EcoVision Sustainable Energy Community (SEC)
EcoVision – what started as a community energy initiative is now a thriving community cooperative business.
Over the years EcoVision has evolved from a sustainable energy community into a cooperative of communities through partnerships and funding from national and EU sources. EcoVision are now delivering services to meet the sustainable energy needs of communities across the mid-west of Ireland.
Background
EcoVision Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) has its roots in Ireland's first community-led local energy plan, developed by Drombane Village Group near Thurles, Co. Tipperary in 2014.
Partnering with other SECs, EcoVision supports homeowners and businesses across counties Tipperary, Limerick and Clare with energy upgrades and retrofitting. The cooperative now has a team of seven staff members, including two project managers, a general manager, a finance manager and a projects team.
Their work brings investment and employment into Sustainable Energy Communities while helping them meet their energy efficiency and generation goals, contributing to Ireland’s sustainable energy future.
EcoVision Projects
Energy Master Plan
In 2020, SEAI awarded €15,000 to EcoVision SEC to complete its Energy Master Plan (EMP). This baseline study helped the community understand their energy use and emissions, and identify actions for energy savings, retrofitting, and local renewable energy generation.
Community-Led Just Transition in North Tipperary
EcoVision collaborated with Littleton Development Association and Ballingarry Community Development CLG to improve energy efficiency in areas impacted by the closure of peat plants. Supported by the EU Just Transition Fund (EUJTF) through co-funding from the Government of Ireland and the European Union, EcoVision conducted over 60 energy assessments, delivered behaviour change workshops, and installed solar PV and retrofit measures in homes and community facilities.
Community Solar PV Project
A standout project for EcoVision SEC is the Community Solar PV Pilot at St. Ruadhan’s Community Hall in Lorrha, Co. Tipperary, where solar panels were installed to supply electricity at a reduced rate through a Power Purchase Agreement. Over time, the community will take ownership of the solar panels.
This lowers electricity costs for the community hall, which also runs a volunteer-led shop and heritage centre. This inspiring initiative, part-funded by the EUJTF, has since been expanded to other community buildings across Tipperary. It shows what is possible for SECs with the right support, ongoing resources and financial aid.
Energy Saving Champions
EcoVision SEC created The Energy Saving Champions Programme, for which they received funding from the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE). It aims to encourage families and communities to improve energy efficiency. Trained champions from EcoVision SEC led interactive workshops teaching simple ways to cut energy use at home.
Sharing Retrofitting Best Practices
EcoVision is an active partner in the EU-funded OSR-Coop project, which brings together citizen-led renovation organisations across Europe to develop best practices for deep domestic renovation.
EcoVision co-developed an open-access e-learning platform supporting the creation of cooperative One Stop Shops (OSS) for renovation. The platform provides training modules, toolkits, and practical guidance for communities and municipalities across the EU seeking to establish citizen-led renovation services.
Local Authority Collaboration
Following the success of the Sláintecare project with Tipperary County Council, EcoVision launched Engage in Energy in collaboration with Tipperary Children and Young People’s Services Committee (CYPSC) and Tipperary Local Community Development Committee (LCDC).
This initiative addresses childhood energy poverty in disadvantaged areas of Tipperary Town, Roscrea and Carrick-in-Suir by supporting energy efficiency improvements in homes, educating families on energy use, and facilitating access to grants and minor upgrades.
“Our story is one of community-driven success. By working together, we’ve made a real difference in promoting sustainability and energy efficiency, and we’re excited to continue expanding this impact in the years to come.”
Results and Key Achievements
Results and Key Achievements
- Over 1,000 homes, businesses and community buildings upgraded across Tipperary, Clare, and Limerick
- Secured over €20 million in funding for energy upgrades
- Delivered 13.7 GWh in energy savings since 2011
- Developed national and EU partnerships to scale community-led energy renovation
What’s Next?
EcoVision SEC continues to expand its impact through the EU LIFE-funded RENPOWER project, which strengthens access to home renovation services for vulnerable households. This citizen-led initiative will build replicable One Stop Shop models in Ireland and Spain while developing EU-level policy recommendations.
Looking ahead, EcoVision is preparing to kick off the Renovisor project, furthering its mission to increase the impact of the organisation and make energy efficiency upgrades more accessible.
Get Involved
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