Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1872. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the actions and engagements that his Department has taken to date to reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency in all buildings under his Department. [40914/22]
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. 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 and thermal storage and low-energy ventilation systems.
The 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 of 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.
