Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 January 2014
93. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the research that has been commissioned by his Department in relation to climate change mitigation and or adaptation over the past year; and if he will supply a copy of the terms of reference for any such research. [3333/14]
View answer94. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the work being done to develop climate change mitigation policy applicable to his Department and the public participation opportunities incorporated in that work. [3340/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 94 together.
Climate change is of relevance to the work of the Office of Public Works (OPW) in the areas of flood risk management and reducing energy usage in the OPW's portfolio of buildings both new and old.
The OPW has not commissioned research relating to climate change adaptation or mitigation for flood risk management or energy usage in the last year.
In relation to flood risk management, the OPW is assessing and mapping the potential increases in flood hazard and risk due to climate change through the Catchment-based Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme, for which potential future scenarios are being considered along with the current. Potential flood risk management measures will then be developed and appraised against potential future scenarios (as well as the current) to determine the most appropriate measures for each location and to ensure that the measures set out in the Flood Risk Management Plans (that will be prepared in 2015) will be robust and/or adaptable in the face of potential future changes.
In relation to energy usage, the work that is being carried out by the OPW involves the development and implementation of plans and programmes aimed at:
- maximising the energy performance and increasing the sustainability of new buildings through for example improved design to optimise natural ventilation and the use of renewable technologies where feasible
- the implementation since 2008 of a very successful energy conservation campaign in existing OPW owned and managed buildings entitled Optimising Power @ Work involving detailed monitoring and recording of energy consumption in 275 large buildings throughout the country and working with staff to effect behavioural change. This initiative has achieved average annual energy savings of over 18% which equates to a cost saving of approximately €4.3m per annum. This initiative is being rolled-out to the wider public sector and will target 500 large buildings with an annual energy saving target rising to 18% after 3 years.
