The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is calling on communities, businesses, organisations, and individuals that are championing sustainable energy to enter the SEAI Energy Awards 2021. Now in their 18th year, the SEAI Energy Awards reward those individuals and organisations who really push the boundaries in energy efficiency best practice, innovative renewables, awareness raising and inspiring others.
The SEAI launched the Awards today at the SEAI Energy Show. Speaking at the launch, Fergus Sharkey, Head of Business and Public Sector with the SEAI said:
“More than ever, it is imperative that Ireland use less energy, move away from fossil fuels, and take advantage of innovative energy solutions to address the climate crisis. The good news is there are already communities, businesses, individuals, and organisations blazing a trail for the rest of us to follow.
The SEAI Energy Awards celebrate these champions and leaders. We showcase their achievements, hopefully inspiring others to act. If you believe that you, your community, or your organisation is among these leaders I strongly encourage you to enter the SEAI Energy Awards 2021 so we can celebrate your achievements.”
Entries can include any combination of electricity, heat, or transport energy use. There are nine categories to choose from including Large Business; Small and Medium Business; Public Sector; Energy Community; Buildings; Renewable Energy; and Energy Manager or Team. The winner of the Research and Innovation category will receive a bursary of up to €10,000.
The SEAI is also seeking entries to the Emerging Sustainable Energy Champion category. This category recognises the extraordinary work of young people around Ireland to promote sustainable energy, a key pillar of climate action.
The closing date for entries is Friday, 18 June 2021. The winners will be announced in October. For further information and details on how to enter the 2021 SEAI Energy Awards visit www.seai.ie/energyawards
About SEAI
SEAI is Ireland’s national energy authority investing in, and delivering, appropriate, effective, and sustainable solutions to help Ireland’s transition to a clean energy future. We work with Government, homeowners, businesses, and communities to achieve this, through expertise, funding, educational programmes, policy advice, research and the development of new technologies.
SEAI is funded by the Government of Ireland through the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
About the Sustainable Energy Awards
The SEAI Energy Awards recognise and reward excellence in all aspects of energy efficiency and renewable energy. Eighteen years on, the Awards continue to set the benchmark in energy best practice as exciting and innovative sustainable energy solutions and practices emerge.
Awards Categories
Energy Team / Energy Manager of the Year
This award celebrates individuals or teams in the public, private or voluntary sectors who have demonstrated long-term leadership and ambition in implementing energy management and delivering significant benefits for their organisation.
Small and Medium Business – Exemplary Energy Performance
This award is aimed small and medium businesses, with an energy spend from €1 to €1 million and employee numbers from 1 to 250, that go beyond best practice in in energy efficiency, energy management solutions and/or renewable technology deployments. Entrants should outline what energy savings they have made to date against their long-term ambition.
Large Business – Exemplary Energy Management
This award is aimed at organisations with an energy spend of over €0.5 million that have demonstrated achievements in energy efficiency and decarbonisation over a number of years. Entrants should outline what energy savings have been made against their long-term ambition, and any innovations in their actions, projects or engagement that have improved energy performance.
Public Sector – Energy Leadership
This award is aimed at public sector organisations that have demonstrated leadership in energy efficiency and decarbonisation over a number of years. Entrants should outline what energy savings have been made against their long-term ambition and outline any innovations in their actions, projects or engagement that have improved energy performance.
Inspirational Energy Community
This award is for members of the SEAI Sustainable Energy Communities Network. It recognises the inspirational efforts of the teams that lead sustainable energy communities that go beyond the norm through a combination of ambition, passion and commitment.
Energy in Buildings
This award celebrates sustainable and low carbon buildings that have demonstrated best practice in design, construction and/or operation. Applications are welcome from new build or substantial retrofit projects in residential or commercial settings. Projects must be complete and buildings occupied.
Innovative Deployment of Renewable Energy
This award recognises organisations that have demonstrated a high level of innovation in the deployment and/or operation of a functioning renewable energy project. Projects may be in renewable heat, electricity, or transport and may include projects for self-supply to a discrete facility.
Excellence in Energy Research and Innovation
This award is aimed at organisations that have researched and developed innovative energy-related technologies, processes, or systems which will contribute significantly to Ireland’s clean energy transition. This winner will receive a €10,000 bursary..
Emerging Sustainable Energy Champion
This award is to recognise the extraordinary and outstanding work that many young people do to further the cause of sustainable energy as a key pillar of climate action.
