Winner of last year’s top prize at the SEAI Energy Awards encourages others to take part this year
Big Winners
The top prize at the SEAI Energy Awards, ‘Energy Team of the Year’, was awarded to Swords Pavilions Zero Team last year. The well-known Dublin shopping centre implemented several projects, reducing energy consumption by almost two thirds and is on track to meet its 2030 Net Zero Carbon targets. The shopping centre removed gas from all landlord operations last year, resulting in 250 less tonnes of CO2 emissions. The team also implemented natural ventilation, solar PV, LED lighting upgrades, and gas boiler replacements. These upgrades have resulted in a 70% reduction in landlord emissions over the last five years.
We spoke to General Manager of Swords Pavilions, Ian Hunter, who has encouraged others to enter this year’s awards.
Why did you enter the SEAI Energy Awards?
We entered the SEAI Energy Awards because they represent a prestigious benchmark in sustainability and energy performance. Participating allows us to measure how we are doing against the best in the industry and to demonstrate our commitment to continuous improvement. The SEAI Energy Awards provide valuable recognition for our efforts and initiatives and serve as motivation to keep raising the bar for energy efficiency and environmental responsibility across the shopping centre.
How did the team feel after winning the award?
We were incredibly proud to win the SEAI Energy Team of the Year Award. It was a moment of real recognition for the dedication and vision of the centre’s owners and management team. Receiving such a prestigious award has not only validated the work we’ve done so far but has also given us added impetus to go even further. It’s inspired us to continue pushing boundaries in sustainability and energy efficiency, and to lead by example in the retail sector.
What has the award done for your business and your team?
Winning the award has had a hugely positive impact on our business and team at Swords Pavilions. It’s been a source of great pride for everyone involved and has provided well-deserved recognition for our owners, Hammerson and Irish Life, whose ongoing commitment to sustainability made this achievement possible. The award has boosted morale across the team and reinforced our shared purpose. It has also motivated us to aim even higher, strengthening our determination to deliver further improvements and continue leading in energy performance and environmental responsibility
Has winning the award encouraged you to pursue more sustainability projects?
Absolutely! Securing the ‘SEAI Energy Team of the Year’ award has significantly motivated our drive at Swords Pavilions to identify and deliver more sustainable projects. It reinforced the importance and impact of the work we’re doing and has encouraged us to push even further. The recognition has energised our team and owners to continue exploring innovative solutions that reduce our environmental footprint and enhance the sustainability of the centre for the long term.
What future projects do you have planned?
At Swords Pavilions, we have several exciting sustainability projects in the pipeline. We’re planning to install a 480kW solar PV scheme, which will build on our existing 330kW system and significantly boost our renewable energy generation capacity. We’re also developing a 25-unit vertical wind turbine farm on our roof—an innovative project that would be the first of its kind in Ireland. In addition, we're collaborating with a start-up to explore Scope 3 emissions indicators, helping us gain deeper insights into our environmental impact and work more effectively with tenants and partners to reduce it. These initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment to lead in sustainability and energy innovation.
Would you encourage others to enter the SEAI Energy Awards?
Yes, we would absolutely encourage others to enter the SEAI Energy Awards. At Swords Pavilions, we found it to be an invaluable opportunity to benchmark our efforts against the highest standards in energy efficiency and sustainability. The recognition that comes with being part of such a prestigious awards programme is incredibly rewarding—not just for the business, but for the teams and partners who contribute to these achievements. It’s a powerful motivator and a great platform to showcase the positive impact of our energy initiatives.
