Ireland Energy Efficient Improved
Updated : May 29, 2009
Ireland has become 10% more energy efficient since 1995 with experts ranking the country fourth best in Europe for improvements, a report revealed today.
Researchers at Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) estimate new green initiatives and changes in people’s habits have saved the economy €750m.
According to their latest survey, efficiency in homes has shown the best improvements in Europe since the mid-90s while only Holland achieved better savings across industry.
But the SEI researchers warned that transport is still the biggest offender with Ireland ranked second last for improvements in emissions, only beating Portugal.
Professor Owen Lewis, SEI chief executive, said: “Ireland’s ambition in the area of sustainability is to lead, not follow.
“In this regard, the role of energy efficiency must be prioritised for its economic, social and environmental benefits.
“Ireland’s transformation to a smart, green economy will depend on how we use energy, as much as how we produce or source it.â€
The SEI report, Energy Efficiency in Ireland 2009, found that even though Ireland is using two-thirds more energy than in 1995 substantial efficiencies have been achieved.
Prof Lewis said: “The carbon emissions savings made as a result of energy efficiency measures greatly exceed the contribution from renewable energy.
“Ireland can further build on this significant achievement and the €750m in savings recorded in 2007 could be greatly exceeded in future years.â€
