The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) recently held its annual Energy Awards ceremony, marking two decades of recognizing outstanding contributions to sustainable energy. Since its inception in 2003, the event has attracted more than 2,100 applicants and awarded 190 winners, collectively achieving approximately €650 million in energy savings.
This year’s ceremony showcased the growing commitment to sustainable energy, with 114 applications and 40 finalists making significant strides in energy conservation. Together, these finalists reduced energy consumption by an impressive 16%, resulting in €50 million in energy savings. Furthermore, the renewable energy produced by these innovative initiatives is estimated to be sufficient to power over 400,000 homes each year.
Among the winners, An Post received the prestigious Energy Team of the Year award. An Post’s Sustainability Team, consisting of six dedicated members, spearheaded the company’s sustainability program, implementing measures across all their operations. Notable projects included retrofitting their property portfolio to achieve at least a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B3 and building an extensive fleet of electric vehicles.
Pat Barry, CEO of the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC), was honored with the Chair’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Energy. The IGBC plays a vital role in the Irish property and construction sectors, advocating for sustainable practices. Barry’s leadership has been instrumental in the development of programs to measure building performance improvements and advance carbon methodologies.
The awards ceremony, hosted by journalist Sinead Ryan, acknowledged a total of thirteen recipients from various sectors, including individuals, businesses, communities, and public sector organizations. These recipients were commended for their unwavering commitment and dedication to sustainable energy and climate action.
Minister for the Environment, Climate, and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, lauded the efforts of the winners and emphasized the vital role they play in Ireland’s transition to a greener future. Their achievements inspire others to follow suit, accelerating the nation’s progress towards a more sustainable and resilient energy landscape.
FAQ:
Q: How many applicants have participated in the SEAI Energy Awards since 2003?
A: Over the past 20 years, the SEAI Energy Awards have received more than 2,100 applicants.
Q: How much energy savings have been collectively achieved by the award winners?
A: Award winners of the SEAI Energy Awards have achieved approximately €650 million in energy savings.
Q: How much reduction in energy consumption was achieved by this year’s finalists?
A: This year’s finalists collectively reduced energy consumption by 16%, resulting in €50 million in energy savings.
Q: How many homes can be powered with the renewable energy produced by the 2023 entrants?
A: The renewable energy produced by the 2023 entrants is estimated to be sufficient to power over 400,000 homes per year.
Sources:
– SEAI Energy Awards: [seai.ie](https://www.seai.ie/)
– Irish Green Building Council: [igbc.ie](https://www.igbc.ie/)