Media

30 November 2011: The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has received a special award for its work in optimising airline routes to cut distances travelled by 2.2 million kilometres, saving 16 million litres of airline fuel per annum.

This was one of the Sustainable Energy Awards, which rewards excellence in energy management by organisations of all sizes. It attracted 105 entries.

The IAA's strategy is now being implemented by other air authorities, including the Maastricht Air Traffic Control Centre which controls traffic over Germany, Holland and the Benelux countries. 

47,000 tonnes of carbon emissions have been saved as a direct result of the IAA's investment in systems and technology and the continuous optimisation of Irish airspace structure and routes over the past 12 months.

Mr Eamonn Brennan, IAA CEO said Ireland is leading the way in air traffic management (ATM) systems and technology and this has resulted in increased safety, better efficiency of airline operations, reduction in the environmental impact of air travel, while at the same time supporting sustainable aviation and providing adequate capacity out to 2020.

"Airline passengers would not be aware, but we have dramatically enhanced our systems and technologies and streamlined air traffic operations and routes through Irish airspace," says Mr Brennan.

Hosted by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and sponsored by ESB Electric Ireland, the eighth annual Awards saw all business sectors recognised for their efforts in reducing energy use and CO₂ emissions. 

(L-R Brendan Halligan, Chairman, SEAI, Sean McAdam O'Connell, IAA, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte TD, Brid Horan Executive Director, ESB Electric Ireland )

Congratulating the 2011 Award winners, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Mr Pat Rabbitte, T.D., said that the economic results we were seeing from the organisations entering the awards were very encouraging.

"These translate directly into more cost competitive businesses and more cost efficient public services. By implementing energy efficient standards and practices we have a seen an average of 13% energy savings across all organisations involved in this year's Sustainable Energy Awards. I congratulate all who took these steps to become more energy efficient and I urge other companies to get involved," Minister Rabbitte said.

Professor J. Owen Lewis, Chief Executive, SEAI said: "Businesses around Ireland are really embracing sustainable energy and the results show that every change implemented has made a significant difference.

"Each year we see more companies entering with exciting projects that are saving energy and benefiting their bottom line. Apart from showing leadership in energy management, a number of this year's entrants have delivered significant retrofitting projects to buildings and facilities.

"We are also seeing smart new business solutions using leading edge technologies, as well as new visions of sustainable energy communities emerging. These are very promising trends and we need to see this momentum continuing in the times immediately ahead. I congratulate all the winners and finalists, "he said. 

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