Research & Innovation

The two Irish contestants to go forward to the finale of the Ace Awards in autumn 2014 have been announced. The ‘Best Energy-Smart Initiative by a Local Authority’ category, sponsored by Codema, Dublin’s Energy Agency, was won by Coxes Demesne Regeneration. Drombane – Upperchurch Energy Team took home the award for the ‘Best Community Renewable Energy Project’, sponsored by Tipperary Energy Agency.

The lead partner on the European Ace project is Dublin-based, Codema. The project is designed to promote sustainable and renewable energy in Europe. Edel Giltenane, Ace Executive Project Manager at Codema, says: “Codema is delighted to be able to use its role in the Ace project to encourage innovation in the field of sustainable energy and allow local authorities to learn from the experiences of their European counterparts.”

The new ‘Best Energy-Smart Initiative by a Local Authority’ award recognised efforts by a local authority to become more energy-smart.

“Coxes Demesne Regeneration was selected from a number of high quality entries for its creative approach and its potential as an exemplar project that can be replicated successfully by local authorities across Europe,” says Edel Giltenane.

The ‘Best Community Renewable Energy Project’ category was open to local and regional initiators, groups and organisations that have successfully implemented or initiated a specific renewable energy project using sources like sun, wind, water, biomass and geothermal or residual heat thermal.

Paul Kenny, Chief Executive of Tipperary Energy Agency, says: “Full community engagement with energy and how it is used in homes and communities helped Drombane – Upperchurch community group win the Best Community Renewable Energy Project. This approach can be replicated across all communities in Ireland to lower energy use and create local jobs.”

Coxes Demesne Regeneration and Drombane Upperchurch Energy Team will join the winners of preliminary rounds in Belgium, France, the Netherlands and the UK at the prestigious finale of the European Academy Awards later in 2014. The Ace Awards recognises initiatives, organisations and projects in the field of sustainable and renewable energy

CAPTION:

Winners of the Best Energy Smart Initiative by a Local Authority sponsored by Codema at the 2014 LAMA Awards, Coxes Demesne Regeneration. Pictured left to right: Stephen Cull, Frank Petony, Eamonn P O’Boyle, Cllr. Oliver Tully, Edel Giltenane from Codema and Cllr. Hugh McElvaney. (Picture by Robbie Reynolds)