The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has announced the winners of the 2023 SEAI Energy Awards while celebrating 20 years of the event.
Since the very first ceremony in 2003 there have been 2,100 applicants, 190 award winners and collectively achieving about €650m in energy savings.
This year, there were 114 applications, 40 finalists, who collectively reduced energy consumption by 16% saving €50m in energy spend. The renewable energy produced by the 2023 entrants is equivalent to powering more than 400,000 homes per year.
The 12 winners at the SEAI Energy Awards 2023.
Top prize
The top prize this year went to An Post for Energy Team of the year. The six members of the An Post Sustainability Team drive the company’s sustainability programme which spans all of their operations.
Among their main projects were retrofitting the property portfolio to at least a BER B3 and building a substantial electric vehicle fleet.
CEO of the Irish Green building Council Pat Barry was given the Chair’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Energy. The IGBC is a hugely influential organisation in Irish property and construction.
Barry advocates and collaborates with industry stakeholders across the entire value chain to provide practical but ambitious leading edge policy input. He innovates and has led the development of programmes to measure improvement of building performance and whole life carbon methodologies.
Hosted by journalist Sinead Ryan, this year’s ceremony saw a total of thirteen awards presented to individuals, businesses, communities, and public sector organisations in recognition of their commitment and dedication to sustainable energy and climate action.
'Fighting for a cleaner energy future for us all'
Marion O’Brien, director of corporate services at SEAI presenting Pat Barry, Irish Green Building Council, winner of Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Energy at SEAI Energy Awards 2023.
Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, said: “I want to congratulate the entrants and winners of this year’s SEAI Energy Awards for their commitment to sustainable energy and their role in fighting for a cleaner energy future for us all.
“The finalists – indeed all the applicants this year – give an insight into the technical capacity, the innovation, the drive and the vision that is powering an energy transformation right across the country, in businesses and in communities.
“The calibre of individuals and organisations that have taken part in this prestigious event over the past 20 years gives me great confidence when it comes to meeting our ambitious but achievable climate targets.”
CEO of SEAI William Walsh said: “Over the past 20 years we have seen incredible innovation and momentum in sustainable energy. And today at the 20th SEAI Energy Awards, we are celebrating the achievements of entrants and their contribution to a sustainable energy future.
“We are here to recognise those leading the energy revolution in their respective sectors, providing exemplary leadership in reducing Ireland’s dependence on fossil fuels.”