Ireland’s seafood agency supports energy saving initiative

Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency (BIM) recently partnered with IBEC, EPA’s GreenBusiness.ie to run a series of free seminars to assist businesses manage energy and explore smart and inexpensive methods to reduce energy costs.

The first of these half-day seminars at their Seafood Development Centre focused on case studies from companies with strategies already in place. These included the Carbery Group (€500,000 annual saving from combined technical improvements, management commitment and safety awareness/training); the Musgrave Group (€1 million plus saving in the last five years by reducing energy consumption in warehousing, distribution and retail) and Shellfish de la Mer (reduced diesel usage by 10% over the last twelve months.)

 Albert O’Sullivan-Greene of Shellfish De La Mer, Paul Ward, Manager Seafood Development Centre, Clonakilty and Brian Scannell of Musgraves at the Green Business, Ibec & BIM Energy Management Seminar in Clonakilty

BIM has also outlined its new Green Seafood Business Programme which aims to deliver resource efficiency improvements and reduce operating costs for seafood businesses. In addition to direct cost savings, eco-efficiency can increase market advantage and differentiation.

“In addition to saving operational costs, this programme will assist seafood companies to manage their business in a sustainable manner which links in with Bord Bia’s Origin Green Programme. This level of commitment to sustainability in all aspects of their business is a key selling point on the market.” remarked Donal Buckley, BIM’s Director of Business Innovation and Development.