Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 December 2018
302. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress her Department has achieved in reducing its carbon footprint; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51130/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently in discussions with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment in the development of specific climate change targets as part of an overall whole of government climate change action plan.
Energy usage is the main contributor to climate change and the Department and its aegis are mitigating this as part of the Public Sector Energy NEAP 33% 2020 energy saving targets. As at the end of 2017 an energy saving of 32.6% was recorded by My Department and its aegis against the 2009 baseline figures using the SEAI Public Sector Energy Reporting Programme. My Department also actively engage with the OPW in their OPW's Optimising Power at work energy saving scheme.
The Department continues to ensure that procurement policies include provisions for Green Procurement. Energy efficiency criteria are included in Requests for Tenders (RFTs) where relevant, including IT equipment and non-IT equipment. Energy, including electricity, is procured centrally through the Office of Government Procurement to obtain savings through economies of scale. Energy providers would also have energy saving and climate change targets.
