Darragh O’Brien
Minister for Department of Environment, Climate and Communications
The Government is fully committed to a low-carbon future and to playing a leading role in meeting the global energy and climate challenge.
We are equally focused on strengthening Ireland’s energy security and maintaining the competitiveness of our economy. That’s why our programme of supports for business has expanded with the Business Energy Upgrades Scheme (BEUS), which I launched in April.
Financial support scheme for SMEs
This new scheme is designed specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It is funded by my Department and delivered by our expert partners, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. It provides financial support alongside expert advice to help businesses cut their energy use and costs by improving the efficiency of their buildings and operations. Its contribution to sustainable infrastructure is clear, not only in terms of emissions reductions but also in building long-term economic resilience.
Why it’s easy to use and supports climate action
This scheme is a game-changer because of how easy it is to use. For the first time, SMEs can apply online and receive grant approval within minutes, removing one of the biggest barriers to taking climate action.
From a policy perspective, the scheme aligns directly with our national climate targets by supporting retrofits, such as energy-efficient lighting, insulation, heating systems and renewable technologies. Every upgrade reduces commercial energy use, is a step toward meeting our goal of a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and helps build climate resilience into Ireland’s infrastructure.
It provides financial support alongside
expert advice to help businesses
cut their energy use and costs.
Cost savings and job generation
The benefits of BEUS are not just limited to carbon savings. Energy efficiency also delivers real cost savings to businesses by improving competitiveness, particularly for SMEs, which are the backbone of our economy. The scheme also supports jobs across the country in the retrofit and engineering sectors, driving regional employment and balanced growth.
This is a replicable, scalable model of public-private cooperation. By lowering practical, financial and technical barriers, we are encouraging more businesses to invest in sustainability. We’re also gathering feedback from participants to help shape future climate and energy strategies.
Crucially, the scheme promotes behavioural change in the business community — embedding sustainability into everyday planning and decision-making. That kind of voluntary leadership creates a powerful momentum for Ireland’s wider energy transition.
Enabling sustainable business growth
The Business Energy Upgrade Scheme is not just a funding mechanism; it’s a strategic enabler of sustainable infrastructure, delivering high-impact climate action while boosting economic vitality. It shows how targeted government support can deliver real, lasting benefits for Irish businesses and communities alike.
