John Collins, Climate Action Coordinator at Kerry County Council, with David Jeffers, Head of the Energy Conservation Unit at OPW, and Paul Tighe, Senior Engineer at OPW.KERRY County Council has been announced as the winner of the public sector Energy Efficiency Impact Award at the Munster Regional Optimising Power @ Work Awards.
The award recognises buildings that have achieved the most significant improvements in energy performance during the assessment period through engagement with the Optimising Power @ Work programme.
The judging panel commended Kerry County Council’s energy team for its strong operational focus, attention to detail, and effective day-to-day management, which delivered excellent results.
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The Council has also shown a clear commitment to long-term sustainability, with investments in renewable energy, including a 230 kW solar PV installation across three buildings, and the development of a new NZEB-standard modular building to reduce future energy use and emissions.
Alongside these technical achievements, the judges recognised a strong culture of staff engagement, highlighted by an annual Sustainable Development Goals Week delivered in partnership with the Climate Action Unit.
Speaking at the awards, David Jeffers, Head of the Energy Conservation Unit in the Office of Public Works (OPW), highlighted the importance of combining technical improvements with staff engagement to achieve lasting results.
“Kerry County Council has shown how meaningful progress comes from combining good building management with strong staff engagement and long-term thinking,” said Mr Jeffers.
“Their work demonstrates that energy efficiency is not just about technology or infrastructure. It is about creating a culture where sustainability is considered in everyday decisions across the organisation.”
