SEAI has begun the search for Ireland’s energy leaders who are demonstrating innovative approaches to clean energy with high replication potential. The SEAI Energy Awards recognise and reward excellence in all aspects of energy efficiency and renewable energy. Businesses, public bodies and communities who are working towards a cleaner energy future for Ireland are encouraged to apply. Entries can include any combination of electricity, heat or transport initiatives. There are nine categories to choose from including large business, small business, public sector, community, buildings, energy manager or team, and research, which has a bursary of up to €10,000. New to the 2018 awards programme is the Renewable Energy Award, which recognises significant achievement in the deployment of renewable energy at scale in Ireland. This year the awards have two category sponsors: Gas Networks Ireland (Large Business – Energy Management) and Enprova (Large Business – Energy Project). “There are truly excellent actions being taken in sustainable energy across our entire economy. The SEAI Energy Awards are a great opportunity for businesses, public bodies and communities to get recognition for outstanding energy achievements. "Energy efficiency makes financial, as well as environmental sense. There is growing momentum in Ireland’s progress towards a low carbon society. I strongly encourage people and businesses to enter the SEAI Energy Awards 2018 to highlight their own success and to encourage others to take part,” said Majella Kelleher, head of business and public sector at the SEAI. Last year, entrants to the awards demonstrated savings of €27 million through innovative sustainable energy projects. The top prize for Energy Team of the Year went to Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT), which implemented an organisation-wide approach to saving energy, with staff and students working together. The institute surpassed its 33 per cent energy efficiency target and is saving an impressive €300,000 per year on energy bills. “Winning the SEAI Energy Award in 2017 has raised our profile as a leading organisation in reducing energy use. We are delighted that the commitment from both staff and students, who have worked hard over a number of years to make our campus a better place to work and study, has been recognised. Receiving the award provided us with media exposure. It has enhanced our brand, made us more competitive and students are attracted to our green campus,” said Elaine Greenan, estates manager at WIT. Dairygold took home the Large Business Energy Management Award for completing seven significant energy management projects and delivering annual savings of €300,000. The National Ambulance Service won the Public Sector Award for reducing fuel use and emissions from a combination of driver behaviour change, an eco-anti-idle system and built-in solar chargers. For further information on the awards, and details on how to enter the 2018 SEAI Energy Awards, is available here, or you can download the SEAI Energy Awards brochure (PDF). Closing date for entries is Friday, June 22, 2018. The winners will be announced at a gala event on October 25, 2018.