Easy Wins Case Study - MSA Safety
MSA Safety is a leader in the development, manufacture and supply of safety products that protect people and facility infrastructures.
Background
MSA Safety (Ireland) is located in Ballybrit Business Park, Galway. The company is a leader in the development, manufacture and supply of safety products that protect people and facility infrastructures. Dectection and Monitoring equipment are the main products developed and tested at MSA, Galway. These products integrate a combination of electronics, mechanical systems and advanced materials to detect gas and flames, and refrigerant leaks.
Energy saving measures
MSA commissioned an energy audit for their site to assist them in forming a targeted approach to energy efficiency and sustainability. MSA identified that the heating and cooling costs were a significant load on the site while they also had ongoing issues with staff comfort throughout the year.
They identified the lack of sufficient ceiling insulation as a major cause of this issue. A comprehensive roof insulation project was planned to address this issue. In conjunction with their contractor, the MSA energy team devised an innovative and cost-efficient approach to allow them to install insulation above the low-level ceiling grid. Support was provided by SEAI via the SEAI Business Energy Upgrade Scheme. The project extended over 1000m2 of roof insulation over all areas including the factory floor, offices.
MSA have continued their targeted progress since this project with the installation of a modern energy measurement and monitoring system from their product range. This system is capable of monitoring electricity, gas, and water allowing them to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs over time.
Results
The fabric upgrades provided significant energy savings while also improving the comfort levels of staff working in the building. The annual energy savings following the completion of the works were 70,757 kWh. This equated to €24,000* in savings and an estimated carbon reduction of 14tCO2**.
* Based on MSA metered data and market energy rates over same time period.**Based on average grid values for the associated period.
We knew we had to do something about the roof, it was cold and drafty in winter and often too hot in the summer. We identified the right support through the Business Energy Upgrades Scheme, and we worked with a local energy consultancy and local installers. The result is amazing, and we started saving energy and money straight away. The staff on the factory floor are much more comfortable.
Advice to other businesses
Energy costs are a huge factor in the running of a successful business. To address this significant overhead, and ensure that we can show our sustainability credentials, we engaged external expertise to support us on energy upgrade opportunities. The support of SEAI for this expertise and the overall investment was invaluable to make the project work for our business.
