Tag: plant

Greenvolt Next 4MW solar farm for Sanofi in Waterford

Greenvolt Next, part of Greenvolt Group, a leading specialist in renewable energy solutions for the commercial and industrial sector, has completed the development of a 4 MW solar PV plant for Sanofi, one of the leading global biopharmaceutical companies.

Now in operation at Sanofi’s manufacturing campus in Waterford, the project was structured under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), requiring no upfront investment from the pharma company and allowing it to access renewable electricity at a stable and predictable price, while benefiting from long-term operational certainty.

The project was formally inaugurated in a ceremony attended by the Minister of State, Mary Butler, underscoring the national relevance of investments that accelerate Ireland’s clean-energy transition. Sanofi, established in Ireland more than 20 years ago, develops and manufactures healthcare solutions across therapeutic areas such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and vaccines, with the Waterford site playing a central role in its operations.

Greenvolt Next designed and delivered the 4 MW solar PV plant, comprising more than 5,700 panels and 10 inverters. The installation will generate approximately 3.2 GWh of renewable electricity annually, covering around 20% of the site’s energy needs and enabling the avoidance of 950 tonnes of CO₂ each year. This reduction in carbon emissions directly supports Sanofi’s global environmental strategy, while demonstrating the Waterford site’s leadership in climate action within the Irish pharmaceutical sector.

Its delivery was completed within a four-month schedule, mobilising a multidisciplinary team of more than 100 professionals across design, engineering and installation. Greenvolt Next will operate and maintain the facility for 20 years, ensuring performance, safety and reliability throughout its lifecycle. The project strengthens the site’s long-term competitiveness, ensuring it can continue to grow, innovate and manufacture high-quality medicines sustainably.

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach with special responsibility as Government Chief Whip and the Department of Health with responsibility for Mental Health Mary Butler said: “This is an impressive initiative that represents a significant step forward for clean energy and sustainable infrastructure in Waterford. It is so important that we strive to continue developing smart energy solutions at community level. Such local investments in renewable energy are particularly important in the context of our national commitments and climate targets, I was particularly struck by the team leading out on this initiative in Sanofi – the energy, the enthusiasm is so encouraging. It sets a precedent for others to follow, having one of the largest renewable installations of this kind in the heart of our city.”

Owen Power, CEO of Greenvolt Next Ireland & UK, added: “This project is particularly meaningful for us, not only because it delivers a direct positive impact for the Waterford community – where Greenvolt Next is also based – but also because it reflects the trust placed in our expertise and execution capabilities by a global company of Sanofi’s scale. We have built a strong track record across multiple industries, including a significant presence in the pharma cluster, which continues to reinforce our leadership in the commercial and industrial renewable energy sector,”

Cian O Brien, Site Lead, Sanofi Ireland, said: “Generating our own renewable energy on-site is vital in helping us meet our sustainability targets, aiming for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 across all scopes, with a trajectory towards carbon neutrality by 2030. With Greenvolt Next Ireland’s expertise in renewable energy installations for large businesses like us, we will be able to significantly reduce our reliance on the grid, generating 20% of our energy on-site each year.”

Greenvolt Next is a pan-European platform operating across 12 countries, specialising in distributed-generation solutions for the commercial and industrial sector. In Ireland, the company has a long-standing presence – formerly known as Enerpower – and continues to support businesses in their transition toward more efficient and sustainable energy models.

Christmas Gift Ideas for Garden Lovers

As Christmas is creeping near, finding the ideal gift for garden lovers can be a bit frustrating. But we are here to help you turn your frown upside down with our blog on the best presents for your garden loving family or friend. From the known green thumbs to newcomers, these present ideas will have them eager to dig their hands in the soil.

Smart Plant Sensor

A smart plant sensor is an amazing gadget for the modern gardener who values technology and gardening together. These intelligent devices monitor key plant health metrics such as soil moisture, temperature and light exposure before providing real-time updates through a smartphone app. They will be able to tend to their plants with precision and care from home or while on the move. Not only can smart plant sensors ensure optimal growing conditions but they also offer invaluable insights that help even beginner gardeners learn and grow with gardening. 

Solar-Powered Outdoor Speaker

Garden lovers who appreciate music while tending to their plants will be over the moon for this eco-friendly gift idea. These solar-powered speakers use the sun’s power to deliver high-quality sound without needing wires or constant recharges. Simply place it in a sunny spot in your garden, and it will provide hours of entertainment from soothing tunes to energizing playlists. Not only can solar-powered outdoor speakers offer an eco-friendly way of listening to music outdoors, but many models also include Bluetooth capabilities for easy connectivity with smartphones or other devices. 

Hedge Trimmers 

Gardeners who take great pride in keeping their space looking its best know that having an efficient hedge trimmer on hand is an important tool. Ticking the boxes of both precision and power, this tool enables gardeners to effortlessly shape hedges, shrubs and bushes as needed or when the urge to imbody Edward Scissorhands take hold of them. Modern hedge trimmers feature ergonomic designs and lightweight builds to minimize fatigue while making even complex trimming tasks a breeze. These tools feature adjustable cutting lengths and cordless options for maximum mobility, making them suited to both professional landscapers and dedicated home gardeners. Perfect for prettifying your trimming or healthy plant growth, a high-quality hedge trimmer makes an great addition to any gardener’s toolbox.

