Local Businesses Can Save Up to 90% on Lighting Costs
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is now accepting applications from businesses for €3 million in government-funded Smart Lighting Grants. The grant will cover approximately one third of the cost of energy efficient lighting upgrades helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) save up to 90% on their lighting costs. These smart lighting upgrades will typically pay for themselves in two to three years.
The grant is open to all SMEs sectors including retail, hospitality, tourism, private education, health facilities, and manufacturing. Applications can be submitted by individual businesses or by co-ordinators who group applications and are in a position to apply and deliver lighting upgrades for a number of businesses.
Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten TD (pictured centre), said: “There are over 200,000 SMEs operating in Ireland. While individually each business may consume small to moderate amounts of energy, collectively they account for a significant portion of national, and indeed, global energy demand. The Government’s smart lighting grant administered by the SEAI will significantly help businesses reduce their energy-use, producing real results for the environment, the economy and their own bottom line.”
Jim Gannon (pictured left), CEO of SEAI, said: “SMEs play a vital role in the Irish economy, providing over 90% of national employment. Lighting is the second highest cost for many businesses after staff costs. In 2017, over 60 facilities benefitted from support through SEAI’s smart lighting grant, achieving savings of over half a million euro. We are inviting SME’s, their advisors and suppliers in the lighting supply chain to get in touch with our team and find out how we can help you embed long term savings, and increase the sustainability of your business.”
60 SMEs have already seen the benefits to upgrading to energy efficient, smarter lighting systems. Fran Egan (pictured right), CEO of Hales Freight, carried out lighting upgrades in 2017 with the support of the SEAI Smart Lighting Grant. Speaking about the improvements, he said: “We are a Dublin-based freight business that collects, ships and delivers goods, employing 60 people in Ireland and the UK. We replaced over 100 of our old inefficient lights with new highly efficient LED lights in our Dublin warehouse. Our warehouse is now much brighter, which is great for staff and is a safer work environment. Even better again, we are using less energy and have seen significantly reduced electricity bills. This has reduced our operating costs and we are more sustainable in our operations. We received a significant grant and found the process of submitting an application through a co-ordinator really smooth.”
The closing date for applications is Thursday, 31 May. For further information on the grant and details on how to apply visit seai.ie/grants
