Guaranteed Irish Sustainability Hub

[Case Study] Respa Beds Powers Ahead with Solar

Written by Clemence Jamet | Jun 16, 2025 11:28:29 AM

Respa Beds Powers Ahead with Solar: A Case Study in Energy Efficiency and Irish Manufacturing Leadership

At Guaranteed Irish, we’re proud to champion members who don’t just talk about sustainability—they embed it into their business strategy. Respa Beds, a proud member and one of Ireland’s most established mattress manufacturers, is doing just that.

 

Their latest renewable energy investment at their headquarters in Oldcastle, Co. Meath is a brilliant example of turning sustainability ambition into action. This case study speaks directly to Stage Implementation – Step 5: Energy Efficiency of the Guaranteed Irish Sustainability Roadmap, showing how targeted action on energy can deliver measurable impact, futureproof the business, and inspire industry-wide progress.

 

Respa’s leadership team, led by Production Manager and Sustainability Officer Gavin Quinn, has embraced energy efficiency not only as a climate imperative but also as a strategic advantage—reducing carbon emissions, improving operational performance, and setting a powerful example for Irish manufacturing.

 

This initiative reflects what we believe at Guaranteed Irish: sustainability isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart investment in long-term resilience, supply chain credibility, and competitive advantage for Irish businesses.

 

A Bold Commitment to Energy Efficiency

Respa Beds has completed a major renewable energy upgrade in partnership with Irish energy transition experts Pinergy, installing 758 solar panels across three buildings. The system is expected to generate approximately 321,902 kWh of solar energy annually, sourced from both on-site solar infrastructure and Ireland’s Lackan Wind Farm in Sligo. This will reduce the company’s carbon footprint by an estimated 151,233 kg of CO₂ per year.

 

Smart Infrastructure for Smarter Manufacturing

Each building at Respa’s production facility has been equipped with a tailored solar system:

  • One building now operates under an NC8 license, enabling full export of surplus electricity to the grid.

  • Two other buildings are classified under NC7, operating under deemed export conditions.

This supports Ireland’s national targets under the Climate Action Plan, the Paris Agreement, and the EU Renewable Energy Directive, particularly in the context of the energy-intensive manufacturing sector.

 

Real-Time Data for Long-Term Gains

Respa has also deployed Huawei inverters and Acutrace energy monitoring from Pinergy, providing the team with real-time data to:

  • Monitor and optimise energy use,

  • Reduce waste, and

  • Make more informed sustainability decisions.

 

“This is a significant milestone for us, but it’s also just the beginning,” says Gavin Quinn.

“Solar was a natural first step. With real-time energy monitoring, export capabilities, and expansion potential, we’re laying the groundwork for long-term change—not just for Respa, but for Irish manufacturing as a whole.”

Looking Ahead

With strong roof space, scalable systems, and smart load balancing in place, Respa is already exploring additional innovations such as battery storage and expanded solar capacity—further cementing their role as a sustainability leader in Irish industry.

Leading by Example

Respa’s approach goes beyond compliance—it's about competitive edge, operational efficiency, and demonstrating the value of local, sustainable manufacturing. Respa’s story shows what’s possible when sustainability is backed by leadership, strategy, and local expertise.

 

Visit respabeds.ie for more information

If you're looking to advance your own sustainability journey, follow the Guaranteed Irish Sustainability Roadmap and explore how our Sustainable Leaders Programme can support your goals. Whether you're just starting out or ready to scale your efforts, Guaranteed Irish is here to help you move from ambition to action.

🔗 Download the Roadmap

🔗 Learn about the Sustainable Leaders Programme

🔗 Any question, get in touch with Clémence Jamet, our Head of Sustainability.