Comharchumann Fuinnimh Oileáin Árainn Teo (Aran Islands Renewable Energy Ltd) was named this year’s overall winner of the Sustainable Energy Awards 2014 for its range of energy projects to develop the islands as energy self-sustaining and carbon neutral.

The 11th Sustainable Energy Awards gala event in Dublin last night hosted by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and sponsored by Electric Ireland, reward excellence in energy innovation amongst Irish organisations of all sizes, across the business, community and public sectors.

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Residents on the three Aran Islands collaborated to establish a co-operative to reduce the islands’ dependence on imported fossil fuels and deliver energy independence by 2022. This co-op is trialling innovations in renewable energy, running energy awareness programmes amongst resident groups and undertaking retrofit programmes in homes and public buildings. Over 20% of its housing stock will have insulation upgrades by the end of 2014.

Congratulating all the winners, Mr. Alex White TD, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources commented “There is a national movement towards a more sustainable energy future which is evident in the sheer range of organisations honoured by SEAI at the annual Sustainable Energy Awards tonight. Comharchumann Fuinnimh Oileáin Árainn Teo is just one example of the way in which energy efficiency has been embraced by communities and local organisations throughout the country. Delivering a sustainable energy future will make our homes and businesses more comfortable, healthier and cheaper to run, while replacing expensive imported fossil fuel with domestic jobs. I would like to commend all the participants tonight and urge more communities in Ireland to get active and get involved in local energy saving projects.” 

Speaking at the Awards ceremony, Dr Brian Motherway, Chief Executive SEAI, commented: “This year’s participants have demonstrated significant savings, highlighting how serious these organisations are about remaining competitive and securing jobs. Ireland continues to achieve great things in this area and the Awards recognise and reward the ambitious leaders that are making it happen.”

Jim Dollard, Executive Director of Electric Ireland said “Electric Ireland is once again delighted to have partnered with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland for the Sustainable Energy Awards. We continue to see ambitious projects with big savings from all the participants in this competition but it is as always a pleasure to see them surpass our expectations and spur the energy industry on to bigger and better things.”

Further information on the 2014 Sustainable Energy Awards and the winners can be found on SEAI’s website www.seai.ie/energyawards

The Awards Categories: Purpose, Description & Winners

1. Innovation
   The Sustainable Energy Innovation Award showcases innovation in action. Entry is open to organisations or individuals who are implementing innovative solutions or methodologies or creating new knowledge around energy demand management.
   Winner: OxyMem, Athlone

2. Collaboration
   The Sustainable Energy Innovation Award showcases innovation in action. Entry is open to organisations or individuals who are implementing innovative solutions or methodologies or creating new knowledge around energy demand management.
   Winner: Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group (CLHEG)

3. Research
   The Sustainable Energy Research Award rewards the potential for future energy demand reduction and energy management practices. This award rewards research and innovation in the development of systems, services, products or approaches likely to impact future demand reduction rather than rewarding the demonstration of past energy efficiency savings.
   Winner: UCC Intelligent Efficiency Research Group (IERG), Cork

4. Built Environment
   The Sustainable Energy Built Environment Award highlights how our environment should be built or rebuilt. This award addresses the use of natural resources for energy in buildings and also innovations in building fabric, design or operational systems to maximise energy efficiency and cost savings. The focus is on entrants going beyond established best practice.
   Winner: DCS Group, Tralee

5. Community
   The Sustainable Energy Community Award is for those groups and organisations engaged in sustainable energy practice at a local level. This award challenges entrants to promote themselves as community partnerships leveraging sustainable energy actions for increased efficiency and socio economic benefits.
   Winner: Kilkenny Better Energy Community
   
6. Industry
   The Sustainable Energy Industry Award is for those organisations engaged in sustainable energy practice within industry or the large business sector. This award challenges entrants to promote themselves as going beyond best practice in energy demand reduction within industry or the large business sector.
   Winner: Queally Group Naas

7. Public Sector
   The Sustainable Energy Public Sector Award is for those organisations engaged in sustainable energy practice within the public sector. This award challenges entrants to promote themselves as going beyond best practice in energy demand reduction within the public sector.
   Winner: Cork Airport

8. Small Business
   The Sustainable Energy Small Business Award is for those organisations engaged in sustainable energy practice within the small business sector. This award challenges entrants to promote themselves as going beyond best practice in energy demand reduction within the small business sector.
   Winner: Ballyliffin Lodge Hotel & Spa, Donegal

9. Leadership
   This award illuminates how energy management practices have been developed, disseminated and replicated by individuals, teams or organisations. Entry is open to individuals or teams who have demonstrated the ability to motivate energy users and decision-makers over time and to reach out and influence beyond their organisational boundaries.
   Winner: Aurivo Dairy Ingredients, Roscommon

10. Electric Ireland Ambition Award
    This special award reflects the ambition and aspiration of the Sustainable Energy Awards and those individuals and organisations that have the potential to change and influence energy management practices over the next 10 years. Entry to this category is optional for those individuals and organisations entering the other categories in the 2014 Awards. Finalists will be selected from those who best articulate their ambition and aspirations for energy performance improvements