Free SME Energy Audits
Free SME energy audits help businesses understand where energy is being used, where waste is occurring, and what practical steps can be taken to reduce unnecessary costs. For small and medium sized businesses in Ireland, an energy audit can provide a clear starting point for improving efficiency, lowering bills, and building a stronger long term energy strategy. Whether you operate in hospitality, food service, retail, or another sector, understanding your energy use is an important first step.
Requirements to get a Free SME Energy Audit
To qualify for a Free Energy Audit, businesses must be:
Registered in the Republic of Ireland
Tax Compliant
Spend at least €10,000 per year on energy at the site being audited. (excludes transport costs)
Never have received an audit voucher for the same Applicant or Company
Non-Obligated Entities
Free SME Energy Audits for Hotels
Free SME energy audits give smaller businesses an accessible way to review their energy use and identify opportunities to cut unnecessary spend. For many SMEs in Ireland, these audits are a practical first step toward improving efficiency without taking on major upfront costs. They help highlight where energy is being lost, which areas of the business should be prioritised, and what changes can deliver meaningful savings. This can be especially valuable for businesses that want a clearer plan before investing in larger energy upgrades.
Free SME Energy Audits for Restaurants
Restaurants face constant energy use through cooking equipment, refrigeration, extraction systems, lighting, and heating. A free SME energy audit helps restaurant owners understand which systems are driving the highest energy costs and where savings can be made. By identifying inefficiencies and areas for improvement, restaurants can take informed action to reduce spend while continuing to operate effectively and maintain customer experience.
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Hotels We Work With
Allingham Arms Hotel
Castlerosse Hotel
Mullingar Park Hotel
Shannon Springs Hotel
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Meet The Founders
Paul Mahon
Paul Mahon is the CEO and founder of Watt Footprint. He provides visionary leadership to the team, is at the crux of all major decision-making within the company, and drives Watt Footprint towards betterment and growth, both internally and internationally.
Paul has been working in the sustainability sector for the last 7 years. Having worked with Paul O’Reilly as part of the international engineering firm ORS previously, he was headhunted based on his performance, technical, and intrapersonal skills.
Before stepping into the role of CEO at Watt Footprint, Paul hurled underage for Coolderry, County Offaly. He also holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Paul now leads the rapidly growing team at Watt Footprint with enthusiasm, intelligence, and wit.
Paul O’Reilly
Paul O’Reilly is the Chairman and founder of Watt Footprint.
Paul is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, author and energy consultant with over 25 years experience. He has been an advisor for both public and private sector organisations for energy efficiency and cost savings, including interpreting government and international legislation and advising businesses on financial models to capitalise on green funding opportunities including grants and supports.
In 2016, Paul published a non-fiction guide for the Irish citizen to save energy in the modern world. The book had the same title of his company today; Watt Footprint.
Paul was the co-founder of the international engineering firm ORS which he sold in 2019.