Its eco-friendly, underfloor heating system has won the Cliffs of Moher visitor centre an award, along with three other organisations that have their eyes on a sustainable future and lower energy costs.

"The lower operating cost [of the systems] has helped these businesses prosper during tough economic times," said John Burgess, chairman of the Geothermal Association of Ireland, presenting the awards. "Also, the move away from fossil fuel-fired heating systems to ground- sourced thermal energy transfer systems . . . has made a major contribution to reducing the impact of these businesses' operations on climate change."

Other winners were Wonder Years Childcare, Co Donegal; Borris Lodge Nursing Home, Co Carlow; and Vistakon Ireland, Co Limerick. Geothermal energy uses heat stored in the ground to heat or cool buildings. The Cliffs of Moher centre estimates it saves at least €12,000 and 33 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year compared with conventional heating and cooling systems.

“The geothermal energy systems have helped sustain their businesses,” said Burgess. “ This is true sustainability.”