Environmental Sustainability

The gas network plays a critical role in Ireland’s economy today, delivering 30% of the country’s primary energy needs; serving homes, businesses and generating electricity. Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) aims to deliver services in a sustainable manner that contributes to the protection of the environment, whilst focusing on sustainability in the areas of waste, biodiversity and climate change.

GNI is certified to the International Environmental Management System Standard ISO1400, the Energy Management System ISO50001. Gas Networks Ireland is one of only 29 companies in Ireland to have the Business Working Responsibly Mark. The Mark is the only independently audited standard for CSR and Sustainability in Ireland and is audited by the NSAI based on ISO 26000. In 2018, GNI committed to the Low Carbon Pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.

In 2019, Gas Networks Ireland and its parent company, Ervia launched its vision for the gas network to evolve to become net zero carbon by 2050 supporting emission reductions across every sector of the Irish economy at the lowest cost possible. We are committed to playing our part in the effort to tackle climate change becoming a sustainable clean energy for now and for the future.

This vision will be realised using Renewable Gas, we are aiming to have 20% on our network by 2030 and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in transport, a proven alternative for commercial fleets to diesel or petrol that reduces costs by up to a quarter and carbon emissions by 22%. The feasibility of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and hydrogen solutions are also being assessed as part of a wider long-term ambition to pursue net zero carbon and zero carbon solutions.

Combined Heat and Power

CHP (Combined Heat and Power) is a particularly appropriate energy solution for industries with large energy requirements. Using cogeneration to provide both heat and electricity on-site allows a business to reduce its overall energy costs, resulting in a significant competitive and productivity advantages. The efficiencies of CHP systems result in reduced energy usage and lower CO2 emissions.

Suitable for a wide range of applications, CHP is particularly appropriate as an energy solution where there is a high demand for both electricity and steam, heat or hot water. It is widely applicable to the Hospitality sector, in particular hotels with swimming pools, leisure centres etc. Examples of some hotels that have installed CHP as an energy solution can be found here.

Case Studies

Contact details:

• Gas Networks Ireland's dedicated business team
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• Tel: 1850 411 511
• Email: businesslink@gasnetworks.ie
• Website: www.gasnetworks.ie/business