Council goes green in 400 ‘buildings’

THE Jack Lynch Tunnel is among hundreds of Cork’s public ‘buildings’ which will be powered by green electricity.

Cork City Council officially announced a deal with Airtricity yesterday that will see the company supply electricity to 400 of its buildings and sites for a year.

Other large consumers of electricity, including the Lee Road waterworks, some of the city-owned multi-storey car parks, and large water pumping stations will also be supplied with the electricity, generated from renewable sources.

The deal will see the council reducing its CO2 emissions by 54,000 tonnes per annum — the equivalent of taking 1,280 cars off the road.

The deal began in September and can be extended in 2008.

The contract is the latest demonstration of the city council’s commitment to using alternative sustainable energy supplies, a spokesman said.

The council already generates electricity from a micro hydro generator and from landfill gas.

It also operates 25 of its vehicles on B100 biodiesel that is grown, pressed and refined in Cork.

Brian Cassidy, a senior executive engineer with the council, said the Airtricity agreement makes financial sense for the city — it is estimated to save about €80,000 per annum in electricity charges.

“Airtricity offers competitive prices, first rate service and the chance to avoid polluting the atmosphere with CO2 emissions,” he said.

“The council has established a number of initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and our agreement with Airtricity is a practical step towards this and a cleaner, greener environment.”

David Brown, Airtricity’s sales and marketing director said: “I am delighted to be working with the council and applaud them on their environmental initiatives, not only with Airtricity but for their environmental focus across their organisation.”