Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
103. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has considered energy-saving measures to cut energy use this winter such as those that have been implemented in Germany (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43490/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe public sector achieved its ambitious 2020 target to achieve a 33% energy efficiency improvement compared to an overall economy target of 20%. However, in response to the impact of the war in Ukraine, the National Energy Security Framework (NESF) was published in April. This Framework sets out a comprehensive response to Ireland’s energy security needs in the context of the war in Ukraine.
In line with the NESF, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the Office of Public Works (OPW) are delivering, an energy efficiency campaign to public bodies. This campaign is focussing on driving behavioural change and implementing a range of measures to lower energy consumption and costs in the public sector, and Government recently approved that all public sector bodies will lead by example in lowering energy consumption and costs by signing up to the campaign.
Public bodies are now required to reduce the temperature and duration of heating systems; reduce energy use from lighting; reduce electricity use at peaks times whenever possible; and make more efficient use of buildings where occupancy is low, at certain times, due to remote working.
Public sector bodies will also be required to set temperatures to a guideline 19 degrees where appropriate, to turn off heat in office buildings at least 1-2 hours before the buildings close, and to ensure that there is no non-security/safety lighting in use after 8:00pm.
The NESF also commits to comprehensively reviewing the existing business retrofit supports administered by the SEAI. The aim of these reviews is to increase the uptake of existing business supports to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency and reduce costs.
