Aaron Jennings
Sustainability Technologist, Irish Manufacturing Research
As Ireland advances its energy transition, reliable data is critical for achieving sustainability targets and regulatory compliance. Discover how accurate data drives efficiency and strategic planning.
In today’s evolving energy and sustainability landscape, robust data is crucial for shaping strategic roadmaps and meeting energy efficiency targets. Accurate and reliable data collection and analysis are key for both industrial and environmental efforts, emphasising the need for more granular energy data across all sectors.
Digitisation for energy management
Aligning with science-based targets and ISO 50001, standards are vital for sustainability. These standards emphasise data’s role in achieving environmental goals and energy efficiency. Legislative requirements for certified energy audits stress the importance of data in recording energy consumption, identifying inefficiencies and implementing improvements.
Although Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Building Management System (BMS) have advanced, a full digital transformation would revolutionise how organisations approach action planning and respond to energy-related incidents. By integrating advanced digital tools and technologies, organisations can streamline data collection and analysis, enabling more precise forecasting and proactive management of energy systems. Organisations can then minimise downtime, optimise energy usage and enhance overall operational efficiency while maintaining a more resilient and responsive energy management framework such as SI 426 or ISO 50001.
Accurate and repeatable energy data
is essential for understanding carbon
footprints and sustainability targets.
GHG protocol assessments and CSRD
At Irish Manufacturing Research, we have seen a rising demand for high-quality data to support Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG)-aligned assessments of Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. These assessments are critical for complying with the Corporate Social Responsibility Directive (CSRD) reporting requirements. The European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) reporting mechanism under CSRD mandates detailed energy data to enhance transparency and drive sustainability.
Reporting requirements include energy consumption, renewable energy share and efficiency measures, as well as linking energy use to pollution control and emissions and reporting on resource use and the circular economy. Accurate and repeatable energy data is essential for understanding carbon footprints and sustainability targets.
Embracing a data-driven approach
Irish Manufacturing Research recognises an increasing demand for robust evaluation tools and frameworks in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. To effectively meet ESG goals and CSR commitments, integrating reliable and quantifiable data has become indispensable. Leveraging advanced technologies, conducting independent benchmarking and adhering to recognised standards are critical for accurately mapping energy and sustainability journeys.
This data-driven methodology enables organisations to set realistic and actionable targets, monitor progress and achieve their objectives more effectively. Comprehensive and precise energy data forms the backbone of this process, providing actionable insights that drive strategic decision-making and ensure the successful implementation of sustainability initiatives.
