The Value & Opportunity of Energy Efficiency for Business
There are multiple benefits for businesses investing in energy efficiency. Energy efficiency helps businesses to cut costs through energy savings, freeing up resources that can be invested in more productive activities and makes businesses more resilient and competitive. Investing in energy efficiency will often result in a more comfortable working environment. Improved energy efficiency also leads to reduced emissions – enhancing the green credentials of your business thereby contributing to national climate action goals.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is a Government agency under the aegis of DCCAE who provides advice and support to Irish businesses and organisations to reduce their costs significantly while improving their energy efficiency.
Business Support Schemes
Small and Medium Enterprise (SME)
The average small or medium sized business can make significant saving on its energy costs by becoming more energy efficient. SME pilot schemes have provided grants supports such as the Lighting Support Scheme and Dairy Farm Grant Scheme (both schemes now closed). SME schemes are administer by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
EXEED
The Excellence in Energy Efficient Design (EXEED) initiative is a support programme funded by DCCAE and operated by SEAI. The EXEED programme has two objectives; to help organisations, both public and private, improve energy efficiency, and to embed energy efficient design thinking that will continue to benefit the organisation.
ACA
The Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) is a tax incentive to encourage companies to invest in energy efficient equipment. It allows companies to deduct the full cost of such equipment from their taxable profits in the same year of purchase. The Triple E List is maintained by SEAI which supports the ACA Scheme operated by Revenue. Products that are eligible for the ACA are listed on the Triple E Product Register.
Business Obligations
Energy Audits
The Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) mandates large organisations to complete energy audits every four years. SEAI are now asking that all large organisations indicate their status with regard to this obligation by completing a short online survey. Please see further details on the SEAI Website.
Energy Labelling, Ecodesign and Tyre Labelling
DCCAE has policy responsibility for Energy Labelling and Tyre Labelling. The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation has policy responsibility for Ecodesign).
The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment appointed the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to undertake market surveillance of these three functions. EU directives are in place to provide consumers with information regarding the energy consumption and environmental performances of energy-using products. They also aim to promote energy efficiency and more responsible use of energy by consumers. Please see further details on the SEAI website