The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is calling for innovative entries for the ninth annual all-island Sustainable Energy Awards. The 2011 Awards saw nominations for 105 pioneering projects, representing cumulative energy savings of over €23 million. Last year also saw a big jump in the number of smaller businesses entering the Awards, showing that organisations of all sizes are now taking energy management much more seriously.

Sponsored by Electric Ireland, the Awards reward excellence in business energy management amongst Irish organisations of all sizes, recognising their achievements in cutting energy use and CO2 emissions.

Last year saw a wide variety of winning projects including: the Irish Aviation Authority’s plane route optimisation strategy which cut distances travelled by planes in Irish airspace by 2.2 million kilometres, equating to a saving of 16 million litres of airline fuel per annum; Green Isle Foods' Gurteen plant’s implementation of energy upgrades to its hot water generation and chiller facilities which saw the site deliver 18% energy savings; Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceutical’s holistic and cross-functional energy awareness campaign 'YOU have the power' which saw the entire site embracing efficient energy management, leading to 6% energy savings in one year, and Astellas Ireland’s Energy Manager, Micheál Cassidy, recognised for adopting a strategic approach to energy management in the pharmaceutical company that has led to almost 7 million kWh in energy savings over the past five years.

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Professor Owen Lewis, CEO SEAI, said "It is very encouraging to witness the rise in entries year on year. Businesses across Ireland are now embracing energy efficient practices as they realise that any savings achieved, quickly benefit their bottom line. These Awards give the people who are leading the way in energy management the recognition they deserve, while also rewarding organisations driving the green agenda and reducing Ireland’s CO2emissions."

Further information on the 2012 Sustainable Energy Awards can be found on SEAI's website www.seai.ie/energyawards. Closing date for entries is Friday 8th June 2012. Overall winners will be announced at a gala event in Dublin in November 2012.