A Guide for SMEs Starting an Energy Retrofit Journey
Speaking to ThinkBusiness.ie, our Commercial Director, Jake O’ Connell, outlines how businesses should navigate energy upgrades.
As energy costs continue to challenge Irish businesses, more small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) are exploring energy retrofits to reduce operating costs and strengthen long‑term resilience.
Research from Amárach shows that sustainability is already firmly on the agenda, with 85% of businesses saying it is important to day‑to‑day operations. However, many SMEs still think of the retrofit process as complex or intimidating.
Our Commercial Director, Jake O’Connell, recently spoke with ThinkBusiness.ie, outlining how breaking the retrofit journey into manageable steps – assessment, planning, funding and delivery – can make the process far more accessible for businesses.
Start with Understanding Energy Usage
The first step is to understand how the building or facility uses energy. Businesses typically achieve this through an energy audit, which analyses consumption across heating, lighting, equipment and operational processes. The result is a practical roadmap that highlights where businesses are losing energy and which improvements will deliver the greatest impact.
SMEs in Ireland can access a €2,000 energy audit voucher through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), which reduces the upfront costs on this initial step.
Choosing the Right Upgrades for your Business
Once businesses understand their energy use, they can begin to identify the most suitable retrofit measures. Retrofit experts often recommend a fabric‑first approach, as upgrades such as roof, wall and floor insulation significantly reduce heat loss and improve comfort.
Heating systems are another key focus. Many commercial buildings still rely on oil or gas boilers, which are costly and carbon‑intensive. Replacing these with high‑efficiency systems, such as heat pumps, delivers lower emissions and reduced energy spend.
Solar PV is also becoming increasingly popular among SMEs. By generating their own electricity on‑site, businesses can reduce reliance on the grid, lower costs and protect against future price fluctuations.
Alongside larger projects, smaller “quick‑win” measures can also deliver real results. Switching to LED lighting, installing smart controls or upgrading motors and pumps can drive immediate savings.
Funding and Grant Supports for SMEs
Upfront cost remains one of the biggest concerns for SMEs considering retrofits. While long‑term savings are clear, access to finance is crucial. Jake points to the range of SEAI supports that specifically target businesses, including technical design assistance and capital grants available through schemes such as the Communities Energy Grant and the Business Energy Supports Scheme.
These supports help reduce financial risk and give businesses the confidence to invest.
From Plan to Progress
With a clear plan and funding in place, businesses can move into implementation. This stage involves detailed design, contractor selection and careful scheduling to minimise disruption. Grant approvals may take time, but once secured, funding bodies typically give organisations up to 12 months to complete works.
Taking the First Step
For SMEs considering energy retrofits, the key is getting started. Trusted partners such as SE Systems can guide businesses through audits, grants and the next steps in their retrofit journey.
While the transition to more efficient energy systems may seem challenging at first, clear guidance and practical support can turn sustainability goals into tangible business benefits, delivering lower costs, improved performance and greater resilience for the future.
