Background
Waterford City & County Council via Waterford Energy Bureau received funding for the Deise Better Energy Communities 2018 project from the SEAI under the Better Energy Communities Scheme 2018. The project included a range of project partners and had an overall grant award of €374,592, with community groups/schools receiving 88% of the funding, Waterford City & County Council receiving 8% of the funding, and others receiving 4% funding.
The overall investment in green technologies, which was in excess of €1,400,000, will contribute to the development of the green economy in Waterford. The primary issue relating to better energy communities projects relates to the strict four-month timeline for delivery of projects from the awarding of grant funding.
Solution
Energy efficiency upgrades/renewable energy installations include LED park lighting, heat pump installation and windows/insulation upgrades at primary school/language college/care for the elderly centre, community centre heating system/insulation upgrades and retail LED lighting upgrades.
Benefits of Solution
Environmental
Reduced CO2 emissions and green technologies being used that will benefit the development of the green economy in Waterford.
Economic
Grant award of €374,592, with community groups/schools receiving 88% funding, Waterford City & County Council receiving 8% funding, and others receiving 4% funding. The overall investment in green technologies was in excess of €1,000,000.
Social
Significant public engagement was undertaken to attract partners in the funding application.