Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) has begun its search for Ireland's most energy efficient businesses, with the launch of the Sustainable Energy Awards 2009.

The awards, organised by SEI in association with ESB Customer Supply, recognise the achievements of Irish businesses succeeding in their efforts to cut energy costs and improve environmental performance.

Entrants to the 2008 Awards demonstrated energy savings of over €17m, with some projects delivering as much as 40% energy cost reductions.

Professor J. Owen Lewis, Chief Executive of SEI, said: "Once again we are inviting businesses across the island of Ireland to show us how they are leading by example in energy cost reduction. In these times the issue is more important than ever – and our award winners continue to show that real savings are possible."

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Entries to the Awards, open to all businesses and public sector bodies, span a range of sustainable energy categories from employee awareness programmes to sustainable buildings and renewable energy.

Entrants, both large and small, have typically delivered energy savings of 20% or more as a result of their energy management activities. The Sustainable Energy Awards highlight these successes and allow others to replicate their success.

"All of our work with Irish business is proving that energy savings are available, often at low cost. It is clear that energy and money is being wasted. Many businesses are now acting to address this, but there is still plenty to do," added Professor Lewis.

Among last year's winners were Crown Paints Ireland Ltd, who won with a project that reduced lighting energy use by 40%; and Kevin Geoghegan, Intel Ireland Ltd won Energy Manager of the Year for Large Industry, achieving a 20% reduction in gas consumption in just three years.

(PR/BMcC)