SuperValu, through SEAI Better Energy Communities Scheme, has given over €338,000 to charity, nationally and locally, in addition to locking in energy savings of €17,000 per year.
The Simon Communities of Ireland, one of Ireland’s largest charities, who work tirelessly to provide the best possible care, accommodation and support for people experiencing homelessness and those at risk, received a significant €133,275 contribution through donations from SuperValu and grant support from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), to improve the energy efficiency of a number of their centres nationwide.
This generous support enabled five Simon Communities of Ireland premises, Charlemont Terrace, Cork, Clonsilla, Dublin 15, Ashbourne, Co Meath, Lusk, Co Dublin and Gerard Maria Navan, to carry out a range of energy upgrades which included;
• Roof Insulation
• External Wall Insulation
• Boiler & Controls Upgrades
• New Windows & Doors
• New Hot Water Cylinders
As a result of these much-needed building upgrades, the Simon Communities of Ireland will save an estimated €4,500 a year in energy costs, allowing them to channel more of their funds directly into helping those experiencing homelessness. These upgrades have also resulted in more comfortable buildings for those taking shelter from the cold winter weather.
Speaking in relation to these energy upgrades Dermot Kavanagh, Director of Cork Simon Community commented, ”We cannot fight homelessness on our own. It takes a caring and compassionate community working together to address it effectively, believing in people, believing that everyone has the right to a warm, safe, affordable place to call home. Supervalu is very much part of that caring and compassionate community fighting homelessness. We’re very grateful for their commitment to working with Simon around the country to make sure everyone has a place to call home.”
Simon Communities of Ireland was chosen as the national charity partner for this SuperValu & SEAI project, spearheaded by Arthur’s SuperValu Stradbally, but there were ten other lucky local charities who also received funding from six local SuperValu stores across the county and SEAI. These local charities included Meals on Wheels Navan, Scouts Den Castlerea, Glanmire Community Association, Thomastown Community Centre, Bere Island Community Centre, and Togher Family Centre, to name but a few.
Martin Kelleher, Managing Director of SuperValu Ireland, spoke passionately about this project, “The Simon Communities of Ireland provide essential services in the heart of local communities nationwide, helping those in great need. At SuperValu, communities are at our core and we strive to add value in our local communities, both with our in-store offerings but also through community projects such as this.”
“We have an ongoing commitment to creating greener and more vibrant local communities, beginning in our own stores. We hope that our contribution, and that of the SEAI, who we are delighted to partner with, helps The Simon Communities of Ireland, and all the other local charities, make much needed savings to continue their fantastic work,” Kelleher concluded.
This SuperValu initiative in association with SEAI, which highlights SuperValu’s commitment to building sustainable communities, is all part of the SEAI Better Energy Communities Scheme, which aims to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of homes, community buildings and businesses across the country.
Commenting, Jim Gannon, Chief Executive with SEAI said: “Our communities programmes seek to bring business and the community together, so that they can take control of their own transition to a cleaner energy future. The impact of this SuperValu project is significant with several charities, community organisations and businesses benefitting as a result of the energy upgrades. We are proud of our association with it, and congratulate all involved.”
The seven SuperValu stores involved in Building Sustainably Communities; Smith’s SuperValu Navan, Cahill’s SuperValu Castlerea, Ryan’s SuperValu Glanmire, Ryan’s SuperValu Grange, Murphy’s SuperValu Castletownbere, Arthur’s SuperValu Stradbally and SuperValu Thomastown are a shining example of sustainability and showcase energy efficient technologies in their own stores, as a result of heavy investment in energy upgrades to reduce their own carbon footprint. The installation of LED lighting, refrigeration upgrades with energy efficient doors, and freezer upgrades has resulted in these SuperValu stores recording estimated yearly energy savings of €209,000.
Along with their own store energy upgrades and community charity effort, SuperValu also worked with two suppliers in their Food Academy; Ballyhoura Apple Farm and Tipperary Kitchen, to save these local suppliers €3,900 yearly in energy savings.
