Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
383. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Finance the actions and engagements his Department has taken to date to reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency in all buildings under his Department. [40911/22]
View answerThe main offices which house my Department are primarily heritage buildings with Protected Structure legislative status. The current available options for energy performance efficiency gains are limited, and offer little scope in terms of facility upgrades and retrofits. Nevertheless, my Department strives to effect tangible reductions in its carbon footprint by active engagement with the Energy Section of the Department of the Environment Climate and Communications (DECC) as well as the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) through its Public Sector Energy and Resource Efficiency Action Plan (REAP) programmes, with relevant reports published annually.
My Department has completed significant lighting replacement projects to provide the benefits of better lighting, improved energy efficiency and occupancy detection systems. Such work has resulted in minimising both energy consumption and maintenance costs through the use of new technology LED lighting. Other initiatives have included the use of energy-efficient pump technologies for heating, and also the delivery of energy awareness programmes to staff. In the short- to medium-term, it is envisaged that further lighting projects will take place in order to effect the complete lighting upgrade of my Department’s offices.
My Department actively participates in the Public Sector Energy Reporting Programme, recording all of its energy consumption through the SEAI Monitoring and Reporting online system. From 2009 to 2021, energy consumption has decreased by 35%, putting my Department on track to achieve the 2030 target of a 50% reduction for all Public Sector organisations, nationally. Over that same period, our annual CO2 emissions have fallen from 3,782 tonnes to 1,897 tonnes, which equates to a drop of almost 50%.
These energy efficiencies translate into meaningful power consumption reductions, with consequent benefits in terms of CO2/kWh emission reductions. To note, my Department is a policy organisation with no manufacturing or production facilities, and subsequently no transport fleet. However, where business travel is required, it is undertaken primarily through the use of public transport.
My Department engages with OPW’s Architectural and Engineering Services 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. In addition, my Department participates in the State-led schemes that assist in reducing Ireland's carbon footprint more generally, including participation in the cycle-to-work and the travel-tax saver schemes, waste management and the promotion of recycling.
Where possible, all heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) are monitored and adjusted automatically using modern software systems. All electrical goods sourced by my Department are assessed prior to purchase to determine their energy saving rating in line with current Green Public Procurement best practices. My Department has achieved modest resource efficiency gains through the movement of staff in recent years from older buildings to more modern, resource-efficient buildings, such as Miesian Plaza. All impending changes of premises or leasing of new properties undergo a comprehensive energy appraisal process as part of the regular due diligence undertaken by OPW as they source appropriate accommodation.
In early 2019, a “Green Committee” was established to co-ordinate our approach to all things environmental. This team is comprised of volunteers who carry out the work in addition to their regular duties.
In conclusion, my Department is committed to reducing its carbon footprint through all available options, embedding energy efficiency into the culture of the organisation and continuing to support and progress energy management initiatives across our office locations, including energy awareness activities for staff.
