Sports Clubs Could Save Up to €3000 on Energy Costs Every Year
Media Release
20th October 2010
~ Greener Games Conference at Croke Park Aims to Highlight Potential Energy Savings ~
GAA clubs could save up to 20% off their energy costs, equivalent to €3,000 a year for an average small sized club, if they take simple actions to reduce energy use. This is according to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), at the launch of a new programme from Croke Park, Greener Games, to assist GAA and sports clubs, and other organisations throughout the country in reducing costs.
Greener Games is a sustainable energy and environmental initiative which aims to educate clubs and organisations in sustainable practices. SEAI and Croke Park are hosting a morning conference in advance of the 2nd Test of the Irish Daily Mail International Rules Series on Saturday 30th October. GAA and sports clubs from all around the country are expected to attend to hear how they can manage costs and achieve significant savings on their energy bills. Conference participants are also invited to attend the test match between Ireland and Australia at Croke Park.
The GAA are offering a special deal of €35 to cover attendance at the conference, lunch at Croke Park, stadium tour and International Rules match ticket. The event is open to anyone in a management, operations, or administrative role within a GAA club, other sport or leisure organisation or small to medium enterprise. Speakers on the day include Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Peter McKenna Stadium Director, Croke Park, Pat Gilroy, Dublin Football Manager, and Colm Moran, Operations Manager, Thomand Park Stadium. Bookings can be made at www.crokepark.ie
Heating and lighting costs make up a significant portion of the energy bill for many clubs and increasing financial challenges, as a result of falling membership subscriptions, ensure clubs must respond by taking action to reduce costs where possible.
Speaking at the launch of the programme, Brian Motherway, Chief Operations Officer at SEAI said: “GAA clubs and other sports organisations are central to many communities across the country. We know that clubs can achieve significant savings by taking simple steps that will save a lot of money. Many clubs have already taken actions to reduce their energy bills but so much more could be achieved if all clubs got on board. The conference will give attendees a chance to talk to other clubs, experience what has been done at Croke Park, and attend a great International Rules game.”
Peter McKenna, Stadium Director, at Croke Park, said: “We know only too well the significant savings that can be achieved by investing in energy efficiency and implementing sustainable practices. Croke Park has taken a lead on the issue of sustainability and cost savings, having become the first stadium internationally to receive a prestigious certificate for sustainable event management. We urge sporting clubs and organisations to attend this conference and hear first hand from other clubs who have already taken active steps to reduce their costs.”
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About SEAI:
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has a mission to play a leading role in transforming Ireland into a society based on sustainable energy structures, technologies and practices. The Authority is financed by Ireland’s EU Structural Funds Programme co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Union.
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