ISO 50001 at WIT – the case for collaborative working
Project Info
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Project Details
Client: Waterford Institute of Technology
Categories: Energy
Date: 25.09.2018
Website: WIT Energy Management
Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) was the first institute of technology in Ireland to be certified to the international best practice energy management system ISO 50001. The achievement of the ISO 50001 certification was helped made possible through the commitment and drive of the WIT Energy Advisory Group (WEAG), a multi-disciplinary team of WIT staff and students, chaired by Tom O’Brien (lecturer, Department of Built Environment) with implementation of the strategy led by Elaine Greenan, Estates Manager and her team.
ISO 50001 specifies requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining and improving an energy management system, and enables organisations to follow a systematic approach in achieving continual improvement of energy performance. In recognition of its efforts, WIT won the SEAI Energy Team / Energy Manager of the year award. Institute Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Finance Elaine Sheridan commented: “As part of our environmental strategy, WIT has proactively engaged in reducing its energy consumption, adopting a structured and strategic approach to energy management and ensuring that the Institute operates in a responsible, sustainable and energy-efficient manner.” WIT’s efforts are certainly paying off, achieving a 36% energy saving target which exceeds the required public sector 33% target, and racking up cost savings of over €300,000.
The WEAG was formed in 2014 and meets every six weeks to enable staff and students to bring energy to the agenda of everyday life at WIT as well as at home. In addition to helping achieve ISO 50001, other aims and initiatives of the group on campus include: helping reduce the dependence on fossil fuel and promoting the application of renewable energy; creating a platform for engagement with the staff and student community on energy issues; assisting in applying for funding for energy related projects; and holding a regular ‘Green Campus’ Days to promote energy awareness on campus and at home.
For further information
- Visit the WEAG web pages at wit.ie/weag
- Members of WEAG https://www.wit.ie/about_wit/for_staff/wit-energy-advisory-group#tab=panel-2