SEAI announce winners in sustainable energy and climate action at online awards ceremony
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland announced the winners of the 2021 SEAI Energy Awards during an online awards ceremony, which saw the top prize go to Dún Laoghaire - Rathdown County Council for Energy Team of the Year.
The Dún Laoghaire - Rathdown Local Authority improved its energy performance by 51% in 2020, compared to the baseline year of 2009. They are continuously improving energy efficiency and carbon reduction through their ISO 50001 Energy Management System. Dún Laoghaire – Rathdown’s goal is set an example for other Local Authorities by creating sustainable, cost effective and zero-carbon towns and villages.
A total of ten awards were presented to individuals, businesses, communities, and public sector organisations in recognition of their commitment and dedication to sustainable energy and climate action. The online awards ceremony was hosted by broadcast journalist, Andrea Gilligan.
The event also included a discussion on the pressing urgency of climate action and the need for the whole of society to rise to the challenge with Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD and Duncan Stewart, this year’s recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Energy award.
Commenting on the leadership shown by all the finalists and winners, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, said:
“I congratulate the participants in this year’s SEAI Energy Awards who are setting an example for us all, with real life solutions for a cleaner more sustainable energy future. Right across the country we are seeing a growing commitment to sustainability, from individuals, communities, businesses and public bodies. The Climate Action plan, which will be published shortly, will set out how we can scale up our efforts across all sectors, so that we can face the climate challenge together.”
There were 26 finalists shortlisted for the 2021 SEAI Energy Awards with projects delivering combined energy savings of €41.5 million. Commenting, William Walsh, CEO of SEAI, said:
“The SEAI Energy Awards continue to set the benchmark in energy best practice as exciting and innovative sustainable energy solutions and practices emerge. I congratulate this year’s winners whose commitment and dedication are hugely inspiring. I encourage them to share their journeys and expertise so their efforts can be replicated as now more than ever, it is essential that we accelerate the deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and increase sustainable energy practices across all sectors.”
Duncan Stewart was honoured during the online ceremony with the Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Energy Award. Mr Stewart has been a champion for environmental and architectural conservation since his student days, for almost three decades he has been a popular television personality in Ireland where he promoted energy conservation quality Irish craftsmanship, and sustainable materials and design to a mass audience. More recently his involvement as producer and presenter on ‘Eco Eye’, is driven by his interests in the protection of our environment, Ireland’s biodiversity, supporting local communities and the communication of climate issues.
Commenting on his win Mr Stewart said:
“I feel very privileged to receive this award from SEAI. It will rekindle my enthusiasm, to reach out with greater urgency to communicate key environmental and sustainability messages with Ireland’s public. This is about understanding opportunities and benefits that accrue from diverse forms of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures, that underpin future prospects and a sustainable destiny for our young generation.”
Paddy Shanahan received the Emerging Sustainable Energy Champion Award following a public call for nominations from SEAI. At only 12 years of age, Paddy is already known as a dedicated and passionate climate activist. The first ever documentary he watched, David Attenborough’s ‘Galapagos’, and a school trip to Dublin Zoo inspired him to take a great interest in sustainability and tackling climate change. Committed to doing something to help, he embarked on learning all about renewable energy, environmental protection and sustainability and joined his Green Schools Committee. Paddy was also a Dáil delegate for the Youth Assembly on Climate Change.
Following the announcement by Minister Ryan, Paddy Shanahan said:
“I’m so amazed that I won the SEAI Energy award. I would like to use this as living proof that anyone of any age can make a difference big or small, if they put their mind to it. I would like to use this as inspiration for us all to get up and do something together.”
2021 Winners
Other 2021 SEAI Energy Award winners include; Pfizer Grange Castle, Dublin (Large Business – Exemplary Energy Management); KORE Insulation, Cavan (SME – Exemplary Energy Management); An Post (Public Sector – Energy Leadership); Inishowen Development Partnership – Inishowen SEC, Donegal (Inspirational Energy Community); Glasport Bio Ltd (Excellence in Energy Research and Innovation); University College Cork/Tyndall National Institute (Energy in Buildings); and Falls Hotel & Spa, Clare (Innovative Deployment of Renewable Energy).
For further information or to arrange an interview with any of the award winners, please contact:
Aine Roddy, Carr Communications, aine@carrcommunications.ie / 087 777 3688 or
Laura Daly, Carr Communications, ldaly@carrcommunications.ie / 087 317 1992
Read more about the SEAI Energy Awards