Galileo Energy Services is a leading M&E consultancy based in Celbridge, Co. Kildare. Since its inception in 2010, the business has earned an enviable reputation across a range of sectors as Managing Director Gerd Benndorf explains.
Gerd, who set up the building services engineering consultancy firm along with his wife Maria, has always been passionate about energy efficiency and this is not only reflected in his approach to projects, but also in the vehicles he and his Co-Director Mark Gormley drive. Hailing from near Stuttgart in Germany, Gerd has been working and living in Ireland for the past 26 years. Prior to setting up Galileo Energy Services, he had worked for other M&E consultancies for over a decade, during which time he gained invaluable experience covering a broad spectrum of roles and responsibilities in the construction industry.
Gerd was inspired to call his company Galileo Energy Services after one of his young sons accidentally broke a Galileo thermometer in the kitchen of their home. “That little accident gave us the idea,” he explains. “Galileo was the father of modern science and was a famous astronomer. When people think of him, they think of someone who was ahead of his time and had a brilliant mind. Having Galileo in our name seeks to echo these trades of forward-thinking, planning and brilliant minds.”
In 2012 the company took a major step when now Co-Director Mark Gormley joined the company, initially as Associate. Mark brought vast experience, enthusiasm, new clients and energy into the consultancy, and the company has grown steadily ever since. Mark has his own portfolio of clients, and this has led to a new dynamic within the consultancy. Since 2012, Galileo has hired four additional engineers, and has managed a steady flow of work.
“In order to lead by example, we’ve gone green (electric) with our cars as a way of promoting energy efficiency. It shows clients how serious we are about saving energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering costs. I’m proud to say that I am essentially fossil fuel free in every sense.”
Along with an excellent team of qualified engineers, Gerd and Mark have a wealth of experience on a wide variety of projects, including school buildings, hospitals, hotels, offices, retail, private dwellings and leisure facilities, which continues to stand them in good stead.
With expertise in both design and project management, the consultancy is able to undertake complete management of any educational, leisure, retail, commercial or hospital project from initial planning, design and estimation right through to completion. Galileo’s services include: Mechanical Services Design, Electrical Services Design, Energy Consultancy, Dynamic Modelling and Thermal Simulations, Daylight Simulations, Project Management, Project Supervisor Design Process, Condition Surveys, Inspection Reports, Emergency and Summer Works Applications.
“We specialise in Design of Heating Systems, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, Water Services, Design of Electrical Services, Lighting and Emergency Lighting, Fire Alarm Systems, Power and General Services IT / Data Systems, Intruder Alarms, CCTV Systems etc,” Gerd continues.
“We are also experts in Renewable Technologies, Wood-pellet Boilers, Solar Panels, Photovoltaic panels, Heat Pumps, etc. We offer our clients a full range of mechanical, electrical and maintenance services. As we have grown, so too has our confidence in our ability to deliver a quality, reliable, value-for-money and personable service.”
The company employs a team of six, all of whom are highly-skilled and experienced in their field of expertise. They manage projects on behalf of Galileo’s clients to the strictest codes of integrity and professionalism. With Health & Safety being paramount, and never more so than in the wake of COVID-19, staff members receive regular training in order to improve their skills and expertise. The company receives regular updates for upcoming training courses through its professional bodies, Engineers Ireland and CIBSE.
“We are committed to continuous improvement and professional development along with ongoing training at all levels which keeps us at the forefront of the latest technology and management techniques. Our staff are one of our greatest strengths,” Gerd continues.
“The experience we have garnered over the years has allowed us to offer an efficient service at competitive rates. Our client-base includes Main Contractors and Architects with whom we do a lot of repeat business with and work on behalf of customers in both the private and public sector.
“We do a lot of school refurbishments, heating upgrades, electrical upgrades, emergency lighting and fire alarms projects.”
Galileo Energy Services aims to provide optimum customer satisfaction in all aspects of its business, from service calls to contract projects using continuous communication and technical expertise. While most of its work is concentrated in the Dublin area, the company is very much a nationwide operation, having successfully completed projects across the country.
The Department of Education, HSE, Kildare GAA, Maynooth University, Butlers Chocolates and Lifestyle Sports are just some of the clients who have availed of Galileo’s services.
“We’ve recently been introduced to a project at the Midlands General Hospital in Portlaoise which involves extending the laboratory and converting existing bedrooms into isolation rooms, two of which are neutral pressure rooms. This has been very exciting as it broadens our experience and opens new doors.
“We are involved in the redevelopment of St Conleth’s Park in Newbridge for Kildare GAA and an office development in Newbridge also. We’ve also been appointed M&E Consultant on a school extension in Newport, Co. Tipperary and a large house extension in Co. Donegal. In addition, we were the M&E consultants on an extension to Lawlor’s Hotel in Naas. We’ve stayed busy throughout the different COVID lockdowns.”
The company adheres to the same guidelines for ensuring quality, programme and budget. Each project is resourced as required to ensure swift progress throughout the design and construction phase. Tender documents are completed in every detail before they are issued to the Tendering Contractors in order to avoid delays and compensation events later in the project. Regular site inspections are carried out to monitor the quality of the installation. Due to the extremely short timeframe of most projects, communication between the Client, end-user, Contractor and Consultant must be swift and efficient.
Gerd would like to take this opportunity to thank his clients and suppliers for their continued support, and most importantly, his team of dedicated engineers.
Galileo Energy Services
Unit A6,
M4 Business Park,
Celbridge,
Co. Kildare.
Telephone: 01 6274103 / 085 2497275
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.galileoenergy.ie
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, April, Vol 7 No 4
