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The Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte T.D. today published Ireland’s National Energy Services Framework (NESF), which will support the rollout of energy performance contracting (EPC) to public and commercial facilities across the country.

The key aim of the Framework is to develop robust projects that are investment-ready, stimulating the development of a market for Energy Services Companies (ESCOs) and supporting sustainable employment in construction and professional services.

The Minister paid tribute to the Exemplar Projects from the public and private sectors that are road-testing the Framework, a number of which are expected to go out to tender early this year. “Today there are over 20 organisations who have risen to the challenge we laid out earlier this year to be the pioneers for this new and innovative approach to energy service contracting. I am confident that as we bring more projects through the pipeline, we will lower transaction costs and build capacity through shared experience, which will deliver the energy savings where they are needed”.

The Framework delivers standard reference material including technical evaluation, procurement advice and model contracts to bring energy suppliers, Energy Services Companies (ESCOs) and clients together. The Framework also aims to provide best-practice guidance to public and private sector client organisations when procuring energy services and engaging ESCOs.

Dr. Brian Motherway, Chief Executive SEAI, said: “There has been very keen interest in the development of the Framework, reflecting the growing awareness of energy efficiency as a business opportunity where there are economic and job gains there for the taking. Delivery of the exemplar projects will create jobs and reduce energy bills, and when others see what is possible I am confident they too will act.”

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Notes for Editors

Further detail on the National Energy Services Framework and how to apply as an exemplar project is available on: www.seai.ie/Your_Business/National_Energy_Services_Framework

What is the National Energy Services Framework?

The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR) has developed the National Energy Services Framework to help develop the energy-efficiency market in the non-domestic sector throughout Ireland. Following the commitment in the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) and the Programme for Government, this Framework sets out the roadmap through which energy efficiency projects and specifically how an Energy Performance Contracting process is undertaken. It explains the process to date and provides guidance on routes to project development, together with sources of finance and the support available from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to help develop projects in the public and commercial sectors. For more information see: http://www.seai.ie/Your_Business/National_Energy_Services_Framework/EPC_Handbook/

A range of key stakeholders from government and industry gave generously of their time and expertise to assist in developing and refining the principles that have been captured in this comprehensive guide.

What is an Exemplar Project?

Exemplar projects are demonstration projects that are prepared to use, test and provide feedback on the approach, tools and structures will be accepted as Exemplar projects. Exemplars will receive additional supports in the form of training, networking and access to a panel of legal and technical experts to review and comment at key stages of the projects. In return participating organisations must commit to actively provide feedback on use of the Framework.

There are currently over 20 exemplar projects underway across the public and private sectors. They are attending regular workshops, facilitated by the SEAI to work through project management issues and are in receipt of technical assistance to support their approaches. Further background including guide and application form for technical assistance can be downloaded at the following link:

http://www.seai.ie/Your_Business/National_Energy_Services_Framework/Technical-Assistance/

For details of the exemplar projects already underway, see the link below: