Opportunity for locals to become greener as Synergy designated a Sustainable Energy Community
Synergy Credit Union has announced that it has officially been designated a Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) and is now inviting the public to attend an information night on Wednesday, May 22 to find out about making their homes, businesses and farms greener.
The prestigious recognition as an SEC by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), marks a giant leap forward in Synergy’s commitment to fostering a culture of sustainability within the communities it serves. John Feeney, chairperson of Synergy’s Sustainable Energy Community committee, explained that the local credit union is actively crafting a comprehensive Energy Master Plan for the region.
“One of the benefits of becoming an SEC is that we get 100% grant funding to develop an energy masterplan and we have the guidance of an SEAI mentor. This has become a crucial part now of Synergy’s Climate Action initiatives and this enhances their green programmes. It’s a win-win for everybody. The main focus of the plan is improving energy efficiency for residential buildings, for agricultural, the businesses and transport sector,” Mr Feeney said.
Synergy Credit
Union have partnered with XD Consulting, who completed a detailed energy baseline study, covering all areas within their common bond including Fermoy, Kilworth, Watergrasshill, Rathcormac, Killavullen, Glanworth, Ballyduff, as well as their operating area of Cork city. This vital data forms the foundation for implementing meaningful changes and driving climate action, delving into the current state of homes, assessing potential retrofitting needs – from minor tweaks to comprehensive upgrades.
The Energy Master Plan will further refine these needs by creating housing retrofit profiles specifically tailored to the credit union's member base.
IMPARTIAL INFORMATION
According to Sean Sweeney, development officer at Ballyhoura Development CLG for the SEAI SEC Programme, the Sustainable Energy Communities program is a ‘ fantastic’ way for communities to begin their sustainability journey.
“Whether you're unsure where to start but committed to making a change, this program provides the perfect framework. We encourage everyone to attend the information night and learn how you can contribute to a more sustainable future for our region,” Mr Sweeney said.
Speaking with The Avondhu, John Feeney outlined that the work of Synergy Credit Union, however, is not finished with the completion of this master plan, as he outlined that the local credit union intends to help people in applying for the relevant available grants.
“It doesn’t stop when the plan is complete, there is a stage two to it where we implement the plan and then we will be there. Another big part of our side of it is that we are totally impartial. We have nothing at all to gain out of this, so we will give the best impartial information that is out there,” he said.
Martina Cotter, CEO of Synergy CU, is encouraging people to attend their upcoming Community Energy Use Information Night in Fermoy Community Youth Centre, where the initial findings of the energy baseline study will be unveiled.
“Synergy Credit Union is firmly committed to fostering a culture of sustainability within our communities. Our designation as an SEC allows us to make a tangible impact by developing a data-driven Energy Master Plan. We invite everyone to join us on May 22nd to learn more and contribute to this important initiative,” Ms Cotter said.
On the night, SEAI representatives will be on hand with expert information, as will the Synergy Credit Union
Green Loans team, as they aim to make sustainability more accessible.
Speaking on the options available, John Feeney noted that you do not have to be a member of Synergy to attend any of their upcoming information events, and noted that those in receipt of social welfare payments may be able to avail of a range of other grants as offered through Cork County Council and Avondhu Blackwater, to upgrade their energy efficiency.
“We just want people to show up on Wednesday, May 22 in the Youth Centre on a fact-finding mission. There’s no strings attached, they can ask all the questions they want. You don’t have to be a member of Synergy Credit Union," he stated.
“There’s only a handful of credit unions in the country doing this. It’s a big undertaking, but the fact that we have an SEAI mentor with us, it’s an exciting journey. We will have a lot of experts there on Wednesday, May 22 and we just want to get the word out there and we want people to come with us. People have a lot to gain from it and it’s an exciting opportunity,” he said.
MARK IT IN YOUR DIARY
The Community Energy Use Information Night is being held on Wednesday, May 22 at 7pm in Fermoy Community Youth Centre.