SEAI provides small businesses with an extensive suite of supports to help them better manage their energy use
In recent years, uncertainty around energy supply, rising prices and the pressing issue of climate change has meant that Irish businesses have grown increasingly concerned about their energy use. Opportunities to make changes which can save money and support growth are more important than ever before for businesses to survive and thrive.
SEAI business supports
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) works to support businesses in their efforts to better understand and manage their energy use. This is achieved through a program of supports including educational resources such as the SEAI Energy Academy and Energy Management Workshops, all the way up to grants and financial supports for energy saving and renewable technologies. A full list of supports is available on the business page of SEAI’s website – https://www.seai.ie/business-and-public-sector/small-and-medium-business/supports/financial-supports/
SEAI Energy Academy: Free e-learning for SMEs on energy and climate change
The SEAI Energy Academy is an online e-learning platform designed to help businesses lower their energy bills by as much as 10% through shared awareness of energy efficiency and behaviour change. It’s the first step for any business starting an energy efficiency journey. Upskilling your team on energy in the workplace helps to create a common understanding of why energy efficiency is important and what you can do today to make a difference.
Joining the SEAI Energy Academy allows users to learn about energy efficiency with short, interactive, animated modules and mobile-friendly access. Learners get access to modules on a variety of topics including how to read an electricity bill, what decarbonisation means for business and how electric vehicles work. To join the SEAI Energy Academy visit https://www.seai.ie/energyacademy/
A support scheme for energy audits
SEAI is further encouraging Irish small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to take control of their energy use with the launch of the new Support Scheme for Energy Audits (SSEA). The scheme provides eligible businesses with a €2,000 voucher to cover the cost of an energy audit. An energy audit identifies tailored energy saving opportunities that can save businesses up to 30% on their energy bills and help to reduce their climate impact. The audit also assesses whether renewable energy technologies are a viable option for their business.
Audits are delivered by SEAI Registered Energy Auditors, who adhere to a specified audit template that has been developed for the scheme. You are guaranteed to receive a high-quality audit from a well-qualified and experienced auditor. This will enable you to prioritise actions that are going to be of most benefit to your business.
The audit report
The SSEA audit report is easy to understand and outlines clearly what your business’s current and potential energy performance is. The report will list recommended measures that will improve your energy performance, from no-cost and low-cost options right through to major upgrades.
Eligibility
The scheme is open to SMEs that spend at least €10,000 per year on energy. The company must be registered and located in Ireland and be able to provide a valid Companies Registration Office (CRO) number and proof of tax compliance. Please note that to qualify as an SME, companies must employ fewer than 250 employees and have either a turnover of less than €50 million or a balance sheet of less than €43 million.
Application
Application to the SSEA is quick and easy and approval is given immediately to eligible companies. You can apply through the website and you will receive your voucher via email. To find out more about the SEAI Support Scheme for Energy Audits and to apply visit https://www.seai.ie/sme/energyaudits
For more information on how SEAI can assist you in becoming more energy efficient and to learn more about the supports mentioned in this article, visit www.seai.ie or contact the Business Team on business@seai.ie
