News

Published 2 April 2020

Introduction

EcoMerit would like to extend its thoughts and best wishes to all its members at this time of major crisis. 

In response to the crisis we propose some adjustments to our normal way of working.  Our aim is to support Members through this period without compromising the long-term value of EcoMerit certification. 

Members will be updated with any changes to these arrangements and advised when they terminate.

Physical distancing

As of two weeks ago, EcoMerit ceased all visits to Members. All contacts with Certified Members, the EcoMerit Oversight Board and between EcoMerit personnel are restricted to phone, email and teleconference.

EcoMerit support services remain available to all Members by phone and email.

Performance Reporting

We will contact Members directly about individual performance reporting requirements. 

Meter Readings and Water Leak Tests

In cases where premises are shut down due to the Covid-19 emergency the requirement for regular meter readings will be waived until such time as the premises are reopened or the emergency is over.

It may be possible to read meters during security or maintenance visits.  Where this is the case, this is recommended, particularly for water meters as a long-term water leak would be wasteful and expensive.  If at all possible, the shut-down offers an opportunity to carry out your annual water leak test.

Certification Surveillance

The following arrangements for certification surveillance are now in place;

1. EcoMerit will contact the Member to advise when a surveillance visit is due.
2. If the premises are still operating, the surveillance will be carried out remotely.  EcoMerit will ask for relevant documentation, including the updated improvement plan and records of meter readings, and will review these with the Member by email and phone.
3. If the premises are shut down, the Member will have the choice of carrying out a remote surveillance as above, or of deferring the surveillance until the premises re-open.
4. In exceptional cases, (e.g. for healthcare Members) the surveillance may be deferred by agreement with EcoMerit until the crisis is over.

Special arrangements

Should the above arrangements cause difficulties, the Member should contact EcoMerit as soon as possible to discuss and agree a course of action.

EcoMerit was delighted to contribute to a Coral Leisure training event conducted recently with their Energy Champions Team in Portlaoise. 

The training covered the global context for action, barriers and benefits to resource efficiency within Coral Leisure and priorities for action in the coming year.

This training was held at Coral Leisure’s inaugural Energy Champion meeting and marked a huge step in how far this role has come and how valued it is. Each Energy Champion has done invaluable work for their own Centres and it must be recognised and given the regard it deserves. It was the first time that the majority of those in the room met; to see the sharing of ideas, as well as the shared enthusiasm for the role, made the entire day worthwhile.

Environmental consciousness is the future for most businesses, as they can see the multitude of benefits that are associated with a greener view, is it any wonder that giants like Microsoft are declaring that they will be carbon negative by 2030.  If Coral Leisure wants to continue to lead the way in our own industry, then the Energy Champion role must grow and evolve as well, along with the continued partnership and support from Ecomerit.

“Coral Leisure’s main goal was to create a network to allow each Energy Champion in Coral Leisure to take full advantage of each other’s experience, resources, and ideas. We have a great pool of talent across the group and it is a huge benefit to be able to tap into this and help each other.  

This was the first step in taking the Energy Champion role in a new direction and giving it the status and respect it deserves.  Thanks to Camillus our “Enthusiastic Energy Engineer” for all his work.

And thanks to Bobby and Christian of Ecomerit for joining us and not only educating but helping to steer us in the right direction.”  

Ciarán Murtagh: Area Manager and Coral Energy Team Coordinator