Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
1618. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health the special measures his Department is taking to reduce energy usage in the scenario in which members of the public are being asked to do the same. [20296/22]
View answerMy Department is fully engaged with the Government's objectives to improve public sector energy efficiency. The target for 2020 was set at a 33% improvement. We are delighted to have exceeded this target achieving a saving of 39.8% and we are committed, through our Green Team, to continue to collaborate with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), our Landlord, the OPW and our staff to play our part in achieving the Government's ambitious new targets for energy reduction in our HQ at Miesian Plaza through 2030.
My Department's HQ in Miesian Plaza is an extremely complex environment which incorporates a wide range of energy efficient technologies and measures to minimise the energy footprint of the premises and achieve greater efficiencies in our energy consumption. These include low energy fan coil units, high efficiency air-conditioning cooling systems including thermal storage and low energy ventilation systems.
The Department’s HQ “Green Team” continues to promote environmental awareness and implement green strategy initiatives across the building as the lead tenant. For those engaged in purchasing for and on behalf the Department, Green Procurement guidelines have been defined and are reported on centrally.
I recognise and support my Department's contribution as critical in Ireland meeting its overall climate change goals on energy usage and emissions.
