We run an agri machinery manufacturing business, and our building is in poor shape. We know it needs major upgrades, from insulation to renewable energy options like solar panels. We’ve looked into renovation and extension possibilities, but we’re not sure where to start or what support is out there.

What grants and expert advice are available to help us plan and fund this type of project? And beyond the financial benefits, how can we measure what these upgrades will do for us in terms of savings and our environmental impact?

ANSWER: Tackling climate change demands investment – there’s no way around that. But the good news is that Ireland offers generous supports to help businesses like yours reduce carbon emissions while cutting costs. These grants are designed not only to improve your financial position but also to make a measurable difference to your carbon footprint.

As my colleague, Dr Rosie O’Neill, often points out, a truly green investment is one that delivers both financial and environmental returns – and the right combination of upgrades can do exactly that.

Grant supports

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) provides a suite of grants tailored to businesses taking climate action. These include:

  • Solar Thermal Grant: up to €15,000, typically sized to meet 60% of hot water demand, reduce fossil fuel use, and lower emissions.
  • Non-Domestic Microgen Grant (NDMG): up to €162,600 for installing solar PV systems as large as 1000kWp.
  • Building Fabric Upgrades: up to €120,000 for insulation and airtightness improvements.
  • Heating and Cooling Supports: including heat pumps (up to €100,000), water pumps (up to €10,000), and advanced control systems.
  • Technical Assistance Grant: up to €25,000 for feasibility studies.

    In addition, Accelerated Capital Allowances (ACA) provide 100% first-year tax relief on qualifying energy-efficient equipment. These include EVs and charging points, insulation, ICT upgrades, and renewable energy technologies.

    • The Technical Assistance Grant is a particularly valuable starting point. It funds professional expertise to assess your building and recommend the most effective mix of upgrades, helping you make decisions based on accurate data rather than guesswork.

    If your business is eligible for Enterprise Ireland (EI) assistance, there are additional opportunities to support you:

  • Carbon Reduction Grant: between €20,000 and €1m per project for major carbon-saving technologies such as heat pumps, biomass boilers, or heat recovery systems.
  • Sustainability Advisory Services: up to €1,800 for expert advice in developing decarbonisation or circular economy plans.
  • GreenStart, GreenPlus, and Climate Action Vouchers: ranging from €1,800 to €50,000, these supports help businesses assess their energy use, set targets, and plan investments.

    • Together, SEAI and EI schemes can significantly offset the cost of your building and energy upgrades while future-proofing your operations.

    Real carbon savings?

    It’s one thing to know that grants are available, it’s another to understand their real-world impact. Let’s look at two examples of how upgrades can deliver savings.

    1. Solar PV installation

  • Number of Solar Panels: 10.
  • Yearly energy generation: 3,800 kWh.
  • Emission factor: 0.226 kg CO2/kWh.
  • Calculation: annual avoided carbon emissions is 3,800 kWh × 0.226 kg CO2/kWh = 859 kg CO2/year.

    • This may seem quite technical but to put it in perspective, it is equivalent to offsetting the emissions of driving over 6,600km in an average petrol car. If we assumed the cost per kWh of electricity currently in your business was 30c, generating 3,800 kWh could save over €1,140 in electricity costs. That is based on 10 panels and in reality, businesses are installing more than this.

    2. LED lighting upgrade

    If your business replaces 100 fluorescent tubes (58W each) with 100 LED tubes (20W each):

  • Energy saved per light: 38W.
  • Annual operating hours: 3,000 hours (11,400 kWh total).
  • Emission factor: 0.226 kg CO2/kWh.
  • Calculation: Annual avoided carbon emissions is 11,400 × 0.226 = 2,576 kg CO2/year.

    • Linking grants to impact

    You quite rightly have asked about the savings and the environmental impact in your question. The above examples show that carbon savings can be quantified using the above method.

    When businesses apply for grants, attaching these calculations strengthens applications by proving real environmental value. Importantly, the combined effect is powerful: solar PV, efficient lighting, and EVs together could save a single SME over six tonnes of CO2 annually – all while reducing bills.

    A first step for you, now, is to contact these bodies and speak to them about your need to upgrade and make your business more sustainable. Good luck on your sustainable upgrade journey.

    Andrew Brolly, senior accountant with ifac.

    Andrew Brolly is fractional CFO with ifac, which is the professional services firm for farming, food and agribusiness.