Energy award for Tipp firm

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has announced the winners of the 2024 SEAI Energy Awards. There were 113 submissions, which collectively reduced energy consumption by 23%, saving more than €60 million in energy spend. SEAI’s annual awards recognise and celebrate individuals and organisations that are demonstrating what is possible in our energy transition and are deserved exemplars for their peers and wider society.

The top prize, Energy Team of the Year, was awarded to Swords Pavilions Zero Team. The Tipperary based business, SOLA Energy solutions in Templemore, was the award for ‘Residential Energy Upgrades.’

SOLA Energy Solutions is a leading force in Ireland's transition to renewable energy, empowering Irish homeowners to achieve energy independence.

SOLA spearheaded a significant retrofit project at Able Manor, Dundrum, Co Tipperary, improving energy efficiency for 10 detached homes built in 2002. The project's motivations encompass environmental responsibility, focussing on financial gain for homeowners and improved living standards.

The SEAI Energy Award 2024 Winners:

The Triple SEC: Connecting Cabra, Phibsboro Village and Cosybatter (Inspirational Sustainable Energy Community)

Tallaght District Heating (Innovative Deployment of Renewable Energy)

University College Dublin’s Bike Library (Research and Innovation)

Mannok (Large Business)

Poppies Café, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow (Small and Medium Business),

Bus Eireann: Driving Change (Leadership in Public Sector Decarbonisation)

Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council: Ballyogan Square (Energy in Buildings)

BWG Foods (Transport)

SOLA Energy Solutions, Dundrum, Co Tipperary (Residential Energy Upgrades)

National Museum of Ireland (Digital Technologies in Construction and Buildings).

John Dolan, Head of the Climate Action, Planning and Capital Appraisal Unit in the Department of Education, was presented with the Chair’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Energy. John has been involved in energy performance and decarbonisation in school and education buildings for several decades and is a highly regarded expert in the field of high-performance new buildings and retrofits. In his work he has addressed climate action, but also improved the lives of numerous people who work in and use our public services.

Hosted by journalist Kathriona Devereux, this year’s ceremony saw a total of 12 awards presented to individuals, businesses, communities, and public sector organisations in recognition of their commitment and dedication to sustainable energy and climate action. Some 36 finalists were selected by expert judging panels for consideration as category winners.

Congratulating the winners, CEO of SEAI, William Walsh, said: “Today’s finalists are exemplars for us all of how we can accelerate the energy transition, using technologies and solutions available now. Across all of this year’s submissions, the quality and imagination were inspiring, from seemingly simple changes to major innovations. We celebrate the businesses, communities, organisations and individuals who are leading by example. Together we are moving the dial on Ireland’s clean energy transition. SEAI is proud to recognise and applaud their dedication and innovation.”