Dublin colleges save €3million through energy saving project

Four Dublin colleges have achieved energy cost savings amounting to €3million by participating in an energy saving initiative.

Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, Dublin Institute of Technology and Dublin City University have  just completed their e3 annual energy review, and achieved their 2008/9 target of an average 6 per cent reduction in energy use in 37 buildings after two years.

The colleges have achieved cumulative energy savings of €3 million since they began the e3 energy initiative in 2004. Indeed, CO2 greenhouse gas savings are now 15,000 tonnes.

The energy initiative, called e3 to represent energy, environment and economy, is part funded by Sustainable Energy Ireland and involves analysing energy consumption, identifying opportunities for savings and implementing change. 

Richy Kelly, manager with the DCU estates office, explained how the initiative has fared so well. “Every year e3 has delivered additional energy savings, as we continue to improve and extend our reach. These savings accumulate over time and are added to other savings, resulting in a snowball effect”, says Kelly, “e3 benefits from the contributions of the many people that work, study and research in the colleges, and we look forward to their continued support”.

Technical and operational support for e3 is provided by external consultants PowerTherm Solutions and WYG .