Energy for Business, a Renewable Energy Scheme was delivered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) under the European Regional Development Fund, co-financed by the Irish Government and the European Union under the Southern and Eastern Regional Programme.
The scheme assisted SMEs and public sector organisations to tackle their energy costs through advice, on-site assessments and a structured Energy MAP web resource for energy management support. Large Industry Energy Network (LIEN) companies that work together to develop and maintain robust energy management and an Energy Agreements Programme for the implementation of the Energy Management Systems Standard ISO 50001 were also included.
Powerscourt Estate, one of the oldest and most beautiful country estates in Ireland, famous for its gardens, was a beneficiary of an Energy for Business grant. The Estate was ranked number three in the world in National Geographic’s ‘World’s Top Gardens’. Recognising that protecting the environment is integral to their business, the estate management in a drive towards sustainability had an aim to make their business carbon neutral. As a year-round operator this was also a shrewd business ambition to reduce energy costs.
Based on an assessment of their needs, Powerscourt Estates Ltd received €92,295 in grant aid for a package of energy efficiency measures combining highly efficient LPG gas boilers and a state of the art energy monitoring system. In addition, they replaced all lighting with LED efficient lights. Managing Director, Sarah Slazenger pointed to savings achieved of 8 per cent on lighting and 28 per cent heating costs, a welcome contribution to the bottom line of any business.