University College Cork has signed an agreement with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to affirm its commitment to energy efficiency.

The development builds on the energy programme already in place at UCC, which has been instrumental in securing accreditation as the world’s first third-level institution to be awarded the IS0 50001 standard in energy management. ISO 50001 enables organisations to establish the systems and processes necessary to improve energy performance, including energy efficiency, use and consumption. UCC is also the first public sector body in Ireland to be certified to the ISO 50001 standard, which can lead to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, energy cost, and other related environmental impacts, through systematic management of energy.UCC was also awarded the world’s first Green Campus Flag for third-level institutions in 2010, awarded by An Taisce and the Foundation for Environmental Education.

Paul Prendergast, Buildings Officer at UCC, says: “UCC is committed to continuous energy performance improvement to enhance the sustainable environment of the University community in which we work, teach and carry out research. UCC is also committed to responsible energy and water management as part of our overall environmental strategy and the Public Sector Energy Partnership Programme is a key component of that strategy, with the aim of meeting our public-service targets and continuing to fulfill our corporate responsibility.”

The next step will focus on developing an eight-year plan to extend until 2020 in order to meet the energy savings target of 33%.  A key aim of the SEAI is to help public sector organisations reach this national goal through facilitating the Partnership Programme, which offers a support package to large organisations towards meeting their obligations, in return for commitment to energy management.

Dr Brian Motherway, Chief Executive, SEAI says: “We’re delighted to have UCC signing up to our public sector programme and showing real commitment to reducing their energy use. SEAI is already working with many public bodies who are leading the way in energy management, lowering their energy bills and at the same time reducing their environmental impact.”

Pictured are:  Dr Brian Motherway, Chief Executive Officer of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, and Trevor Holmes, Vice-President for External Relations.

Picture: Clare Keogh

For further information, see http://www.ucc.ie/en/build/energy/ or contact Denis Brosnan, Energy Manager at UCC on: d.brosnan@ucc.ie or 021 4902600