Summary
Coffey’s, a rural bar and grocery store operating since 1916 in Lecarrow County Roscommon, initiated a Green for Business project to modernize its refrigeration and kitchen equipment. The aim was to significantly reduce energy usage, lower utility costs, and future-proof the premises for environmental sustainability.
Challenge
- Several appliances over 30 years old, running inefficiently
- Use of outdated refrigerants
- High annual electricity costs across key appliances:
- Ice machine (€1,971/year)
- Display fridge (€2,080/year)
- Glasswasher (€883/year)
- Lack of monitoring systems or sustainability plan
Solution
- Conducted a full energy audit and appliance efficiency analysis
- Estimated carbon footprint: 11.67 tCO₂e (via Climate Toolkit calculator)
- Recommending replacements for:
- Ice machine
- Glasswasher
- Display fridge
- Reviewed appliance quotes and expected savings
- Proposed basic sustainability plan and community engagement steps
- Highlighted Energy Efficiency Grant eligibility for future solar installations
Outcomes
- €3,000–€4,000/year in electricity savings projected
- Energy savings per unit:
- Ice machine: 3,500 kWh, €1,050, 0.82 tCO₂e
- Glasswasher: 1,324 kWh, €397, 0.31 tCO₂e
- Display fridge: 4,737 kWh, €660, 0.524 tCO₂e
- Improved hygiene, reliability, and future compliance
- Foundation laid for further action: solar power, waste baling, local sourcing
Company Quote :
“We’ve always served the community, and now we’re proud to do it more sustainably. This plan helps us modernize while staying true to our roots.” – Sarah Jane Coffey
