Synergy Credit Union Embarks on a Sustainable Energy Journey with an SEAI Programme

Synergy Credit Union is proud to announce its official designation as a Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) under the SEAI Programme.

This exciting initiative empowers our local communities, with the support of Synergy Credit Union and the SEAI, to take charge of their energy future, promoting environmental responsibility and economic growth through the adoption of renewable energy resources.

Firmly committed to sustainability, Synergy Credit Union recognises the importance of collaborative action.

Joining the SEC programme allows us to partner with residents, businesses, the farming community, local community groups, and other stakeholders to identify and implement effective strategies for reducing energy consumption, increasing renewable energy use, and fostering a more sustainable future for all.

The Journey Begins: The Energy Master Plan

We are currently undertaking a comprehensive baseline energy study,  to understand our community's current energy landscape. This vital step involves gathering data on:

• Energy consumption: Residential, commercial, and agricultural energy use will be estimated through a desktop survey based on population and building types.
• Renewable energy sources: The potential level of renewable energy generation, including solar panels, heat pumps, and other installations, will be assessed.

Community Engagement and Participation

Following the desktop survey, we will be conducting a survey within our communities to gather valuable insights regarding:

• Existing energy usage and awareness
• Specific needs and opportunities for energy reduction and renewable energy adoption

We will be encouraging everyone in our local communities to actively participate in the survey, available online and in a paper format for accessibility. Your contributions and connections in your local communities will be invaluable in shaping our sustainability roadmap and ensuring it addresses your communities specific needs and concerns.

Next Steps: Energy Master Plan Presentation and Workshops

The completion of the Baseline energy study, and the community engagement, will inform our energy team in the creation of the Synergy Credit Union Energy Master Plan. The Energy Mater Plan will provide our service area with;

• Independent retrofit solutions for the homes in our area. Detailing measures, costs and savings.
• A measured potential for solar renewable energy use for Agriculture and Enterprise.
• A register of opportunities for projects, supports and actions in the area of climate action.

Once the Energy Master Plan is finalised, we will present its findings to the local communities at Corrin Event Centre on September 21st 2024 and release the plan publically. This plan will outline realistic and achievable goals for:

• Reducing energy consumption
• Promoting renewable energy sources
• Empowering individuals to make sustainable choices.

Following the presentation on that day, we will have suppliers and experts on renewable energy in your home, business or farm to:

• Showcase available renewable energy resources such as solar panels, heat pumps, and heat recovery systems.
• Inform you about available grants and financing options for sustainable energy projects.
• Provide guidance on starting the process, including one-stop shops, individual energy grants, and the fully funded Warmer Homes Scheme.

We hope to have workshops and energy retrofit events in your community.

Join Us in Building a Brighter Future

We believe that together, we can make a significant difference. We are committed to keeping you updated on our progress and regularly seeking your input and support to reach the people in your local communities. Please feel free to share this information with your community members and encourage them to participate as we move closer to our our first presentation in September 2024. We will after this be looking for venues in your community to hold smaller workshops so your community members can make informed choices.

Contact us at p.morrissey@synergycu.ie to connect with us, share your ideas, or provide contact information for other community members who would like to be involved. Please email the above if you would like an event in your local community hall in any of the areas we serve.

Let's work together to build a brighter, greener future for ourselves and generations to come!