Last month, our CEO Paul O'Sullivan presented at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Energy Show, stating "Our aim is to enable local communities deliver sustainable energy projects for the collective benefit of their community. In this way Sustainable Energy Communities can connect energy and climate awareness, economic development and public wellbeing at a local level."
In 2017 Clann Credo joined the SEAI's Sustainable Energy Communities (SEC) programme and established the Clann Credo Sustainable Energy Community, and in 2018 Clann Credo was awarded grant aid from the SEAI allowing us to engage an expert in surveys and data analysis (M.CO, consultants www.mco.ie).
The survey conducted in late 2018 asked questions around energy expenditure and the appetite to develop energy efficiency and local renewable energy generation projects. 595 organisations were sent the survey. A very high number, 253 responded, a 43% response rate. Of these, 211 were interested in becoming a member of our SEC. For Paul's full presentation at the Energy Show, including findings from the survey, click here.
It is clear from the response that Clann Credo’s Projects have a strong interest in improving energy efficiency.
We are exploring how we can best enable local communities deliver sustainable energy projects for the collective benefit of their community. Ideally, we would like support Community Groups to identify sustainable energy projects and assist them through design, funding and delivery.
Clann Credo and its sister organisation, the Irish Social Finance Centre have a high-level ambition to see the Community and Voluntary sector in Ireland becoming more energy aware and striving for increased energy efficiency and sustainability.
Clann Credo would also like to help communities consider their energy sources and consumption through awareness and behavioural change, changing habits and empowering citizens.
If you'd like more information, contact our CEO, Paul O'Sullivan - paul@clanncredo.ie