asked the Minister for Finance if a campaign to conserve energy in public buildings has been introduced by the Office of Public Works; and, if so, the results.
Written Answers . - Energy Conservation in Public Buildings .
96.
Mr. Leonard
: Since the oil crisis in 1979, the Office of Public Works have been especially active in endeavouring to conserve energy in the heating and lighting of Government establishments for which they are responsible. As a result of these efforts oil consumption was reduced by approximately 12½ per cent and 10½ per cent in the years 1980 and 1981 respectively, compared with 1979. Reductions of approximately 1 per cent in 1980 and 4 per cent in 1981 in solid fuel consumption were achieved.
Figures for electricity consumption are not readily available but details of the expenditure incurred indicate that there was no great variation in electricity consumption in 1980 and 1981. The overall reduction in energy consumption was achieved despite the fact that a number of additional premises were occupied by the State in the years mentioned.
Firm figures for 1982 are not yet available.