“The sustainable energy activities we are recognising through these awards are making an important contribution to our economic recovery. While energy demand will increase to supply Ireland’s growing economic activity, the industry has worked hard to break the rigid ‘one-to-one’ link between increased economic output and increased energy demand. Our energy is now delivered and utilised much more efficiently and intelligently than in the past. The Sustainable Energy Awards winners and finalists demonstrate the benefits to our society of making our homes and businesses more comfortable and cheaper to run, while also benefitting the environment.”
SEAI Leadership Award - Overall Winner
About the Award
EPS Group was named as this year’s overall winner of the Sustainable Energy Awards 2015 for having co-ordinated several community outreach projects around the country. Its efforts saw 81 community and voluntary groups including addiction centres, sheltered housing, sports clubs and schools benefit from almost €2million in funding for energy saving projects which in turn have resulted in a saving of 26,000 tonnes of carbon. EPS had stiff competition for the award from AIB, UCC, Coillte, Applegreen, Tipperary Energy Agency and Largo.
Presented by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and sponsored by Electric Ireland and Enprova, the Awards recognise excellence in energy in businesses, communities and public sector organisations. Innovation is at the heart of the competition, with this year’s entries including a wide range of new and exciting solutions across a broad spectrum of sectors including agriculture, marine, hospitality and pharma all of which have reduced their CO2 emissions and energy costs.
Commenting on the awards announcement, Energy Manager for EPS Group, Declan O’Riordan, said: “Winning this prestigious award is a great honour for all associated with the energy activities within EPS. Our energy journey continues to be an outstanding success in delivering sustained savings not only for companies but for voluntary organisations and communities nationwide. I would like to thank all who supported us especially SEAI for driving the government’s agenda on energy efficiency.” Energy Officer for EPS Group, Micheal Deane, added: “It was very satisfying for me personally as Energy Officer for the group, to collaborate with so many excellent voluntary groups throughout Ireland who are doing great work on behalf of their stakeholders.”
The Awards were presented by Mr. Alex White TD, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources who congratulated the winners.
In a unique and first of its kind collaboration and partnership between EPS and SEAI, groups from counties Cork, Limerick, Kerry and Laois as well as businesses in Waterford, Mayo, Laois and Limerick will benefit from grants totalling €1.93m. The collaboration is funded by SEAI through the Better Energy Communities Programme. Groups to benefit as part of the EPS led collaboration include the following:-
Co Laois
Cuan Bhride Community Centre, Rathdowney
29 Sheltered Houses at Cuan Bhride, Rathdowney
Rathdowney Community Centre
Church of Ireland (St. Andrews Parochial Hall) & Church
Marian Centre
Scoil Bhride (National School), Rathdowney
Old Convent School, Rathdowney
Priest House, Rathdowney
Clover United Soccer Club
Errill Primary School
Errill Community Hall
Co Cork
Banteer Community Centre, Banteer
Banteer Sportsfield Club House, Banteer
The Glen Theatre, Banteer
Banteer Childcare, Banteer
Banteer National School
Banteer Community Centre
Knocknagree Community Centre, Knocknagree
Kilcorney Community Centre, Kilcorney
Scoil Mhuire, Kanturk
Lismire GAA Hall, Lismire
Millstreet Community School, Millstreet
Boherbue National School
Boherbue Comprehensive School, Boherbue
Scoil Mhuire Kanturk
24 St. Vincent de Paul Residential units; Clonakilty
Churchtown National School
Liscarroll National School
Freemount Heritage Centre
Freemount Community Centre
Clonakilty Parish Centre
Baltimore Community Swimming Pool
Clonakilty Community Hall
Clonakilty Meals on Wheels
Model Railway Village; Clonakilty
St. Joseph’s Girls National School; Clonakilty
Scoil Na Buachailli; Clonakilty
Baltimore Community Centre
Mitchelstown Town Hall
Mitchelstown Enterprise Centre
Araglin Community Centre
Co Limerick
Askeaton Community Centre
St. Senan’s National School, Foynes
Foynes Yacht Club
Foynes Community Centre
Co Kerry
Marian House, Rathmore
Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore
Aras Padraig Complex; Killarney
The Old Monastery; Port Road, Killarney
This innovative collaboration will lead to a total CO² reduction of 911,284 Kg CO². The pioneering collaboration supported by SEAI aligns very well with the values of EPS where sustainability and support for local communities in which we operate are core to our activities
