A Public Sector Energy Efficiency Strategy was published by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment in January 2017. The Public Sector Energy Reporting Programme forms part of this Strategy and this Department reports to SEAI under this Programme. Energy Efficiency for this Department shows an increase of 12.3% to the end of 2017.
My Department has taken a number of measures to improve energy efficiency in the Department and a number of other measures are underway. Measures undertaken and those proposed include:
- replacing all of the lights in the Leeson Lane building complex to energy saving LED lights
- provision of a new cleaning contract in 2018 to include implementation of waste management initiatives with the segregation of all waste and the introduction of recyclable, food and glass waste bins and stations
- holding of “Energy Awareness Days” for all staff
- holding "Step up Days" which encourage staff to use the stairs instead of lifts
- removal of non recyclable cups by end of February 2019
- moving staff from Kildare Street and Clare Street offices to Leeson Lane, thus reducing the energy costs involved in maintaining three buildings
- the implementation of IT energy saving measures which include an automatic shutdown of PCS, a reduction of printers by introducing print stations and print rooms and the introduction of a print management solution by replacing all printers within the Department to energy saving devices.
My Department will continue to carry out further energy saving initiatives with a view to meeting the energy efficient target by 2020.