Home Composting Systems

A home composting system makes an excellent gift for eco-conscious gardeners looking to reduce waste while enriching the soil. Composting is a natural process that transforms kitchen waste and garden debris into nutrient-rich soil fertilizer that promotes plant growth. Modern composting systems are tailored to fit seamlessly into any home or garden, offering options such as compact bins for urban dwellers or larger tumbling systems for those with more space. These systems are easy to use, promoting sustainability by reducing landfill waste and fertilizing gardens without using synthetic fertilizers. An investment in sustainability, home composting systems make great gifts that promote living a greener lifestyle, not to mention helping create healthier planets.

Personalized Gardening Gloves

Personalized gardening gloves make a wonderful present that combines practicality and a touch of personality. Gardeners rely on protective gardening gloves to shield their hands from thorns, dirt and the elements while remaining comfortable for optimal dexterity. Personalized gloves gives the opportunity for you to add your own personal stamp. By adding personalization like a name, monogram, or design of your choice to the gardening gloves, they become chic accessories that reflect personal style or hold sentimental value for any gardener. Available in materials ranging from durable leather to breathable cotton to have you covered for all gardening tasks and jobs imaginable. 

Vertical Planters

Wrapping up a few vertical planters as a Christmas gift, will give your garden lover an innovative solution to maximize space, especially in urban settings or smaller yards. Vertical planters allow for increased plant density within limited spaces, making them perfect for balconies, patios or indoor gardens. Vertical planters come in various designs, from wall-mounted pockets and tiered stands to freestanding towers, offering versatility to suit whatever aesthetic preferences and space limitations they might have. Their efficient drainage allows for efficient watering access for healthy plant growth while their versatile storage capabilities allow them to house herbs, flowers, vegetables and succulents. Vertical planters make an effective and stylish addition that can turn any small area into lush garden space.

DIY Bonsai Kits

DIY bonsai kits provide enthusiasts of all skill levels the chance to grow and shape miniature trees themselves, bringing the ancient art of bonsai into their own homes. These kits typically include everything necessary to get started, such as seeds or saplings, specialty soil and bonsai pot. Important tools such as pruning shears and wire for styling the tree are also often included. DIY bonsai kits provide gardeners with comprehensive instructions to guide them through the intricate process of nurturing and shaping a bonsai tree, providing both an educational experience as well as creative satisfaction. Bonsai trees can make an elegant and tranquil addition to areas with limited space, be they indoors or on small balconies. Not only are bonsai cultivation activities rewarding hobbies, engaging in this practice cultivates patience, mindfulness, and an appreciation of nature’s many forms.

Plant-Themed Mugs

Plant-themed mugs is a fantastic Christmas gift idea if you are looking for a stocking stuffer or buying on a tight budget. These mugs make an elegant addition to any plant lover’s collection, squishing their joys of gardening with everyday routines like sipping coffee or tea. Often featuring beautiful botanical illustrations, vibrant plant motifs or whimsical garden-related puns. Made out of from materials like ceramic or glass, plant themed mugs serve both functionality and decoration. They can use it for beverages like coffee and tea or as unique planters for succulents and small houseplants, making thoughtful gifts for those who appreciate nature’s beauties.

Conclusion

Choosing the ideal Christmas present for gardeners can be as rewarding as planting seeds that blossom into vibrant fowers. Our small but mighty selection of thoughtful, practical, and whimsy present ideas is sure to bring some green joy this holiday season. Remember that true gifts come from the heart, so when selecting something related to their passion, you won’t just be giving something but actually growing their love of gardening. So get out there this holiday season and spread a bit of green joy through thoughtful gift-giving.

Servecentric supports “Orchards in the Community” to plant over 3,500 orchards across Ireland

To help protect bees, increase pollination and support bio-diversity, Servecentric is delighted to participate in Host in Ireland’s “Orchards in the Community” initiative. Servecentric is part of 73 pledging companies that have contributed to the planting of over 3587 mixed fruit orchards across the Island of Ireland. As part of the programme, 222 schools and colleges and 171 community groups from tidy towns, retirement homes, community centres, and local sports facilities have received and planted orchards in their communities.

Orchards provide vital green spaces in our cities and towns and with 33% of our 99 wild bee species at risk of extinction, these orchards provide bees with food as they struggle when emerging from winter.

Servecentric’s support is resulting in the planting of 10 orchards in the grounds of St. Finian’s National School, Clonard, Co. Meath.

“Orchards are a focal point for communities to connect people with nature. Growing orchards in the community helps raise awareness of our connection to our food sources and play an important role in biodiversity and the plight of bees in Ireland,” said Garry Connolly, founder, Host in Ireland. “That spirit of community is alive and well with ‘Orchards in the Community’ as organisations like Servecentric come together with biodiversity groups, schools, colleges, Tidy Towns and others across Ireland to tackle challenges like biodiversity loss to save Ireland’s pollinators.”

“It is important for us to support this creative initiative led by Host In Ireland. We all have a role to play in preserving our falling native Bee, Butterfly and other pollinator populations and we’re delighted to work with local communities in the campaign to reverse this trend.” added Brian Roe, CEO, Servecentric Ltd.