SuperValu and Centra stores, in association with the SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) communities scheme, have once again invested both time and money as part of their endeavours to build sustainable communities around Ireland. National charities; Enable Ireland and the Simon Community, as well as local clubs and community groups, have been on the receiving end of substantial financial contribution amounting to €353,000, as a result of this scheme and the stores’ notable efforts.
This national retrofit programme upgrades store and community buildings and facilities to meet high standards of energy efficiency and renewable energy usage, with an aim of reducing energy costs, fossil fuel usage and greenhouse gas emissions year on year, as well as significantly improving the comfort of these homes and buildings.
This year Enable Ireland and the Simon Community, along with eight local charities from around the country, received a substantial investment of €353,000 from eight SuperValu and Centra stores and the SEAI. This significant investment and resulting energy upgrades have not only put money back into the pockets of these very worthwhile causes due to reduced yearly energy bills, but have also resulted in cosier and more comfortable conditions for those using these premises.
As a result of this scheme Enable Ireland, an organisation that provides services to children and adults with disabilities and their families, installed six air-to-water heat pumps that replaced the existing gas-fired system, as well as installing a new high-efficiency condensing gas boiler at their Sandymount Avenue location. Three Simon Community buildings in Castleknock and Drimnagh, Dublin and Maynooth, Kildare, used their store and SEAI funding to install new attic and external wall insultation along with new boiler and heating controls. Enable Ireland and the Simon Community were the chosen national charity partner for this Supervalu, Centra & SEAI project, spearheaded by Riordan’s SuperValu Fermoy, Donohoe’s SuperValu Ballinamore, Martin’s SuperValu Clonmel and Hickson’s Centra Piltown.
Commenting on their involvement in this energy saving community programme, Sinéad O’Keeffe, Partnerships & Philanthropy Manager with Enable Ireland said, “This is a fantastic initiative and we are extremely grateful to Musgrave, each of the SuperValu and Centra retailers involved and the SEAI for their extensive contribution to Enable Ireland. We work incredibly hard to support Irish families living with disabilities, providing services such as clinical assessment, respite and family support, so such substantial annual savings as a result of this scheme will make a huge difference to our organisation.”
A further eight local community groups and organisations were also chosen by a select number of SuperValu retailers as benefactors of this scheme:
- Ballincollig GAA Club, Ballincollig Rugby Club, Wilton Park House and Bishopstown House (nominated by Quish’s SuperValu Ballincollig)
- Midleton Scout Hall and Midleton GAA Club (nominated by Hurley’s SuperValu Midleton)
- Passage West GAA Club (nominated by Musgrave Market Place Cork)
- St Mary’s Rugby Club (nominated by Garvey’s SuperValu Corbally)
Through considerable investment into each of these clubs and organisations, the retailers involved will enable their chosen charities or groups to enjoy extensive annual savings in energy bills, thus allowing each organisation to put this money to better use in other areas. Aside from the annual savings experienced by each charity and community group involved, the scheme also promotes the importance of environmental awareness when building sustainable communities.
The SuperValu and Centre stores involved are leading by example as shining beacons for sustainability, showcasing energy efficient technologies in their own stores as a result of heavy investment in energy upgrades to reduce their own carbon footprint. Works carried out included the installation of refrigeration cabinets with doors, plug in freezers, LED lighting upgrades and Solar PV roof panels. Electric Car charging points were also installed in some stores providing free Electric Vehicle charging for customers. All of these upgrades have resulted in these eight SuperValu and Centra stores recording estimated yearly energy savings of €172,100.
“Awareness of energy and environmental issues is now more integral than ever, and in order to create and maintain sustainable communities, each and every one of us must play our part,” explained John Randles, Head of Delivery with SEAI. “SEAI works with communities by offering grant support for much needed energy upgrades. This brings businesses and the broader community together in a positive way that results in warmer and more energy efficient homes and buildings. As well as these tangible benefits, those involved are playing an important part in protecting the planet for future generations. This project is a great example of businesses reaching out to help charities in their community and we congratulate all who participated.”
Echoing this statement, Daniel Murphy, Sustainability Manager for SuperValu and Centra commented, “We have an ongoing commitment to creating a sense of togetherness and energy reduction within our local communities and we firmly believe that this should begin in our own stores. We hope that our contribution and that of our retailers and the SEAI, who we are delighted to partner with, helps Enable Ireland, the Simon Community and all the other local groups and organisations involved to generate much needed savings that will allow them to continue their fantastic work.”
SuperValu and Centra are part of the Musgrave Group, Ireland’s largest grocery and food distributors. With 223 stores throughout Ireland, SuperValu has served the people of Ireland for over 30 years and has become a well-established landmark across Irish communities. Centra maintains a reputation for quality, value and friendly service, with bright, accessible stores in over 450 locations throughout the country. For more information on SuperValu and Centra and their fantastic work in the local community, go to www.supervalu.ie and www.centra.ie or check out Facebook\SuperValuIreland and Facebook/CentraIreland.