Microsoft Pedals a Sustainable Future for LauraLynn

Microsoft and LauraLynn today celebrated a year of continued partnership which saw the annual ‘Microsoft Cycle for LauraLynn’ successfully completed and the introduction of a new sustainability project to help LauraLynn reduce its energy costs.

The annual cycle by Microsoft employees took place for the sixth year with team members cycling across Kerry from Kenmare to Ballybunion. This annual calendar event has raised just over €400K for LauraLynn over the six years of the initiative.

Building on this support for LauraLynn, Microsoft invested an additional €150K in a new project to support the installation of cutting-edge green technology at the children’s hospice. This investment further strengthens Microsoft’s strong links with LauraLynn which have developed in recent years following, technology training sessions, software donations and numerous fundraising activities.

New solar panels will generate 20,728kWh’s of renewable energy onsite whilst two new electric vehicle charging points will empower LauraLynn to make the transition to an electric service fleet.

Speaking about the partnership with LauraLynn, Eoin Doherty, Microsoft Regional Datacentre Director for Europe, Middle East, and Africa said: “At Microsoft, we are committed to helping organisations to harness the power of technology to achieve the greatest impact possible. As neighbours, we’ve had a long relationship with LauraLynn and our employees are always looking at new ways to support the organisation. Our annual ‘Cycle for LauraLynn’ has become a calendar feature amongst employees and continues to raise funds for the organisation.

“This year we were delighted to be able to help to create a more sustainable future for the inspiring team at LauraLynn. Through our partnership, we are enabling Ireland’s children’s hospice to reduce its electricity costs and reroute much-needed funds toward the life-changing care they provide to children and their families every day.”

The sustainability project, financed by Microsoft and carried out in conjunction with SSE Airtricity’s Business Energy division, also featured a campus-wide retrofitting of LauraLynn’s care facilities to increase the comfort of its patients and staff. In recent months new heaters, insulation, ventilation, metering and LED lighting have been installed at the facility.

This innovative and low-carbon project will result in LauraLynn saving over €10,000 in energy costs per year. These vital savings will instead be redirected to providing children’s palliative care and respite services for children with complex care needs.

Orla O’Brien, CEO of LauraLynn Children’s Hospice said: “Microsoft and LauraLynn have a long history of partnering together and the fun that the cycle generates, as well as the vital funds, is something we all look forward to as a team each year. The renewable energy project has been an exciting initiative for us and is a gift that will keep on giving. This investment in prioritising sustainability will help us reduce our operating costs, enabling us to redirect those vital funds to make a difference in the lives of children with life-limiting conditions and their families.”

For further information about LauraLynn Children’s Hospice log onto www.lauralynn.ie.