaged in Sustainable Energy Ireland’s (SEI’s) energy management programmes have recorded energy cost savings of over €40 million during the past year, representing a saving of 4% of their combined energy costs achieved in a single year. The 120 top energy using businesses in Ireland achieved these savings and the resulting bottom line gains through rigorous energy management programmes facilitated by SEI. The savings are contributing to competitiveness gains as well as bringing strong environmental benefits, according to David Taylor, Chief Executive, SEI, who was speaking at the Energy Achievements in Business event in Dublin today.
The event marked the achievements of large businesses in Ireland in improving energy efficiency assisted by two SEI programmes, the Energy Agreements Programme and the Large Industry Energy Network (LIEN). Results were published at the event, which brought together the business leaders from the participating firms who as a group account for more than two thirds of all energy use in Irish industry.
Over the past year companies participating in both LIEN and Energy Agreements have recorded savings of over €40 million and have succeeded in avoiding over 200,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions to the environment, equivalent to removing 50,000 cars from Irish roads. According to SEI, the success of the participating companies highlights the considerable scope that exists to improve competitiveness and reduce emissions by using energy more efficiently.
Many of the leading firms are implementing the Irish Energy Management Standard, IS393, and this approach accounts for half of the savings recorded. Its success is such that the Irish Standard is now being used as the basis for an EU-wide version. Today’s event coincides with a two day meeting taking place in Dublin bringing together management standards experts from across Europe. This EU group is developing a European-wide energy management standard that will draw heavily on Ireland’s IS393, currently one of only four fully certifiable energy management standards in the world.
Diageo Ireland (St. James’s Gate), Glanbia Ingredients (Ballyragget), Astellas Ireland (Dublin), H.J. Heinz, Pfizer Ireland (Little Island) and Pfizer Ireland (Loughbeg), are the first six companies to achieve the new IS393 standard, joining Aughinish Alumina which achieved the Danish equivalent standard, DS2403, in 2004. These companies are among the 40 participating in SEI’s Energy Agreements programme where each company has undertaken a fundamental review of its energy use and introduced operational and policy changes to firmly embed best practice in energy efficiency in their business.
Speaking at the event Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan T.D. said “I congratulate these leading companies on their success in SEI’s programmes. Their work will enhance their own performance and competitiveness and, given the large proportion of energy costs they represent, also move Ireland as a whole towards a more efficient and sustainable future.”
David Taylor, Chief Executive, SEI said; “What we are hearing about today is evidence of the costs and benefits to business of taking control of energy. While these largest firms are leading the way, all members of the business community, large and small, can achieve financial and environmental gains through better management of their energy use. “
“2007 will see SEI working with almost 1,000 businesses of all sizes and in all sectors, all striving to reduce energy costs and in so doing enhance their competitiveness and the growth prospects of the economy.”
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Editors Notes:
Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) is the statutory authority charged with promoting and assisting the development of sustainable energy. SEI is funded by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan 2007 – 2013 with programmes part-financed by the European Union.
The Energy Agreements Programme supports businesses implementing advanced energy management through IS393, the Irish Energy Management Standard. Over 40 large firms participate.
The Large Industry Energy Network provides a platform for information exchange and learning about best practice through events, reports and site visits. 80 large firms participate. SEI also offers energy advisory and training services for small businesses. See www.sei.ie/business
