ESB Sustainability - A programme of measures
ESB is well on its way to becoming a world leader in environmentally sustainable operations.
The energy and enthusiasm among staff for this goal is clear from the wide range of initiatives already underway across the company, for example:
- In Wilton, the heating system has been modified to use geothermal energy. Significant annual savings in electricity usage have been recorded as a result of this and other conservation measures. Plans are now being considered for the installation of solar panels.
- A water conservation programme at Galway has reduced average water usage by more than 80%.
- Strenuous energy reduction and waste management targets are in place at several locations nationwide.
- Energy champions have also been appointed in 18 ESB sites across the country.
One of the first tasks in a 12-month long 'Sustainability Project' is to gather information on initiatives already underway and prioritise best practice options to pilot as actions. The results will be rolledout across ESB.
Two opening workshops, reported on in June's EM, have been which were followed by a series of site visits and interviews. A baseline assessment of environmental sustainability issues is now being collated as a result.
Sustainability is so diverse,
success requires total staff
involvement
"Sustainability can cover areas such
as, carbon, energy, water and waste
management, biodiversity, smallscale
renewable energy and product
life cycle," commented John
Campion, Executive Director,
Sustainability. "The issue of
Sustainability is so diverse, staff
engagement is a critical element in
ensuring total success."
The sites included in the visit programme are listed along with staff members at each location who kindly participated in the site reviews.
- Dublin Bay Power Plant – Dave Brazil
- ESBI Head Office, Stephen Court & 16 St Stephen Green's – Adrian Sinnott
- Grace Dieu, Waterford – Peter O'Flaherty, Willie Heavin, John Hayden
- Chambersland, New Ross – Eamonn Bourke, Seamus Hughes, John Dowling
- South Lotts Road – Eddie McDonnell, John Doyle
- Wilton, Cork City – Peter O'Flaherty, Willie Heavin, Pat Dromey, Jim O'Leary, Frank Hayes
- Rosbrien, Limerick – Brendan Gaffney, Kieran Horgan, Matt Bane
- Moneypoint – Ger Noonan
- Osprey House – Colm Bolger, Joe Kenahen
- Dublin Supply Stores, Ballycoolin – Eddie McDonnell, Peter Joyce, Paul Tighe
- St Margaret's Rd, Finglas – Eddie McDonnell, John Kingston, Mattie Conroy, Sean Mooney
ESB carbon footprint is
measured at 45,000 tonnes
ESB has already estimated its
carbon footprint for nongeneration
activities. In 2006,
more than 45,000 tonnes of
CO2 was emitted from
lighting, heating and
transportation.
Following the site visits, more than 60 measures, which have the potential to reduce energy consumption for the company, were identified.
The next stage of the project is to develop a programme of works, which will incorporate new and existing initiatives. The technical aspects of the programme will cover areas such as: installation of heating and lighting upgrades; use of localised renewable energy technologies; and the provision of detailed metering and reporting for electricity, waste and water consumption.
