Through its SME assistance and mentoring programme, Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) helped Sligo Park Hotel and Leisure Club to develop a new energy management system which identified substantial savings by upgrading its heating system and replacing outdated lamps.

A total of 58 SMEs with relatively high gas use (>70 000 kWh annually) took part alongside Sligo Park Hotel in a smart energy management pilot carried out by SEAI with technical support from University College Dublin. After installing smart meters, the SMEs reported energy savings of 5-10 %, or an average of around € 1 000, annually. Having smart meters in place also encouraged SME managers and owners to review their current equipment and made them more aware of saving opportunities.

After investing € 90 000 in upgrading its heating equipment from old oil boilers to LPG-condensing models with cascading operating options, the Sligo Park Hotel now saves 14 % annually and expects to recover the full costs of the investment in just 2.5 years. Hotel staff have also been instructed on best practices for further day-to-day energy savings, and management updated the lighting by replacing halogen with more efficient LED lamps.