The Sustainable SME

The SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) are calling for funding proposals towards improving the energy efficiency of buildings at a community and partnership level.

It aims to

•  “Support and pilot innovative delivery approaches as a community level”
• “Test new approaches to achieving high quality and efficient delivery of improvements in energy efficiency within Irish communities”
• “Retrofit Ireland’s building stock”

Who can apply?

In general terms any “community”, which may include

• An organisation
• A group of organisations

The project specifically welcomes “innovative and pioneering partnerships”.

It is open for

• Energy Suppliers
• Public sector (including local authorities)
•  Community-based organisations
• Private sector (e.g. SMEs)
• Voluntary organisations (this could include business networks or chambers of commerce)

What has it got to do with SMEs?

There are many ways SMEs can be included in this call

• As an organisation on their own
• As part of business network
• If another organisation (e.g. local authority) is applying for the funding, you could get involved.

Why should I apply/get involved?

Besides getting FREE STUFF!  there are many advantages to being involved yourself, or through a partnership such as

• Improved energy efficiency of your building
• Reduced energy bills, lowering your business costs
• General benefits of networking with others
• Competitive advantage gained by being more sustainable
• Reducing the risk of carbon taxes in the future

Why are SEAI doing it?

They want to..

• Improve the building stock in Ireland related to energy efficiency
• Find cost-effective solutions  by tapping in to local community knowledge
• Leverage from  projects already in place
• Stimulate local employment activity

What is eligible?

• Business facilities  and equipment
• Retrofits for energy efficiency will be prioritised
• It can include renewable energy elements

It should show good practice in a community concept

These could include

• Insulation improvements
• General efficiency upgrades from boilers, lighting or energy storage
• Integration of renewable energy sources to balance energy demand
• Control system to manage building energy demands
• Activities to track behaviour change and evidence of savings
• Other innovative solutions

The project must be fully completed by the 15^th November 2012

What costs does the project fund?

The eligible costs include:

• Purchase of plant, machinery or equipment (listed on the “Tripe E” register)
• VAT associated if it is not reclaimable

Non eligible costs include

• Monitoring costs
• Internal staff costs
• Cost of bringing facilities up the required standards
• Costs incurred before the grant is approved

What do I do next?

Download the application form here  and submit it on or before the 14 September 2012.

The funding is not automatically granted if you meet a certain criteria. It is a competitive application and are evaluated based on

• Value for money
• Partnership
• Innovation
• Quality and delivery

Use the provided tools http://www.seai.ie/Your Business/Resources/Technology Assessment Tools/

Check out the full information here or contact

Siobhan Howard in SEAI Siobhan.howarth@seai.ie 01 8082086

Paula Butler in SEAI paula.butler@seai.ie 01 8082094