The Irish economy recorded savings of €750 million in 2007 as a result of energy efficiency measures undertaken since 1995. The Western Region is leading the way with 2 businesses gaining "Highly Commended" awards in the 2008 Sustainable Energy Awards for their energy efficient approach to business.

A new report, Energy Efficiency in Ireland 2009, published by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) shows that Ireland performed better than the European average for energy efficiency gains in both the residential and industrial sectors.

Highlights:
* Total final consumption of energy in the economy would have been 8.4% higher in 2007 were it not for energy efficiency improvements made since 1995.
* Energy efficiency for industry improved by 16% between 1995 and 2007       
* Energy efficiency for the residential sector improved by 15% in the same period
* Despite the fact that transport energy use grew faster than the economy between 1995 and 2007, energy efficiency in the sector improved slightly by 1.4%.

Professor Owen Lewis, Chief Executive, SEI, said; “Energy efficiency is a key element of Ireland’s energy and economic policy and today’s report underlines the important role it plays. The carbon emissions savings made as a result of energy efficiency measures greatly exceed the contribution from renewable energy. It’s encouraging to know that through the recently launched National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP), Ireland can further build on this significant achievement and the €750 million in savings recorded in 2007 could be greatly exceeded in future years.”

SEI's annual Sustainable Energy Awards encourage, recognise and reward excellence in energy management among energy users of all sizes.  In 2008 two businesses from the Western Region gained "highly commended" awards  for their energy efficient approaches to business.

Westport Woods Hotel & Spa

Judges Comments

"Westport Woods Hotel & Spa successfully targeted their lighting and control of electrical equipment to reduce energy costs. Effective implementation of this initiative achieved impressive overall savings of 29.5 MWh (18 tonnes of CO2), this project also has very good replication potential for similar hotels in Ireland."

Project Description
For over five years The Westport Woods Hotel & Spa has resolutely developed and followed an environmentally responsible plan. The use of energy has changed completely in the hotel during this time, from dependency on oil, to a totally oil-free system. Green energy, such as wood pellet, wood chip and solar panels, now powers the hotel, from bedrooms to swimming pool. Even "guest power" is harnessed through the dynamo driven exercise bikes in the gym! 

The new bedroom block follows best energy practices and retrofitting has been carried out on the existing buildings where possible. Energy efficient lighting as well as better energy and water management practices are now part of every day life. Efficient composting, recycling and waste management form part of the new sustainable system. Employees are totally committed to helping in any way they can, and even guests are invited to become involved through green bins in every bedroom. There have been challenges along the way, but the net result is a dramatic reduction in the hotel's carbon footprint with CO2 emissions down by 57% since 2003.

Gleesons Townhouse & Restaurant

Judges Comments

"There are many developments of existing buildings similar to this redevelopment around the Country. What this particular project illustrated is that with the incorporation of efficient equipment and with the integration of proven sustainable technologies the result is a very low energy building. It also clearly demonstrated how the correct installation and operation of controls on all services and upgrading the building fabric results in substantial energy savings; all for a nominal increase in the overall project cost."

Project Description

This building project entailed the extensive renovation of an existing 100 year old two storey terraced commercial building on Market Square, Roscommon Town.

The building was converted into a ground floor Artisan Deli and four hotel rooms on the first floor. The main objective was to optimise the environmental impact and energy efficiency of the building, thus resulting in a significant reduction in energy consumption, CO2 emissions and the overall running costs of the building.

High levels of insulation have been incorporated throughout the building. Extensive air tightness work was carried out, energy efficient lighting has been installed in 90% of the fixtures and an LPG condensing boiler was installed, with time and temperature zone control, as a primary space and water heating.

Secondary hot water heating is provided by a 10m2 solar hot water system, currently contributing approximately 60% of the annual hot water requirements for the entire building. Ventilation of the first floor is provided by a mechanical ventilation heat recovery unit (MVHR). The excellent air tightness result achieved for the building will ensure that the efficiency of the MVHR unit is maximised.
Innovative energy saving measures are incorporated throughout the entire building, such as plumbing the dishwashers directly to the hot water supply and using motion sensors & timers for lighting making a significant contribution to the overall efficiency of the building.

The Sustainable Energy Awards provide an opportunity for organisations, regardless of size or sector, to gain public recognition for their achievements in reducing energy use and emissions. Given the growing interest from Small to Medium Enterprises in sustainable energy, entries from small companies are particularly encouraged.

The 2009 shortlist of results will be published on the SEI website in September.