Supervalu & SEAI dig deep for energy efficiency

Supervalu has donated over €338,000 in support of greater energy efficiency at community shelters.

The donation was made through SEAI Better Energy Communities Scheme, which offers support and accommodation for those experiencing homelessness and those most at risk in society.

The Simon Communities of Ireland received a significant €133,275 contribution through donations from Supervalu and grant support from the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland, which will help improve energy efficiency in a number of centres nationwide.

The support has enabled five Simon Communities of Ireland premises to carry out a range of energy upgrades including roof insulation, external wall insulation, new hot water cylinders and new window installations. Premises in Cork, Dublin, Meath, Lusk and Navan have benefitted from the scheme; ensuring vulnerable people in the community have a safe and comfortable place to go.

The much needed building upgrades will save the buildings an estimated €4,500 a year in energy costs, allowing them to channel the savings into helping those people most in need of support.

Speaking in relation to the energy upgrade Dermot Kavanagh, director of Cork Simon Community said: “We cannot fight homelessness on our own. It takes a caring and compassionate community working together to address it effectively, believing in people, believing that everyone has the right to a warm, safe, affordable place to call home.

“Supervalu is very much part of that caring and compassionate community fighting homelessness. We’re very grateful for their commitment to working with Simon around the country to make sure everyone has a place to call home.”

Supervalu’s latest initiative is committed to building sustainable communities, and is all part of SEAI’s aim to improve the efficiency and comfort of homes, community buildings and businesses throughout Ireland.

SEAI chief executive Jim Gannon said: “Our communities programmes seek to bring business and the community together, so that they can take control of their own transition to a cleaner energy future.

“The impact of this Supervalu project is significant with several charities, community organisations and businesses benefiting as a result of the energy upgrades. We are proud of our association with it, and congratulate all involved”, Mr Gannon concluded.