Energy management saves Irish businesses €150m

The results were revealed at an SEAI international conference on energy management standards in Dublin today (May 4), which saw more than 150 international experts from countries including the US, China, India and Australia, gather to discuss the global impact of energy management systems.

It was shown that since the launch of the International Energy Management Standard ISO 50001 in June 2011 that more than 190 Irish organisations have been certified, with many of the 65 Irish sites accredited belonging to energy intensive multinationals such as Intel, Pfizer, Google and Irish Cement.

Meanwhile, the University College Cork became the first university worldwide to achieve the standard.

SEAI has estimated that Ireland’s energy management standards could influence 60% of the world’s energy use, with many major businesses based in Ireland now sharing their knowledge on energy management with their global operations.

SEAI head of strategy and innovation Brian Motherway, said: “The expertise developed in Ireland by organisations trying to reduce energy use and companies specialising in energy management services, is now globally recognised as best in class.

“Other nations are increasingly looking to Ireland to learn from our proven track record in energy management, and this represents a real opportunity for Ireland.”

Speaking at the conference, ISO secretary-general Rob Steele, said: “Energy efficiency is a major focus of G8 meetings and the implementation of the ISO 50001standard is a proven model that helps organisations plan and manage their energy use.

“If we consider that energy management systems have the potential to account for 60% of the entire global energy use, their significance cannot be underestimated. Ireland, as an early adopter, has shown that these systems work, and now other nations are beginning to unlock real gains for energy security, economic growth and the environment.”

Carys Matthews