Case Studies

S.I. 426 Energy Audits Across 24 Panda Waste Facilities

TEAM

Sustainability

Sector

Services Provided

Energy Audits

Overview of service

ORS was appointed to deliver statutory S.I. 426 energy audits across 24 Panda waste management facilities nationwide, supporting the development of a long-term decarbonisation pathway aligned with Beauparc’s sustainability targets.

The audits were based on measured, traceable operational energy data and detailed site inspections, providing a comprehensive understanding of energy performance across a diverse portfolio of recycling centres, waste processing facilities, offices and ancillary buildings. A life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) approach was applied to ensure recommendations reflected long-term value, operational resilience and carbon reduction rather than short-term payback alone.

Project Outcome

The project identified significant energy and carbon-saving opportunities across all sites, contributing directly to Panda’s wider ambition to achieve a 42% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. The findings provide a robust, evidence-based roadmap to support informed investment decisions and long-term sustainability planning across one of Ireland’s most energy-intensive industrial sectors.

Key Sustainability Measures Identified

The audits identified a wide range of strategic, operational and quick-win measures, including building fabric improvements and targeted HVAC upgrades, enhanced lighting and hot water system efficiencies, and renewable energy feasibility assessments such as the deployment of solar PV across multiple buildings. Opportunities were also identified for renewable heating and cooling solutions, including ASHPs and VRF systems, alongside upgrading large plant equipment motors to high-efficiency IE4 standards. In addition, the audits highlighted no- and low-cost operational improvements through enhanced control strategies, sensor optimisation and infrastructure reconfiguration, as well as fleet decarbonisation opportunities encompassing eco-driving initiatives, a transition to HVO fuels and the continued rollout of hydrogen-powered trucks.

Challenges & Solutions

Auditing large-scale waste processing facilities presented unique challenges, particularly in accessing accurate energy usage data for heavy plant and specialist machinery, including shredders, trommels, optical sorters, robotic pickers and balers.

ORS addressed this through close collaboration with Panda’s operational and technical teams, engaging directly on equipment datasheets, operational profiles and usage patterns. This enabled the team to develop a detailed and proportionate energy breakdown for each site, ensuring that Significant Energy Users (SEUs) were accurately identified and assessed.

A structured audit methodology, combined with multiple coordinated site visits and clear communication with Panda liaisons, ensured consistency across all 24 locations while allowing flexibility to reflect site-specific operations. This collaborative, data-led approach was central to delivering reliable, actionable insights across a complex and varied asset base.

ORS worked closely with Panda throughout the project, coordinating multiple site visits and maintaining clear lines of communication to ensure minimal operational disruption. The project exemplifies the growing trend toward decarbonisation within the waste industry, demonstrating how data-driven energy audits can underpin meaningful, measurable sustainability action.

Leads

Key Contacts

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Brian Collentine

Director
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Daniel Fennell

Sustainability Lead
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Damian Kenny

Director

S.I. 426 Energy Audits Across 24 Panda Waste Facilities

ORS was appointed to deliver statutory S.I. 426 energy audits across 24 Panda waste management facilities nationwide, supporting the development of a long-term decarbonisation pathway aligned with Beauparc’s sustainability targets.

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Talk to A specialist

S.I. 426 Energy Audits Across 24 Panda Waste Facilities

Project Outcome

Challenges & Solutions

Leads

Key Contacts

Brian Collentine

Daniel Fennell

Damian Kenny

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