SOS Kilkenny are finalists in SEAI Sustainable Energy Awards

SOS Kilkenny have been shortlisted in the coveted Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s (SEAI) Energy Awards which encourage and reward excellence in energy management for intensive works they completed with the help of the energy experts, the 3 Counties Energy Agency (3CEA).

SOS is a long-established organisation on Kilkenny's Callan Road which provides a lifetime commitment to people with a learning disability. The onus is on it and other public sector service providers to reduce their energy consumption and harmful emissions. 3CEA are recognised as specialists in their field and their customers have been finalists in the competition in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017 and now 2018. With 4 wins during this period for 3CEA coordinated beneficiaries and projects, they’re proud of their record and hopeful of another client win in the finals on October 25.

SOS Kilkenny Financial Controller and Energy Officer, Karen Gilsenan, said: “SOS Kilkenny is a small organisation trying to deliver a big change whilst supporting the Public Sector energy reduction targets and attempting to be a HSE sector leader and an exemplar in the field. 

“We didn’t have the technical expertise within SOS to oversee this work. 3CEA identified the most cost effective improvements for us. They coordinated the projects, guided us through the whole BEC (Better Energy Communities) process and project managed the upgrades. The works were to a high quality standard and we were 100% successful in all of the SEAI inspections in 2016 and 2017.

“By moving away from electric storage heating and oil fed boilers to a smart district heating system, we have future-proofed our heating sources and protected ourselves against fluctuating energy prices.

“Our service users and staff have all benefitted from a more comfortable and brighter living and working environment. We’re proud of what we have achieved and are delighted now to be shortlisted and chosen as an example for others in the healthcare field within the Public Sector,” she added. 

3CEA Energy Engineer, Shane Faulkner, said they were delighted to work with SOS Kilkenny to save energy, reduce their spend on heating and lighting and improve working and living conditions for all. The organisation is saving an average €9,000 per year on its energy bills following the works, he said. Being shortlisted as finalist in the SEAI awards is testament to the works undergone since 2016 and it is something SOS Kilkenny should be proud of, he added.

“3CEA are happy to see project partners and organisations such as SOS Kilkenny receive recognition for their effort, investment and motivation towards energy reduction and creating a more sustainable environment.

“We’ve a long and proud association with SOS Kilkenny. In 2016, SOS replaced the outdated storage heating system in four of the day care buildings with an EcoLife Pod District heating system. It meters and monitors the energy consumption throughout the day. The system can be controlled to maximise efficiency using its heat pumps and gas condensing boilers. With thermostatic zoned controls in place, it allows SOS to control of their energy consumption, environment comfort and ultimately energy spend.”

The remaining 2 buildings in the complex were later switched from oil heating to cleaner and more sustainable gas heating in 2017, contributing to even more savings.

All 6 buildings covering 2000m² also underwent a Roof and Cavity wall retrofit insulation upgrade which reduced heating demand and created a cosier environment for staff and service users. The works brought the building up to exceed current building regulations in terms of achieving specific U-Values.

SOS Kilkenny also replaced all of the internal and external lighting with LED technology lighting across their six buildings and grounds which offered a cleaner and more effective light amongst the facilities, highly reduced maintenance requirements of ageing lighting units and increased security impact of the site.

All of the energy efficiency projects were supported through SEAI Better Energy Community (BEC) Programme, whereby SOS were able to avail of grant aid.

In all, 32 organisations across nine categories have made it through to the gala Awards ceremony on 25 October where winners will be named. 3CEA has been doing Trojan work in its focus areas of Kilkenny, Carlow and Wexford amongst completing similar projects in neighbouring counties too, Manager, Paddy Phelan, said. Being shortlisted will be good for business and good for the environment, he said.

“The announcement is a recognition of the work and effort that 3CEA has put in and underlines its commitment to a sustainable model for the benefit of the environment and the community,” Mr Phelan said. 

Commenting on the competition, Jim Gannon, Chief Executive, SEAI said:  “Each year the SEAI Energy Awards showcase excellence in sustainable energy. We all have a say in what our energy future will look like and we all have a responsibility to act. The Awards finalists are leading the way in this action and are demonstrating how other organisations can push the boundaries of more sustainable energy generation and energy efficiency activities. I commend them on their significant achievements.”