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Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 December 2018

Wednesday, 5 December 2018

Ceisteanna (271)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

271. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress his Department has achieved in reducing its carbon footprint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51126/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Energy efficiency and climate action are inextricably linked.  Using less energy, and using it more efficiently, is the most cost effective and accessible way to take action on climate change.

My Department has already achieved the target of 33% energy efficient improvement to be achieved by all public bodies by 2020.  The most recently available data is provided in the Annual Report 2018 on Public Sector Energy Efficiency Performance produced by SEAI.  It shows that my Department had, by end 2017, achieved a 51.8% energy efficiency improvement (since the baseline year of 2009).

In 2017, my Department reduced its carbon emissions by 9.4% over 2016.  

This improved energy performance was achieved as a result of a number of targeted measures, including:- 

- participation in the OPW Optimising Power @ Work (OP@W) initiative

- introduction of a Building Management System to enable better energy monitoring and management  

- upgrading the heating system in the Department's HQ building to allow for zonal targeting and switch off during holiday periods

- rollout of energy efficient networked printers and photocopiers

- upgrading  to more efficient LED lights, where appropriate

- insulation works in parts of our HQ building

- energy awareness days and energy efficiency notices communicated to staff, and 

- incorporation of a more appropriate activity metric in terms of the Department’s energy use.

My Department, along with the 15 aegis bodies within its Departmental Group, will maintain the momentum and pursue additional energy efficiency opportunities to maximise the contribution to the overall national target of a 33% improvement by 2020.  

At the national level, Public Service bodies have achieved 24% improved efficiency, which has delivered 667,000 tonnes of carbon emission savings in 2017, and a cumulative saving of 3.56 million tonnes of carbon savings since the baseline year.

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