The energy cost of running my Department in 2002 was €158,257, and in 2006 it was €574,160. 2002 was the year of a significant reorganisation of my Department's functions and divisions. For reference the energy cost for the Department in 2003 was €313,486. A considerable amount of responsibilities transferred into and out of the remit of the Department and this, allied to the fact the Department acquired additional accommodation in the interim, accounts for the significant variation in costs over the years in question.
In 2006 my Department launched the 'Power of One' campaign, which, while concentrating on domestic use in the initial stage, will target energy-using sectors including the Public Service. This campaign will build on the Office of Public Works' (OPW) initiatives in this field.
The OPW are rolling out a staff energy awareness pilot study in 15 large State buildings, which will act as a template for a major staff energy awareness campaign in all State buildings in early 2007. OPW are also installing Web based energy monitoring units in large State buildings, including those occupied by my Department.