Margie McCarthy, Director of Research and Policy Insights, SEAI and Brendan Dooley from The FACTORY, pictured at the SEAI Energy Awards at the Gibson Hotel on Friday, October 7 where The FACTORY won the Small Business Award.

Offaly print business wins national SEAI award

Kayley Hardiman

Published: Tue 11 Oct 2022, 2:17 PM

Last updated: Tue 11 Oct 2022, 4:07 PM

Fivealley based print business, The FACTORY took home the Small and Medium Business Award at the recent Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) awards.

The FACTORY is an eco-print and graphic design studio, now generating 65% of its electricity on-site via wind and solar power. It has installed LED lighting, an air-to-water heating, a solar PV array, a small wind turbine and invested in an electric vehicle for local deliveries. Other measures implemented include a four-day work week and managing five acres of land for biodiversity.

Commenting on the win, Creative Director at The FACTORY, Lisa Dooley, said: "It is a really great honour to have won this award, we are thrilled." Her dad, Brendan, managing director, said he would like to thank the amazing team and supportive customers who have helped the business along its eco journey: "Everyone on the team is passionate about creating a sustainable future, so this award is thanks to their efforts; and of course we would also like to say a big thank-you to our customers who have been incredibly encouraging."

Three of the team at The FACTORY have completed the special purpose course, Climate Resilience for Business, at ATU (formerly GMIT). This learning has played an important part in advancing the company's knowledge in sustainability.

The FACTORY is determined to make its sustainable energy journey fully transparent and it has shared its journey and results on social media. The data shows how small businesses can be more sustainable and the local business wants to empower similar businesses to reduce their carbon footprint.

Twelve awards were presented by the SEAI to individuals, businesses, communities, and public sector organisations in recognition of their commitment to sustainable energy and climate action. The event referenced the pressing urgency of climate action and the need for society to rise to the challenge with Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan and William Walsh, CEO of SEAI both calling for a transformation in how we use energy.

Commenting on the leadership shown by all the finalists and winners, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, said:

“I want to congratulate the participants in this year’s SEAI Energy Awards who are setting an example for us all, with real life solutions for a cleaner more sustainable energy future. Right across the country we are seeing a growing commitment to sustainability, from individuals, communities, businesses and public bodies. They are showing this commitment because it’s good for our environment, but it’s also good for business and makes sense for thriving communities and organisations. These finalists are an indication of the enthusiasm and interest that there is to tackling climate change and to making Ireland a better place to live in, to socialise in and to do business in.”

There were 37 finalists shortlisted from 107 entries to this year’s SEAI Energy Awards with projects delivering combined energy savings of €36 million.

Commenting, CEO of SEAI, William Walsh, said:

“Never has commitment to sustainable energy been more crucial. These awards always set a new benchmark in best practice as exciting sustainable energy solutions continuously emerge. I congratulate this year’s winners whose dedication is hugely inspiring. The scale of change required needs exemplars who demonstrate the highest levels of motivation and innovation. I encourage them to share their journeys and expertise and to inspire further action. Geopolitical and economic circumstances make it absolutely essential that we accelerate the deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and increase sustainable energy practices across all sectors. Success will mean we have a more reliable, secure, affordable and environmentally sound energy system.”

The printing business who employ eleven people in Fivealley, Birr are trying to become carbon neutral. They have eliminated the use of fossil fuels and produce their own electricity by installing 66 solar panels and a wind turbine.

The FACTORY also won Green Small Organisation of Year at the National Green Awards and were winners of the Sustainabity Trophy in Offaly's Local Enterprise Awards. The business trades as The FACTORY today, having rebranded from The Print Factory about two years ago, to reflect the enterprise's eveloution to include branding, design, web development and sustainabiltiy, in additon to printing and sign-making.