Search for most energy efficient company

Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) has commenced its annual search for Ireland"s most energy efficient businesses with the launch of the Sustainable Energy Awards 2009. The awards, organised by SEI in association with ESB Customer Supply, recognise the achievements of Irish businesses which succeed in their efforts to cut energy costs and improve environmental performance. Entrants to the 2008 awards demonstrated energy savings of over €17m, with some projects delivering as much as 40 per cent energy cost reductions. Meath business are encouraged to enter the awards and showcase their efforts in reducing energy consumption. The judges are especially interested in entries which are innovative and replicable. Given the growing interests from SMEs in managing their energy costs, entries from Meath"s small companies are particularly encouraged. Professor J Owen Lewis, chief executive, SEI, said: 'Once again, we are inviting businesses across the whole island of Ireland to show us how they are leading by example in energy cost reduction. In these times the issue is more important than ever - and our award winners continue to show that real savings are possible.' Entries to the awards, open to all businesses and public sector bodies, span a range of sustainable energy categories from employee awareness programmes to sustainable buildings and renewable energy. Entrants, both large and small, have typically delivered energy savings of 20 per cent or more as a result of their energy management activities. The Sustainable Energy Awards highlight these successes and allows other to replicate their success. Pat Fenlon, general manager, ESB Customer Supply, said: 'We are committed to continuing to work in partnership with Sustainable Energy Ireland and our customers to encourage energy efficient behavior as it plays such an important part in ensuring that customers get the best value from their electricity usage as well as being important in protecting the environment for future generations.'