2 minute read
Obtuse Angle
from May/June 2022
by Pat Lehane
PAT LEHANE
SEAI awards recognise rigour
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Applications for the SEAI Energy Awards 2022 are now open. This year there are 11 categories, the more detailed segmentation making it easier to make a submission.
These awards bring a very positive contribution to the energy and carbon debate as they incentivise and reward best practice.
Underpinning their value is the rigour of the adjudication process and the requirement for evidence-based data to support all claims made.
Wellness ethos at Ethos
Top marks to Greg Hayden and the management team at Ethos Engineering for the vast programme of wellness initiatives it has undertaken. It includes everything from the 9-day fortnight through to tea and chat sessions, the “step into summer challenge”, hybrid working and a “WELL Performance Rating” scheme. Overseeing the programme is the Ethos Wellness Committee which holds weekly meetings to plan and execute wellness initiatives for company-wide involvement. It is a space open to all Ethos team members and, judging by its success to date, appears to have total staff buy-in.
Tony McKinley moves after 25 years!
Wow, who would have thought it? Congratulations to Tony McKinley who has joined Eli Lilly & Company after nearly 25 years with Jacobs Engineering in Dublin. Tony has extensive pharma experience (filling/biotech/API/tabletting) and has been lead engineer on projects for HVAC, utilities, building drainage, fire protection and BMS. He has worked mainly in Ireland but also the UK, USA and Belgium. Apart from work, Tony recently cycled from Dublin to Clonakility (320km) in the “Cycle for Brother Kevin” event to raise much-needed funds to support homeless people in Dublin. Donations can still be made up to 14 June 2022. See details at www.idonate.ie/TonyMcKinley
Endless talk is meanlingless
While I appreciate the need for knowledgeable experts to discuss all matters relating to energy and carbon reduction initiatives, I do wonder at how we go about this process.
Anyone tune in recently to the Oireachtas discussion/debate on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive? If not, you can get the transcripts. Not that I recommend it … reminds me of the phrase “Nero fiddled while Rome burned”.
Of course we need debate but not just for the sake of it. Also, the participants must be qualified experts in the matters under discussion, and represent those at the industry coalface who are charged with making things happen. What we need is informed decision-making that is actioned, not more waffle and procrastination
