SEAI urges business leaders to invest in energy efficiency

Ireland’s largest energy users saved €14.5 million in energy costs last year, according to the annual review released today by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The review shows that the reduction in carbon emissions achieved is equivalent to taking almost 30,000 petrol or diesel cars off Ireland’s roads.

This review presents the energy performance of the SEAI Large Industry Energy Network for 2017. The Network has over 200 member companies, including food and drink companies like Kerry Group and Diageo, pharmachem companies like Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), electronic companies like Google and Microsoft and many other large multinational and Irish owned companies. Collectively they employ 138,000 people and account for one fifth of Ireland’s total primary energy use. The members have made a commitment to reducing energy use across their business.

The review shows the continued improvement in energy performance among the country’s biggest energy users against a backdrop of growing business outputs.

Almost 40% of network members are certified to the international energy management standard ISO 50001. Through deeper and more structured engagement, they have achieved a 22% reduction in total primary energy requirement, delivering further savings and reductions in emissions.

Commenting on the work of network members, Jim Gannon, CEO of SEAI, said:
“The results in this review are further evidence that investing in energy efficiency is as much a good businesses decision as it is a socially responsible one. Our Network members account for more than one fifth of all the energy produced in Ireland. They have been leading the energy transformation of Irish industry for decades and are seeing the dividends of their investment in energy efficiency appear on their bottom line. This leadership provides clear case studies for other businesses to follow, and has also built a hugely experienced and valuable Irish supply chain that can help execute these projects.”

Jim Gannon continued;
“As the realities of climate change become clearer to us all, it is particularly important to highlight what work is being done by energy leaders across the country. Investing in sustainable energy is increasingly being perceived as a good use of capital, that locks in long-term savings. We look forward to continuing our support to Irish business as it reduces its consumption and decarbonises its supply.”

The annual review, including a breakdown of results by each network member, is available online here. To find out more about the SEAI Large Industry Energy Network or for advice and information on energy grants available to businesses please visit, www.seai.ie.