The Business Energy Upgrades Scheme (BEUS) is a government-funded initiative managed by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). It is designed to help non-domestic sectors, including businesses, agriculture, public bodies, and nonprofits, implement energy-efficient and renewable upgrades. This scheme is a critical component of Ireland’s Climate Action Plan, aiming to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency in line with national sustainability goals.

Key Funding Areas:

• Technical Assistance Grants: Provides specialist support for energy audits, Building Management System (BMS) optimization, and the development of retrofit design plans.
• Capital Support Grants: Offers financial assistance for impactful energy-saving measures, such as solar thermal systems, heat pumps, and thermal fabric upgrades.

For more detailed information, refer to the Full Grant Guidelines.

Eligibility and Application Process

Who Can Apply?

• Businesses, public bodies, and non-profits operating in Ireland.
• Buildings constructed before January 1, 2023.

How to Apply

Navigating the application process for the SEAI Business Energy Upgrades Scheme is straightforward with Celtic Dynamics. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Assess Your Needs
   Determine which energy-saving measures you want to implement. Celtic Dynamics can assist in identifying the most impactful upgrades for your building.

2. Select a Contractor

   • Currently, SEAI is establishing a group of approved contractors for this scheme. However, any contractor who meets the scheme’s requirements can be appointed.
   • At the start of the project, contractors do not need to be registered with SEAI but must register before the work is completed and the grant payment is requested.
   • Failure to secure contractor registration with SEAI before submission will result in grant payment refusal.
   • Tip: Choose a contractor who is committed to complying with SEAI’s registration requirements. Like Celtic Dynamics.

3. Complete Pre-Application Forms
   Work with your selected contractor to gather the necessary technical details for the application. Pre-Application Information Forms are available for each measure to simplify this process.

4. Submit Your Online Application
   Use the SEAI portal to apply for your chosen measures. You’ll need to provide business details, building specifications, and technical information from the Pre-Application Form.

5. Receive Approval
   Once submitted, applications are approved instantly if compliant, with grant values calculated automatically.

6. Execute the Works
   Begin work only after approval is granted. Ensure your contractor follows SEAI guidelines and meets all technical and competency requirements.

7. Request Payment
   After completion, upload the required documentation to the SEAI portal. Grant payments are processed following SEAI review and, if applicable, inspection.

Why Contractor Compliance Matters

• Contractors must meet SEAI’s technical and competency standards to ensure eligibility for funding.
• Verify that your contractor is willing and able to register with SEAI to avoid delays or refusals in grant payment processing.

Funding Overview: What Measures Are Supported?

The SEAI Business Energy Upgrades Scheme (BEUS) provides grants to support a variety of energy-efficient upgrades and renewable energy measures. These are categorized into Technical Assistance Grants and Commoditised Grants, offering tailored funding solutions for different needs.

Technical Assistance Grants

Technical assistance measures are designed to provide expert guidance, assessments, and optimization plans for energy systems. Key eligible measures include:

1. Building Management System (BMS) Optimisation

   • Description: Engage a BMS specialist to review and optimize your central control systems for improved energy efficiency. The process includes identifying faults, suggesting upgrade opportunities, and implementing immediate system changes. This measure is ideal for buildings with an existing BMS controlling at least three separate systems from a central location.
   • Grant Value: Up to €2,000 (50% of costs).

2. Design Assistance

   • Description: Consult a specialist to develop a detailed retrofit plan tailored to your building’s needs. The plan focuses on three core areas: Renewable Heat, Energy Efficiency, and Controls. It provides actionable recommendations and detailed designs to help initiate energy-saving projects confidently.
   • Grant Value: Up to €25,000 (50% of costs).

Commoditised Grants

Commoditised grants support impactful retrofit measures and replacements of fossil fuel systems with zero-emission alternatives. Eligible measures include:

1. Pumps

   • Description: Replace constant-speed pumps with modern variable-speed alternatives equipped with advanced controls and monitoring. This upgrade improves energy efficiency across various building systems.
   • Grant Value: Up to €10,000 (25-30% of costs).

2. Ventilation/Heat Recovery

   • Description: Integrate heat recovery ventilation into existing systems or replace separate supply and extract systems with more efficient air handling units. This measure also supports retrofitting heat recovery technology to current systems.
   • Grant Value: Up to €25,000 (25-30% of costs).

3. Solar Thermal Systems

   • Description: Install solar thermal technology and the associated storage infrastructure to enhance existing hot water systems with renewable energy.
   • Grant Value: Up to €15,000 (30% of costs).

4. Automatic Controls

   • Description: Upgrade or install new automatic control systems to optimize building energy management and improve operational efficiency.
   • Grant Value: Up to €30,000 (25-30% of costs).

5. Heat Pumps (Including Systems)

   • Description: Replace existing fossil fuel systems with heat pump technology for heating and hot water. A variety of heat pump technologies are eligible, with additional funding for required infrastructure upgrades.
   • Grant Value: Up to €100,000 (30% of costs).

6. Fabric Upgrades

   • Description: Improve thermal efficiency with wall and roof fabric upgrades. This measure supports a range of technologies tailored to different building types.
   • Grant Value: Up to €120,000 (25-30% of costs).

Eligibility and Additional Notes

• Grant amounts are calculated based on technical details and project scope provided during the application.
• All measures require compliance with SEAI’s competency, registration, and technical standards.
• Funding levels may be adjusted under state aid requirements, including De Minimis Aid and General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER).

Why Choose Celtic Dynamics?

At Celtic Dynamics, we ensure a seamless grant application and project execution process. Our team of experts provides:

• Comprehensive guidance through the SEAI grant process.
• Access to experienced contractors and technical consultants.
• Tailored energy solutions to maximize efficiency and ROI.

Let’s Get Started

Ready to upgrade your energy systems? Contact us today for more information on grant opportunities and energy-saving solutions.