Boyne Fishermens Rescue and Recovery Service save on energy costs for boathouse
The rescue and recovery service wanted to reduce their energy bills to allow them more budget to fuel the boats.
Background
Boyne Fishermens Rescue and Recovery Service is a voluntary community rescue service based on the River Boyne in Drogheda with a unit located in Kiltimagh, County Mayo.
The organisation was developed by fishermen who were contacted by the Guards to search for missing persons on the River Boyne.
They can respond to any incident reported within the 32 counties and, where possible, will stay until a loved one is found.
The project
Before receiving the energy upgrades, the boathouse was cold and damp, which was causing issues such as equipment being unable to dry out properly resulting in high energy bills. They contacted SEAI for advice and the first step was assessing the building through a Building Energy Rating assessment and formulating a plan of action.
Boyne Fishermens Rescue has received a grant for a number of measures over the last few years including:
- LED lighting throughout the entire building. The quality of the new lighting is far superior, much clearer and energy bills have reduced.
- Solar PV panels for electricity generation.
- An air source heat pump which supplies heating to the building and hot water for the showers.
- Time and temperature zone controls for the heat pump meaning the heating can be turned on and off anytime of the day or night through an app.
The project was coordinated by: REIL (Retrofit Energy Ireland Ltd).
One thing is for real though - we cannot function as a Rescue and Recovery Service if we can't afford to put fuel in the boats. It's really that simple. Reducing our bills allows us to keep responding when the calls come in and this is our end goal.
Results
The project cost €22,6801 in total. SEAI provided 50% funding as a not-for-profit, which amounted to €11,340.
The team has since saved €2,561 in thermal energy costs and 5,369 kgCO2 Carbon savings.
The issues they had with mould have decreased considerably as a result of the heat pump.
1. These costs are solely representative of the heat pump that was installed during their 2022 project, all other costs for previous measures not factored in.
SEAI's community supports
This project was a recipient of a SEAI community grant. SEAI provides a range of additional community supports including free mentoring, technical supports and funding. In addition to grant funding, projects are able to apply for energy credits.
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