Sustainable Energy Awards 2010 - Open for Business
Media Release
1st April 2010
~ SEAI invites entries for seventh annual Awards ~
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) today declared entries open for the seventh annual all-island Sustainable Energy Awards. Sponsored by ESB Customer Supply, the Awards highlight excellence in business energy management amongst Irish organisations of all sizes while also recognising their achievements in cutting energy use.
The Awards span a range of categories from Energy Manager of the Year to the new addition of Sustainable Energy Innovation award. This new category, which is open to all types of energy efficient initiatives, is designed to recognise the many Irish businesses that are developing and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship throughout their business operations. All categories are open to both public and private sector organisations throughout the island of Ireland and can include electrical, thermal or transport initiatives.
Entrants in the 2009 Sustainable Energy Awards demonstrated energy savings of €14 million, with an additional €18 million in projected cost savings identified. 2009 also saw a jump in the number of smaller businesses entering the Awards across multiple sectors, showing that organisations of all sizes are now reaping the rewards of energy management.
Professor Owen Lewis, CEO, SEAI said, ”We know that many organisations are already excelling in energy management and would encourage them, particularly those with innovative energy efficient initiatives, to enter the 2010 Sustainable Energy Awards. With energy performance now a strong and visible factor in business excellence, the Awards are an opportunity to get public recognition for organisational and individual effort in reducing energy costs and emissions. Past Awards entrants have consistently shown the kind of energy savings that are achievable and the purpose of the Awards is to recognise and reward this good work while inspiring the business and public sectors in general to what is possible. “
Last year’s‘Outstanding Energy Manager of the Year for Large Users’ went to Jonathan Pugsley of Leitrim-based door manufacturer Masonite Ireland , which demonstrated 30% energy savings across their business since 2001. Retail and telecoms emerged as the most progressive sectors for energy management at last year’s Awards with Dunnes Stores, Heatons, O2 and Eircom each winning awards at the all-island event.
Brid Horan, Executive Director, ESB Energy Solutions, said, “We are delighted to once again renew our partnership with SEAI for their annual Sustainable Energy Awards. Over the past seven years the Awards have stimulated awareness of the potential energy savings to be made by all companies regardless of size.”
“Sustainability and energy efficiency have become an immutable cornerstone of Irish business planning. In these difficult economic times, it may be tempting to put on ice the radical planning and investment needed to implement a smart economy . In my view, that would be very foolish. The very fact that we face economic challenge is all the more reason why we must press ahead with the green agenda. It not only makes economic and environmental sense, it is also the key to major job-creation.” Ms Horan said.
Further information on the 2010 Sustainable Energy Awards can be found on SEAI’s website www.seai.ie/energyawards. Closing date for entries is Friday, 28th May 2010. Overall winners will be announced at a gala event in Dublin on 25th November 2010.
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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. SEAI is financed by Ireland’s EU Structural Funds Programme co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Union.
Notes to editor:
Awards Categories
Category A: Energy Efficiency Award Small/Medium User (≤€350k total annual energy spend)
Category B: Energy Management Award, Small/Medium User (≤€350k total annual energy spend)
Category C: Energy Efficiency Award, Major User (>€350k total annual energy spend)
Category D: Integrated Energy Management Award, Major User, (>€350k total annual energy spend)
Category E: Energy Manager of the Year Award, Major User (>€350k total energy spend)
Category F: Renewable Energy Systems Award
Category G: Energy Awareness Award
Category H: Energy Sustainability in the Built Environment Award
Category I: Sustainable Energy Innovation Award
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