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Energy Efficiency

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 November 2018

Thursday, 15 November 2018

Questions (58)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

58. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if his Department is part of the public sector energy reporting programme; if so, the percentage of improvement in energy efficiency to date that has been achieved; the way in which this was achieved; if his Department noted a decrease in energy efficiency in view of the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan for energy efficiency targets; if targets will be met by the 2020 deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47591/18]

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Written answers

My Department is actively participating in the Public Sector Energy Reporting Programme, reporting all of its energy consumption through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's (SEAI) Monitoring and Reporting online system.

Since 2009, Energy Efficiency has improved by 11.3% up to 2016 in the Department towards the 2020 target of 33%. Overall, taking account of the Energy Group headed by my Department , including the Department itself, we have achieved 21% energy savings to end-2016.

As my Department is primarily located in heritage buildings which are protected structures, there is limited scope in terms of upgrades and retrofits. This poses challenges as to how significant energy efficiencies may be achieved by way of engineering solutions, retrofits, thermal glazing options and building envelope insulation. The savings, thus far, have has been achieved mainly by low cost measures such as behavioural changes, better energy management, heating controls, pump systems replacement and lighting retrofits. The evident energy performance deficits have been compensated to some degree by bodies under the aegis of my Department who have more scope to engage in infrastructural upgrades and deep retrofits. In order to achieve continuous improvements in energy performance, significant projects in my Department and across the wider Public Service Bodies may be required to reach 2020 and 2030 targets.

My Department is engaged with OPW’s Architectural and Engineering Divisions on identification of projects that will assist in achieving additional energy efficiencies and it is an active participant in the Office of Public Works (OPW) “Optimising Power @ Work” campaign.

My officials will be facilitating a Working Group comprehending the Department's State Bodies, the intention of which will be to reaffirm our commitment to our obligations and the adherence to best practice in energy management across the Group. By working proactively with State Bodies under our remit and with Department of Communications Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE), OPW, and SEAI we are seeking to progress both Energy Efficiency projects and Energy Management initiatives.

In conclusion, my Department is committed to embedding energy efficiency into the culture of the organisation and it continues to support and progress energy management initiatives across our office locations, including promotion by way of energy awareness campaigns.

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