Micheál Martin
Question:163. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress his Department has achieved in reducing its carbon footprint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51136/18]
View answerWednesday, 5 December 2018
Questions (163)
Written answers
My Department works to reduce its carbon footprint primarily through the Public Sector Energy Efficiency Strategy. The Department's performance in that regard is reflected in the 2017 Annual Report on Public Sector Energy Efficiency Performance, prepared by the SEAI. This sets out details of the energy efficiency performance of public bodies in Ireland and notes that overall, the Department's Energy Group, which comprises 9 bodies, including the Department itself, has achieved 33% energy savings to end 2016, with consequent benefits in terms of CO2 emission reductions. This was more efficient than the baseline set and is on track for the 2020 target. The Department’s own energy saving of 69% is also on track for the 2020 target and has been achieved mainly by measures such as behavioural changes and better energy management and space utilisation.
The Department shares its Merrion Street headquarters with the Department of Finance. The Department of Finance undertakes the facilities management functions for both Departments in these premises and the reply in respect of that Department sets out the specific energy efficiency initiatives being undertaken there.
The majority of Department of Public Expenditure and Reform staff outside of the Merrion Street complex are already located in energy efficient buildings or have recently moved to one and consequently there is no scope or requirement to make adjustments to them in terms of engineering solutions, retrofits, thermal glazing options and building envelope insulation etc. to achieve further significant energy efficiencies. However, the Department hopes to achieve some further improvements by continuing to embed energy efficiency into the culture of the organisation and by progressing energy awareness campaigns across its main locations.
The Department will continue to contribute to the implementation of the Public Sector Energy Efficiency Strategy, in conjunction with the bodies under its aegis, the Department of Finance, the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and the SEAI.
In addition to its work on energy efficiency, the Department continues to participate in the state led schemes that assist in reducing Ireland's carbon footprint more generally. These include the cycle-to-work scheme, the travel-tax saver scheme and the promotion of green initiatives, such as recycling etc., within the Department.