Louth County Council - Managing energy, saving money
With Local Authority resources and budgets under more pressure than ever, it is vital to manage resources effectively. Energy management is one area that Louth County Council has identified to make savings, whilst also meeting environmental and sustainable energy objectives.
Established in 2014, the Louth County Council Energy Team’s focus is to establish Louth as an energy leader among Local Authorities in Ireland and to develop expertise in sustainable energy within the region. To date, the team has achieved significant cost savings and a 35% reduction in energy consumption across Council buildings, vehicle fleet, and the public streetlight network through the development and implementation of an ISO 50001 accredited Energy Management System (EnMS). In Dundalk Town Hall, just one of the Council’s forty plus buildings, the EnMS generated savings of almost €20,000.
The Energy Team is committed to embedding energy management into every section of the Council and aims to achieve ongoing and sustained reductions in the amount of energy used to deliver Council services. There is potential for further savings across all buildings and vehicles by continuing to target significant energy users and implementing energy saving practices that resulted in savings elsewhere. This will also help Louth County Council in its aim of contributing to its environmental objectives including the preservation of natural resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change. Commenting, Head of the Council Energy Team, Pádraig O’Hora said: ‘Louth County Council want to encourage businesses in Louth to develop an Energy Management System (EnMS) and integrate it into their normal business practices. The direct benefits of an EnMS include reduced energy bills, improved work- place comfort, cleaner air circulation, reduced likelihood of moisture issues, increased building resale value, and reduced emissions and fossil fuel use. Many basic energy saving measures are free to implement, and can reduce energy costs by as much as 20%.
Louth County Council Energy Team members have a wide range of experience in technical, administrative and professional skills and continually develop best practice initiatives in sustainable energy. A significant function of the Council is applying for and securing Central Government and EU funding. This year alone SEAI made €28 million in funding available for sustainable energy projects. The Council Energy Team are on hand to offer their significant knowledge and expertise to help local business apply for grants, funding and recouping investments costs for energy conservation and efficiency upgrades.
Local businesses interested in reducing costs through energy management can contact Louth County Council’s accredited Energy Team directly by calling 1890 202 303 or email padraig.ohora@louthcoco.ie.