New scheme to help Kilkenny businesses to slash their energy bills by 30%

KILKENNY businesses have been urged to apply for new funding that will help them to save up to 30% a year on energy costs.

Applications to the SEAI Excellence in Energy Efficient Design (EXEED) Scheme are now open. And a fund of up to €6 million is available for projects delivering best practice in the design, construction and management of buildings for optimum energy efficiency.

Kilkenny Councillor Patrick O’Neill said: “Last year there was only one successful application made in Kilkenny. It would be great to see more local businesses apply this year in what is becoming an important area for all sectors to consider.

“Recognising increased potential and growing appetite for investment in this area, a total of €6m has been allocated funding for this programme this year – almost about double the value of the demand in last year’s scheme.

“Successful applicants will be currently in the design phase of planning capital projects for new or existing buildings.”

In order to qualify for a grant, participants must follow the SEAI EXEED standard and embed energy efficiency measures in the design of their projects.

The grant is open to public and private organisations who are planning an investment project of any scale.

The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, Richard Bruton, said: “A huge range of bodies ranging from local GAA clubs to Data Centres and from hospitals to agribusiness have made savings of over 30% in their energy costs through the scheme.

“The certification it yields is a great selling point for climate aware leaders.”