The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) announced the winners of its 2019 Energy Awards at a gala event which saw: Tipperary Co-Operative Creamery; Ashleigh Environmental; and Flahavan’s take away prizes.
Tipperary Co-Operative Creamery won the Large Business award.
The co-operative introduced an energy efficient management system to reduce its carbon footprint, according to the SEAI.
Meanwhile, Ashleigh Environmental, a cleantech company focused on developing innovative environmental and bioenergy solutions for the agriculture industry, took home the Research and Innovation Award for its Biowave system.
This innovative system significantly increases biogas production from pig manure.
L-R: Minister Richard Bruton; Eoghain O’Horgain and Ken McGrath, Ashleigh Environmental Limited; and Julie O’Neill, chair of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Image source: Naoise Culhane
Biowave is a simpler and more sustainable waste management system, according to the SEAI.
The company wins a €10,000 SEAI bursary as part of the prize to further develop its research and assist with commercialisation.
Flahavan’s, Ireland’s oldest family-owned business, won the SME award at this year’s SEAI Energy Awards.
The oats for the company’s Progress Oatlets are sourced from local farmers within a 60-mile radius of the mill in Kilmacthomas.
Flahavan’s has four methods of energy generation with biomass from by-product, wind, solar and hydro working in a complementary manner.
The company also has its own on-site wind and water turbines which generate electricity for the facility’s production.
A total of nine awards were presented to businesses, communities and public sector organisations recognising their commitment and dedication to excellence in energy management and creating a cleaner energy future.
Congratulating all the finalists and award winners, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Richard Bruton, said: “How we respond to the challenge of climate disruption will define us as a generation.
These awards are a good opportunity to highlight those taking leadership and managing their energy use in a more sustainable way.
Julie O’Neill, chair of SEAI, said: “The 134-plus entrants in this year’s awards have made energy savings of €38 million. The continued efforts and outstanding ambition of this year’s finalists is to be commended.”