My Department’s Energy Policy and Environmental Policy Statements recognise that good environmental performance is as relevant in our workplace as in the home and elsewhere, and is accordingly an integral part of our day-to-day management and activities. The office environment is demanding on many resources, including energy, water, paper, equipment and other consumables. In this regard, as part of our green housekeeping policy, we have placed particular emphasis on conservation and maximising energy efficiencies. The commitment of my Department is indicated by its accreditation to ISO 14001 International Standard for Environmental Management Systems for the Custom House.
My Department has reported a 24.5% improvement in energy efficiency to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Public Sector Monitoring & Reporting (M&R) System in accordance with the provisions of the European Union (Energy Efficiency) Regulations 2014 (S.I. No. 426 of 2014) which transpose the Energy Efficiency Directive (Directive 2012/27/EU) into Irish Law, in respect of its offices in Ballina, Wexford and the Custom House between the baseline year 2009 and 2017. Met Éireann, which is a Division of my Department, has reported a 9.6% improvement in energy efficiency to the SEAI during the same period.
This has been achieved by staff efficiency awareness and energy saving initiatives and participation in the OPW Optimising Power@Work Programme and the SEAI’s Energy Management Action Programme (EMAP). In order to achieve further efficiency gains, major lighting efficiency projects are currently underway in Ballina and Met Éireann which are envisaged to be completed by year-end. My Department remains committed to achieving a 33% improvement in energy efficiency by the 2020 deadline.
