€1m energy upgrade completed at Saint John of God Hospital
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Alex White T.D. visited Saint John of God Hospital in Stillorgan following the completion of a €1 million energy upgrade. The upgrade works included the installation of high efficiency lighting, heating and glazing. The project, which received €25,000 support from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), was completed through a new form of energy contract which guarantees energy savings of 16% for the hospital.
Under the Energy Performance Contract (EPC), the upgrade works were completed by energy services company Aramark who are guaranteeing the savings. Where savings exceed 19% they will be shared between Saint John of God Hospital and Aramark. The project was one of the exemplars in implementing such an energy contract model as part of the National Energy Services Framework, administered by SEAI.
Commenting on his visit to Saint John of God Hospital, Minister White said, “The work done at St John of God Hospital is a great example of the energy-conscious action that will help Ireland tackle climate change by becoming a low-carbon society. The Energy White Paper, which I published last month, placed a huge emphasis on energy efficiency in public buildings, homes, communities and businesses. That’s because all of us have a part to play in saving our planet from the effects of global warming.”
With some of the energy savings set to accrue to the hospital in the coming months, Emma Balmaine, Chief Executive Officer at Saint John of God Hospital said: “The business case for the upgrade works was clear but they had to be completed in a manner that maintained the comfort and safety of our patients at all times. This required very close collaboration between the teams at Saint John of God Hospital and Aramark. We now have a wonderful old building maintained to the very highest standard, benefitting both patients and staff.”
