Isle of Man Energy Awards 2014

The winners of the Energy Awards 2014 were announced at the Isle of Man Energy Expo, which was held as part of the Royal Manx Agricultural Show, held last weekend at Knockaloe, near Peel.

The awards recognise the achievements of local private and public sector organisations in making improvements to their energy efficiency and reducing their energy consumption and associated costs.

Graham Cregeen MHK, the Department of Economic Development's Political Member with responsibility for Energy, presented the awards.

He commented:

'I'd like to congratulate the winners and all those who entered the awards. This year's entries demonstrated significant energy savings and reduced energy bills.

'These achievements support the Government's energy policy, which commits us to securing the efficient use of affordable energy and minimising the impact of our energy use on the environment.'

There were three categories of award: Biggest Saving; Best Practice; and Most Innovative Project. Awards were given in each category for both public and private sector organisations.

The organisation demonstrating the biggest saving in the private sector was Catalina Property Services, St Mary's Court, supplied by SNX Ltd, which saved approximately £10,250 and 39.2 tonnes CO2 in the first year.

The Best Practice award went to Netcetera for its 100% carbon neutral data centre hosting with power supplied from 100% green renewable sources.

The award for Most Innovative energy efficiency solution was given to Tremon Farm, supplied by Stiebel Eltron and Manx Solar Energy.

Among the Public Sector winners were Manx National Heritage (MNH) and Manx Utilities Authority (MUA).

Manx National Heritage won the award for Best Practice, through a programme of LED light installations across its extensive property portfolio.

Pat Mitchell, Properties Executive for Manx National Heritage said:

'Manx National Heritage has undertaken a programme of introducing replacement LED lamps and fittings, enhancing the appearance of collections and artefacts in our public galleries and exhibition rooms over the last few years.

'Introducing lighting controls to dim down and switch off lighting when it is not required has also produced energy savings for our organisation and the careful, considered renewal programme of lighting has shown the benefit of saving money on our energy bills, without the loss of quality to our visitor experience.

James Kneen, Revenue Protection Manager, Manx Utilities, collected the award for Biggest Savings in the Public Sector following their achievement in saving £20,000 per year from its energy bills.

He commented:

'The award vindicates what we have been doing in looking at new technology, we trial it and if it works, we roll it out across the whole organisation. The cost savings achieved mean that we can pass on the benefits to our customers.'

The award for Most Innovative Project went to Douglas Borough Council for the architectural illumination of the Jubilee Buildings, supplied by Professional Lighting Design Ltd.

The Isle of Man now has 70 trained Energy Champions within local businesses and over 60 within Government Departments. The Department is keen to see more Energy Champions within Isle of Man organisations. Interested parties can contact the Department on 01624 682367 for further details.