SEAI launches SME energy efficiency support scheme

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has launched its SME Support Scheme for Lighting to help SMEs reduce their lighting energy use and costs, become more competitive and reduce their carbon footprint through investment in energy efficient technology. The SEAI has also partnered with Hardware Association Ireland (HAI) to give qualifying hardware business owners the opportunity to apply for the scheme at this year’s Hardware Conference taking place at The Galmont Hotel, Galway on Tuesday May 1^st 2018.

The scheme aims to support energy efficient lighting upgrades across all SME sectors, including new energy efficient light products, emergency lighting retrofits, lighting controls and certain smart meters. Participating organisations in the scheme receive up to 30-35% of funding towards the upgrading of their lighting, once fixtures are in keeping with the SEAI’s guidelines. In order to qualify as an SME for the scheme an organisation must have less than 250 employees and have an annual turnover not exceeding EUR 50 million, and/or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding EUR 43 million.

In the scheme’s official guide SEAI detailed the benefits of energy efficiency in SMEs. “Energy efficiency can strengthen SMEs by helping them to cut costs, freeing up resources that can be invested in more productive activities, and can make them more resilient and more competitive.”

Annemarie Harte, CEO of Hardware Association Ireland, highlighted how the introduction of this scheme is timely for HAI’s members. “Energy costs are a continuing challenge for growing hardware SMEs. SEAI’s scheme will give them an opportunity to assess and manage those costs more effectively. We are looking forward to having SEAI at The Hardware Conference this year remind delegates of how they can save with this scheme.”

The scheme is now open for applications. The closing date for entry is on 31st May 2018 or in the event of all funds being allocated prior to this date the scheme will automatically close.  SEAI have made the the application form and supporting documents available to download below.

• Support Scheme Guide
• Application Form
• Lighting Upgrade Credits Calculation Tool
• SEAI Lighting Upgrade Credits Calculation Tool Guide

SEAI will also be available to take applications and answer any questions about the scheme at The Hardware Conference.

For further information about the scheme please visit www.seai.ie.