The Kilkenny Better Energy Communities (BEC) Scheme has specific goals to reduce energy consumption, decrease CO2 emissions and stimulate the local economy in Kilkenny. In 2013 the Carlow Kilkenny Energy Agency (CKEA), rolled out a “community model”. Kilkenny Leader Partnership (KLP) was pleased to support this renewable energy project.
A number of small enterprises, local authority buildings, GAA clubs and community centres, benefited from energy efficient upgrades. Energy improvements included internal lighting, insulation, energy efficient cooling systems, heating controls, and improved energy management systems. The social and voluntary element of the project consisted of the energy retrofit of 178 social homes.
Under this year’s BEC, KLP have been instrumental in the marketing and promotion of the scheme to communities by offering free audits and information evenings with the consequent increase in participation from the community.
The project has many successes including an overall 34% energy reduction achieved in the first year. Over 500 people enjoy a better quality of life directly resulting from the work CKEA carried out in this scheme. The scheme created over 27 local trade jobs in 2013.
We are also very proud to announce that CKEA has been shortlisted for the Sustainable Energy Awards 2014 in the category “Community Award”. This is a great recognition and motivation to keep working with local organisations, businesses and individuals to make Kilkenny a better and more sustainable community.
