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Energy savings of F41.5 million
SEAI Awards acknowledge sustainability drivers
Duncan Stewart, this year’s recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Energy Award.
Top prize of Energy Team of the Year has gone to Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council in this year’s SEAI Sustainable Energy Awards. The South County Dublin local authority improved its energy performance by 51% in 2020, compared to the baseline year of 2009. It continuously improves energy efficiency and carbon reduction through its ISO 50001 Energy Management System and has set an example for other local authorities who wish to create sustainable, cost-effective and zero-carbon towns and villages.
A total of ten awards were presented to individuals, businesses, communities and public sector organisations to mark their commitment and dedication to sustainable energy and climate action. In all, 26 finalists were shortlisted for the SEAI Energy Awards 2021 with projects delivering combined energy savings of F41.5 million. The winners were announced via an online ceremony that also included a discussion with Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, and Duncan Stewart, this year’s recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Energy Award. Details of all the winners are as follows: Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Energy: Duncan Stewart Duncan Stewart has been a champion for environmental and architectural conservation since his student days. He has been a popular television personality in Ireland for nearly 30 years where he
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promoted energy conservation, quality Irish craftsmanship and sustainable materials and design to a mass audience. More recently, his involvement as producer and presenter on Eco Eye is driven by his interest in the protection of the environment, Ireland’s biodiversity, and supporting local communities and the communication of climate issues. Emerging Sustainable Energy Champion: Paddy Shanahan At only 12 years of age, Paddy Shanahan is already well known as a dedicated and passionate climate activist. David Attenborough’s Galapagos documentary and a school trip to Dublin Zoo were his inspiration to take a great interest in sustainability and tackling climate change. He joined his Green Schools Committee and went on to win a prize at the INTEL Mini Scientist Schools’ Competition. Energy in Buildings: UCC Tyndall National Institute The Tyndall National Institute upgraded a protected structure constructed in 1903 to a high energy performance building. The goal was to promote core values of wellness and sustainability, and encourage scientific interaction. Smart building technology was a key component of the design and smart sensors were used in the lighting, along
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