Energy Management Scheme Launched for SME’s (Feb. 18th)
Minister Tony Killeen (Minister of State at the departments of Environment and Energy) presented 16 business owners with certificates in recognition of their participation in the Energy Management Certification Scheme, being piloted by Limerick Clare Energy Agency (LCEA) and the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), and with the sponsorship of Rural Resource Development Ltd. Shannon, County Clare.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) throughout Clare and Limerick risk going under if they fail to control their energy bills and establish an energy efficient manner of conducting business. Growing uncertainty over future supplies of imported fuel coupled with the annual energy inflation running at over 10%, this may eventually cripple the capability of SME’s to function unless remedial measures are taken. The situation is especially grave for the local economy considering SME’s collectively employ more than multinational companies.
By 2030 the 27 EU countries will have to import 93% of the oil that they need. Furthermore, it seems likely that existing sources of oil will be unable to meet this growing demand. Without urgent and significant action on energy security and climate change, we in Clare and Limerick will feel the environment winds of change soon after the economic storm has done its worst. Participation in the SME Energy Management Certification Scheme is just one way that companies can avoid such an eventuality.
Enterprises that choose to ignore the importance of energy efficiency, security of energy supply and CO2 emissions are surrendering control of their business to energy companies in the Middle East and Russia. Such dependence on imported fossil fuels means that when an oil or gas supply nation closes a supply valve, they will be stifling the ability of Irish SME’s to operate. Ultimately, without energy there is no economy.
The Energy Management Scheme for SME’s scheme helps participating enterprises to identify the energy they need, what kind of energy they are using (electricity, oil, gas etc.) and how efficiently they are using it, whether their local and global competitors are more efficient at using energy to create work and wealth, and whether they can use indigenous energy resources to reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels.
The pilot project is being administered by the LCEA, in association with the National Standards Authority of Ireland. The local LEADER companies in Clare & Limerick have supported the introduction of the scheme, with Rural Resource Development Ltd in Shannon being the main sponsor. Other sponsorship has been provided by West Limerick Resources, Ballyhoura Development and Shannon Development. It is anticipated that the scheme will be rolled out nationally following its successful delivery in Clare and Limerick.
If you are interesting in joining the pilot project – FREE OF CHARGE, please contact the energy agency or download the energy management tools:-
