Santry housing scheme takes top honour at Business Energy Achievement Awards 2026
A Dublin housing scheme of 255 ultra-low energy homes has been named overall winner at the Business Energy Achievement Awards 2026, held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, in Santry, Dublin. The Whitehaven scheme in Santry, developed by Tuath Housing, Cairn and MosArt, was officially opened in November 2025. It includes 161 cost-rental homes, which attracted 7,200 applications. The award citation described Whitehaven as a standout collaborative project demonstrating how ambitious energy performance can be achieved through innovative design and strong partnership. “Through energy-efficient technologies and careful design the project sets a strong standard for modern housing,” said the judging panel. “It demonstrates that sustainability, quality and practical delivery can work together to create lasting value for residents and the wider community.” Jennifer Whitty, sustainability manager of Tuath Housing , said: “As Ireland accelerates its decarbonisation journey the focus must be on buildings that combine ambitious energy performance with real-world results for residents, demonstrating that sustainability, affordability and quality can be achieved together.” Now in its sixth year, the awards programme drew 102 entries, with 21 awards presented before a gathering of more than 195 attendees. Jude Torley, group chief executive of awards gold sponsor Shabra Group , said: “True industry progress demands accountability and measurable results. These awards highlight the operators transforming ambition into practical, scalable solutions, raising standards across the entire supply chain, and driving long-term economic resilience.” James O’Regan, associate director, facilities engineering and sustainability, Gilead Sciences Ireland, received the energy leader 2026 award. The award citation noted that O’Regan transformed energy management at the Cork manufacturing site into a strategic programme supporting growth, resilience and long-term competitiveness. The citation noted: “His leadership has driven major advances in energy efficiency, renewable generation, electrification and sustainable infrastructure, while also strengthening data-led decision making. James combines technical expertise with a commitment to developing talent, empowering teams and delivering sustainable business performance.” Accpeting his award, O’Regan told the gathering: “Being a leader means that you’re empowering individuals to achieve their full potential and reduce energy on-site. The future is bright for Ireland’s energy sector. We have the best of the best with us here tonight. Everybody is mingling and sharing information, and it’s a great event for us to share experience with each other.” Hosted by Colm O’Regan, the gala ceremony brought together Ireland’s leading energy practitioners, sustainability leaders, and industry decision-makers to celebrate achievement in energy management, decarbonisation, and innovation. Judging coordinator Brian Norton noted that the awards programme brings recognition to teams and individuals who have led from persuasion to action their organisations to introduce new polices, systems and behaviours. Irving Oil was presented with an award for energy optimisation at the Whitegate oil refinery. “It’s good to see that we’re being recognised for the hard work we’re doing to make sure everything we do is of the highest efficiency and as sustainable as possible,” said process engineering manager Wen Ning Ching. Lidl Ireland received an award for innovation in decarbonisation – large. “It was great to get recognition against some of the industry leaders in sustainability and renewables,” said construction manager Jack Fitzgerald. Seamus Shealy of Kepak described their award in the water usage category as well-deserved recognition for the work done on site and a boost for all Kepak’s employees. Eamonn Murphy, head of marketing at Activ8 Solar Energies, said the awards are a celebration of companies coming together to mark their decarbonisation wins and goals. He said that Activ8’s partnership with Gyproc Ireland, Saint-Gobain and SSE Airtricity had been a great journey. “It’s always an honour to win any award and this is a great collaboration between all three parties, which is a win for everybody.” Adam Kane, senior community lead at awards organiser BusinessRiver, said: “Events like this are made possible through the support of our sponsor. We are thankful to our 2026 sponsor, Shabra Group, and I also want to recognise our supporter, Amárach Research. Their investment in the awards underlines their commitment and support of this key business area.” Awards sponsor & supporter Gold sponsor Shabra Group Supporter Amárach Research Awards judges Brian Norton (judging coordinator), emeritus professor, Tyndall National Institute, UCC and TU Dublin Reihaneh Aghamolaei, assistant professor, Dublin City University Fiona Britton, lecturer, Atlantic Technological University Austin Coffey, professor of engineering, TUS Michael Conlon, professor emeritus, Technological University Dublin Philip Connor, head of commercial development, Pinergy Bill Dolan, director and principal consultant, DAR Environmental Supriya Foster, sustainability officer, South West College Greg McNamara, assistant professor in sustainable engineering and energy systems, Dublin City University Barry McDermott, director of environment and sustainability services, PM Group Sarah McCormack, professor of sustainable energy, Trinity College Dublin Andrew O’Connell, managing director, f4energy Integration Ltd Aideen O’Hora, co-founder, Sustainability Works Tracy O’Rourke, founder and chief executive, Vivid Edge Ltd Ronan Power, chief executive, Solar Ireland Dominic Schone, sustainability specialist, Enterprise Ireland Pat Smith, managing director, Local Power Ltd Katherine Valery, senior sustainability engineer, Jacobs Engineering Award winners Overall energy achievement award (sponsored by Shabra Group) Winner: Tuath Housing, Cairn, and MosArt – Whitehaven, Santry Best energy achievement in innovation and demonstration Winner: GridBeyond Best energy achievement in transport Winner: EZO – Accelerating Sustainable Transport Best achievement in harnessing solar energy Winner: Activ8 Solar Energies – Gyproc Ireland Digital innovation in energy management Winner: Enel X and Digital Realty Innovation in decarbonisation – large Winner: Lidl Ireland Innovation in decarbonisation – medium Winner: EZO – Accelerating Decarbonisation Through EV Innovation Innovation in decarbonisation – small Winner: Cold Move Logistics Solutions Sustainable energy achievement in water usage Winner: Kepak Best energy management team Winner: Enel X – Real Time Operations Team Sustainable construction and building performance award Winner: Tuath Housing, Cairn, and MosArt – Whitehaven, Santry Best energy excellence in commercial operations Winner: Lidl Ireland Best energy achievement in company performance Winner: Irving Oil – Whitegate Refinery Energy Optimization Best energy excellence in healthcare and life sciences Winner: Evergreen Care Best energy achievement in manufacturing Winner: Pfizer Newbridge Best energy excellence in food, agriculture and consumer products Winner: Cold Move Logistics Solutions Best energy achievement in food and beverage Winner: Coghlan’s Bakery Best energy achievement in utilities Winner: Circet Ireland – ESG/Sustainability Strategy Best energy excellence in campuses, tourism and public venues Winner: Hodson Bay Group – Sustainability Strategy Best energy achievement in public sector Winner: Uisce Éireann – Delivering Sustainable Water Services Energy leader 2026 Recipient: James O’Regan, Gilead Sciences Ireland