Gavin Harte is the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown (dlr) SEAI Sustainable Energy Community mentor. Gavin is supporting 28 DLR communities as they embark on their individual energy journeys. The Bridge Enterprise Centre is one of those DLR communities. In Ireland, over 900 communities are now collaborating through the SEC programme. These communities come in all shapes and sizes but share a common community focus on energy projects across homes, transport, local business and community buildings.
Energy is now a key concern for all of us due to rising costs, regulatory pressures, and the need for sustainability. As energy prices fluctuate and environmental regulations tighten, small businesses are increasingly recognising that efficient energy use can significantly impact their bottom line and improve their overall performance.
Gavin has identified five “common sense” steps to help you embark on an energy efficiency journey of your own.
Step 1: Understand Your Current Energy Use
The first step in enhancing energy efficiency is to understand how and where your business uses energy. Familiarising yourself with your energy consumption patterns will enable you to make informed investment decisions.
By investing time in learning about energy efficiency, you can:
- Approach energy efficiency confidently, equipped with knowledge of key terms and technologies.
- Identify simple no-cost and low-cost solutions tailored to your business.
- Develop a robust business case for allocating resources to energy efficiency measures and renewable technologies.
SEAI Energy Academy: Sign up for SEAI’s free online learning resource to start learning about energy use and efficiency tailored for businesses. The SEAI Energy Academy offers flexible, self-paced learning with interactive modules available 24/7.
Step 2: Complete an Energy Audit
Once you’ve established basic energy management practices, conduct an energy audit. This is especially beneficial if your business spends over €10,000 annually on energy and you can apply for a €2,000 voucher towards high-quality audits for your businesses through the Support Scheme for Energy Audits.
A professional Registered Energy Auditor will provide a detailed report covering:
- Analysis of your energy use across various sectors.
- Identification of high-energy-consuming areas.
- Recommendations for reducing consumption, including no-cost changes and investment options.
- Identify any opportunities for renewable energy on site
Step 3: Create an Energy Action Plan
Every business can enhance its energy performance by adopting basic energy management techniques. This proactive approach helps manage energy use effectively.
Consider attending one of SEAI’s free energy management workshops to learn how to create an actionable plan that includes:
- Assessing your current energy management situation.
- Identifying significant energy costs and opportunities for change.
- Outlining clear targets in your energy action plan.
- Energy Management Workshop: This lively, interactive workshop is designed for owners, senior managers, and facilities managers of SMEs who are starting their energy-saving journey.
Step 4: Invest in Energy Efficiency Upgrades and Renewables
With solid management practices in place, consider investing in upgrades and renewable sources of energy. Contact your dlr Local Enterprise Office (LEO) who are providing enhanced support for small businesses looking to invest in energy-efficient technologies and equipment.
Your action plan or audit will highlight significant users and potential upgrades, such as:
- Switching to LED lighting.
- Investing in heat pumps or solar panels.
- Purchasing electric vehicles.
- Always consult a registered professional before making any investments, and check for available SEAI grants.
LEO Green for Business is a free program that assists small businesses (1-50 employees) in enhancing sustainability, offering benefits like cost savings and improved resource efficiency. Participants gain access to a green consultant who helps implement impactful changes. To qualify, businesses must be established, registered, and operating within the Local Enterprise Office’s area with an annual turnover over €30,000.
Step 5: Monitor, Track, and Report
Energy efficiency should be integrated into your long-term strategy. Regularly monitor your usage through bills or meters, track improvements, and document benefits over time. As your business evolves, continue engaging with energy management supports to stay on track.
Utilise these resources for small business to assess current practices and kickstart your own management program effectively.
For more information or assistance, contact SEAI at:
Phone: 01 8082100
Email: business@seai.ie