Thirty six Irish companies and organisations that have introduced effective sustainable energy initiatives have been shortlisted for the 2011 Sustainable Energy Awards.

The Awards, presented by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and sponsored by ESB Electric Ireland, provide an opportunity for organisations, regardless of size or sector, to gain public recognition for their achievements in reducing energy use and CO2 emissions.

Amongst the most well known shortlisted organisations who are leading the way in sustainable energy are University College Cork (UCC), Green Isle Foods, the National Aquatic Centre and Croke Park. All have successfully introduced sustainable energy initiatives which have seen them benefit from substantial energy and cost savings.

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The National Aquatic Centre installed over 40 variable speed drives on their air handling units and water pumps. In total, the Centre achieved energy savings of 11% on gas and 27% on electricity in the five months since the initiative was implemented. This reduction in energy use was achieved with no impact on the building’s operational environment or to the public.

The introduction of a heat recovery system at Green Isle Food’s Sligo plant saw thermal energy use reduce by 72%, and the installation of a ground water source heat pump at UCC will lead to avoided CO2 emissions of up to 56% per annum.

Each of the 105 entries submitted to the Energy Awards were evaluated on the vision and objectives behind the project or initiative, the drivers and business case, the innovation and approach, the successful implementation, and the demonstrated energy savings, reduced CO2 emissions and replication potential. The winners will be announced from the 36 shortlisted entries at a gala event in Dublin on 24th November 2011.

(CD)