The company operates in the healthcare sector in Ireland and is committed to improving its energy management and reducing its carbon footprint. The company consumes a significant amount of energy across its operations, which include electricity, natural gas, and renewable power sources such as wind. The company’s energy management strategy includes long-term emission reduction goals, renewable energy investments, energy efficiency improvements, and partnerships with suppliers and customers to reduce emissions across the value chain.
Energy Consumption (2020 Data)
Electricity: 38,872 MWh/year
Natural Gas: 14,789 MWh/year
Renewable Energy Assets
On-site Wind: 1 x Enercon E101/3000 turbine, 3 MW capacity
Off-site Wind: Corporate power purchase agreement (PPA) with Ørsted to supply 100% renewable electricity to the company’s sites in Ireland, with over 1 TWh of renewable energy from two wind farms in Kilgarvan, Co. Kerry, and Booltiagh, Co. Clare.
On-site Solar: 667 x Solar panels, 210 kWp capacity
Energy Consumption by Equipment
Electrical Consumption (2020 Data)
Production Equipment: 37%
Compressors: 12%
Furnaces/Wax/Shell: 7%
Air Handling Units (AHU DB8): 8%
Dust Extraction: 6%
Chilled Water & Distillation: 6%
Small Power: 5%
Filters: 2%
Other: 14%
Thermal Consumption (2020 Data)
Boilers: 64%
Foundry: 20%
Kitchen: 7%
Combined Heat and Power (CHP): 7% (inactive after 2020)
Domestic Hot Water (DHW): 2%
Energy Management Strategy
The company follows a systematic approach to energy management that focuses on:
Long-term emission reduction goals
Energy efficiency improvements
On-site renewable and clean energy generation (wind, solar)
Constructing energy-efficient buildings
Securing long-term renewable electricity contracts
Improving transportation efficiency
Partnerships with suppliers and customers to reduce emissions
Supporting public policy for climate and human health risks
Implemented Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs)
LED Lighting: Installation of energy-efficient lighting
Upgraded Heating/Cooling Controls: Including timers, thermostats, and automated systems
Building Automation Systems for HVAC: Optimized for better energy performance
Variable Speed Drives (VSDs): Installed on pumps and fans
Replacement of Old Heating/Cooling Equipment: New boilers, heat pumps, and chillers
Staff Energy Awareness Program: Ongoing training and awareness
Solar PV Installation: Increase in on-site renewable energy generation
Heat Recovery Systems: Installed to reduce energy waste
Cogeneration/Trigeneration Systems: Installed for combined heat and power
Unimplemented ECMs
Despite the company’s efforts, there are several Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) that were identified but not implemented due to cost and production impact barriers. These measures could further improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and help meet sustainability goals.
Challenges and Barriers to Implementing ECMs
Lack of Capital Investment: Limited funds for large-scale projects
Resource Constraints: Difficulty in dedicating resources for implementation
Operational Disruption: Potential production disruptions during ECM implementation
Decision-Making Delays: Difficulty in securing senior management buy-in for energy efficiency investments
Energy Consultant Services Expected
The company expects an energy consultant to provide the following services to improve energy efficiency:
Technical Assessment: Review and analysis of energy consumption and efficiency
Energy & Cost Saving Opportunities: Recommendations for feasible savings measures
Cost-Benefit Analysis: To prioritize and assess financial viability of ECMs
Implementation Guidance: Support in executing energy efficiency measures
Technical Assistance: Procurement support for energy-saving technologies
Drivers for Energy Efficiency
The key drivers for the company to improve energy efficiency include:
Reduction in Energy Consumption: Both operational cost savings and environmental benefits
Reduction in Energy Prices: With long-term contracts for renewable energy
Government Mandates: Complying with national and European emission reduction targets
Green Image: Enhancing the company’s public image as an environmentally responsible organization
Lower Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Costs: Through more efficient energy-consuming equipment
Support from Local/National Government
The company is aware of financial support offered by the government to improve energy efficiency and has accessed some of these resources. However, they have faced bureaucratic hurdles and complex processes that have hindered further uptake of some services. Despite these challenges, the company remains open to receiving more information on funding options for energy efficiency projects.
Energy Consultant Engagement
The company is interested in long-term support from an energy consultant to guide and optimize energy efficiency initiatives.
Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) Not Yet Implemented
Based on the information provided, here is a list of potential ECMs the company could adopt, excluding those already implemented:
1. Building Envelope Improvements
External Insulation/Cladding: Can save 10–25% on heating energy
Cool Roofs or Green Roofs: Can save 5–10% on cooling energy
Roof Insulation: Can save 15–25% on heating and cooling
2. Renewable Energy Expansion
Biomass Heating Systems: Can replace a significant amount of gas heating (up to 50%)
Ground-Source Heat Pumps: Can save 30–70% on heating energy
Small-Scale Wind Energy: Potential to offset 15–40% of electricity consumption
3. Process & Equipment Efficiency
High-Efficiency Industrial Equipment: Can reduce energy use by 15–30%
Advanced Process Controls: Can save 10–25% on operational energy
Pump and Fan Optimization: Can save 20–40% on energy consumption
4. Water Conservation & Efficiency
Rainwater Harvesting: Can reduce water heating energy by 5–10%
Water-Cooled AC Systems: Can save 10–20% on cooling energy
Efficient Hot Water Systems (Heat Pumps): Can save 15–30%
5. Energy Storage & Demand Response
Battery Energy Storage Systems: Can save 10–25% on peak electricity consumption
Demand Response Systems: Can reduce energy usage during peak hours by 5–15%
6. Fleet & Transportation Efficiency
Switch to Electric Vehicles (EVs): Can reduce fuel consumption by 40–80%
Fleet Optimization Software: Can save 10–20% on fleet energy use
7. Energy Management Systems (EMS)
Advanced EMS: Can save 5–15% on overall energy consumption
Submetering and Monitoring: Can identify and reduce energy waste by 5–10%
8. Waste Heat Recovery
Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV): Can save 10–20% on energy for ventilation and HVAC systems
Condensing Economizers: Can save 5–15% on heating energy
9. Employee Engagement & Awareness
Employee Energy-Saving Programs: Can reduce overall energy consumption by 5–10%