Dromgarriff Rainforest: A Vision for Sustainability
Nestled within a picturesque ancient oakwood forest in West Cork, Dromgarriff Rainforest stands as a shining example of how Irish businesses can champion sustainability. This estate, with its five large rental properties, beautifully illustrates how technology and nature can harmoniously coexist to pave the way for a greener future.
The Challenge: High Energy Demands
The estate’s owners, with a clear vision of decarbonisation, approached Electric Ireland to transform their largest building, Silver Birch, into a model of sustainable business practice. Their challenges were not insignificant: high electricity bills, an intensive demand for hot water, and the need to meet high customer expectations without compromising on environmental values.
Collaboration with Electric Ireland
The collaboration with Matthew Pitt from the Electric Ireland Net Zero propositions team marked the beginning of a transformative process. Utilising the Wattrics energy management platform, which Electric Ireland offers in conjunction with DCSix Technologies, they gained invaluable insights into the site’s energy consumption patterns. This real-time data allowed for strategic interventions, optimising hot water immersion systems to align with Electric Ireland’s Green tariffs and confirming the efficiency of solar power and battery storage solutions.
Installation of Solar Panels and Batteries
The installation of a business smart meter, solar panels, and batteries in early 2024 with Electric Ireland’s official partner NRG, was a milestone in the estate’s green journey. The choice of black-on-black solar panels was a thoughtful one, ensuring that the technology integrated seamlessly with the aesthetic of the site, preserving its natural beauty. These panels, connected to a central energy hub, became the heart of a self-sustaining system. The batteries stored the solar energy, which was then used to heat water, with any surplus being diverted only when necessary. This system not only reduced the visual impact but also maximized the use of renewable energy generated on-site combined with Electric Ireland’s green tariff.
Achievements and Future Plans
“With the solar panels, batteries, and smart diverters controlling the hot water systems, the project is estimated to save four tonnes of carbon. The initiative has successfully reduced the electricity carbon footprint to zero, which is a fantastic achievement in such a short time,” noted Matthew Pitt from the Net Zero Propositions team. This achievement is not just a testament to the commitment of the Dromgarriff estate but also serves as an inspiration for other businesses seeking to reduce their environmental impact.
Dromgarriff - Continuing the Green Journey
The journey doesn’t end here as Dromgarriff Rainforest looks to apply all these learnings from Silver Birch to the remaining properties on the site. This one property has seen a reduction in electricity costs of €1,000 within three months of the solar installation being completed, with much of the savings being reinvested back into the surrounding land. The strong commitment to protect the beautiful ancient woodland is a testament to the foresight and dedication of the Dromgarriff Rainforest team, ensuring that the natural beauty and ecological importance of the area are preserved for future generations.
“Electric Ireland has helped us immensely. The money that we’re saving is going back into the forestry. We have to look after this ancient woodland, that’s our main goal,” said Esther, Dromgarriff Rainforest Business Manager.
If you’re inspired by the Dromgarriff Rainforest estate’s journey and are looking to achieve your own sustainability goals, now is the perfect time to take action. Reach out to Electric Ireland to explore how our innovative solutions can help your business reduce its carbon footprint and embrace a greener future. Contact Electric Ireland today and start your journey towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly business practice.
How to get started on your business's sustainability journey?
Electric Ireland’s Wattrics energy management platform is offered in conjunction with DCSix Technologies. Please find further information
here and the option to request a call back.
Electric Ireland’s Business Solar product is available through our partners NRG Panel. Please find further information
here and the option to submit your interest.
Together, we can make a significant impact on our environment and create a better world for future generations.