Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 December 2018
90. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the role that increasing energy efficiency in public, private and commercial buildings can play in reaching Ireland's climate commitments; the steps he will take to increase energy efficiency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53158/18]
View answerEnergy efficiency has a crucial role to play in Ireland meeting its national and international climate commitments. Efforts to improve energy efficiency also make an essential contribution to improving Ireland’s security of supply, sustainability, air quality, health, social inclusion, business competitiveness and better public services, all of which will make a real and positive impact on people’s lives.
Buildings are responsible for nearly 35% of Ireland’s energy usage while Ireland’s homes emit nearly 60% more CO2 and use 7% more energy than the European average. This is a clear opportunity to improve the condition of our homes and businesses, while also contributing to climate action.
In 2018 97,000 tonnes of carbon were avoided across the country through government funded energy efficiency schemes targeted at homes, businesses and public sector buildings.
Over 400,000 homeowners have already taken action through Government grant schemes to upgrade their homes and these schemes are currently available to all homeowners who want to reduce their own energy usage and emissions.
Nearly 400 businesses have also availed of Government funding and support to reduce their energy usage in the past 2 years through the EXEED programme and schemes targeted at SMEs and dairy farmers. 200 of Ireland's larger energy users have improved their overall energy performance by 5.4% in 2017 relative to 2016 through the Large Industry Energy Network.
The public sector has achieved a 24% improvement in energy efficiency since 2009 with a target of 33% by 2020. This amounts to an avoided energy spend of over €1 billion (€1,024 million) and 3.56 million tonnes of carbon emission savings to end 2017. Further significant progress can be made in this sector.
I have recently secured Government approval to prepare an All of Government Plan and in developing this I will be looking at how we can further step up our activity in this area.
