John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 97: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her Department is adding to future school running costs by refusing to take a flexible approach when sanctioning a new school design in relation to its energy options; the logic that lies behind schools being unable to install carbon neutral energy sources such as geothermal and wood pellet burning due to the common design system; if this approach makes economic sense in the context of Ireland's climate change commitments in view of the fact that Ireland is already facing huge fines; if this approach makes economic sense in terms of Ireland's growing energy crisis and forthcoming massive energy price hikes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4973/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is to the forefront of design with respect to energy efficiency in school buildings. However, the length of the school day and school holiday periods generally impact on the suitability of alternative energy options in school buildings. My Department's design guidelines set the benchmark for low energy design in schools and are clearly focused on energy efficiency and are based on solid energy research projects.

It has been demonstrated that all schools designed and built to these standards can have an energy performance that is 2.3 times more efficient than International best practice and nearly five times more efficient than schools built in the late 80's. My Department's policy is supported by a strong research programme with over twenty research projects at various stages currently in hand.

A hybrid approach is taken with respect to low energy design in schools based on maximising natural resources and energy efficient technologies. Schools are positioned to maximise gain from the sun during the day for passive solar heating and natural daylight. Passive solar design saves 20 % of early morning heating period and adequate natural daylight when combined with automated lighting systems in the classrooms can eliminate the need for electrical light for up to 80% of the schools teaching hours.

Energy efficient boilers and individual room temperature controls combined with a strong emphasis on air tight testing and high insulation levels minimise heat requirements. Water usage is minimised through automatic shut off taps and dual flush toilets, while local water blending valves are provided to prevent scalding. All of the above design features are included in the Department's Generic Repeat Design schools. My Department has developed a number of carbon neutral schools as part of research projects involving both geothermal and wood pellet installations and further projects are currently being assessed in respect of their suitability for wider rollout.

The performance of my Department in the area of low energy design has been recognised at both National and International level with sustainable energy awards for excellence in Design and Specification.