Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 157: To ask the Taoiseach the works or measures that have taken place in 2007 to make his departmental buildings more environmentally friendly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32400/07]

Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Office of Public Works is currently actively engaged in a strategy to reduce Carbon Dioxide emissions and the State's dependency on fossil fuels. A major element of this strategy is an Energy Awareness Campaign by the Office of Public Works, which will be rolled out in 2008, in which my Department will be actively involved.

During the summer of 2007, the Office of Public Works installed web-based energy monitoring units throughout Government Buildings which monitor and record electrical and heating fuel consumption every 15 minutes. The target is to reduce carbon emissions in each building by 15% through local energy conservation campaigns, energy workshops and close monitoring of the performance of heating/air conditioning equipment. Staff will be able to monitor the energy reductions in their building via the Internet site.

Allied to this strategy, my Department has developed its own energy conservation programme which is supported at the highest level, in order to build on its existing green measures. This programme will put in place a number of additional mechanisms such as:

The establishment of a Government Buildings Complex Energy Committee to engage collectively with the Office of Public Works consultants to roll out the planned awareness programme;

Expanding the remit of my Department's current functioning "Green Committee" to take on the energy campaign with proactive IT engagement;

To develop an ongoing energy efficiency campaign in conjunction with the Office of Public Works;

To focus in particular on electricity usage by targeting the switching off of computers and other electrical equipment, when not required;

Intensify the ongoing programme of replacing all light bulbs with the most energy efficient devices on the market; and

Target the most energy efficient, when purchasing new equipment.

Throughout 2007, my Department has continued to review and expand its existing Green and recycling measures. All paper and cardboard waste is recycled.

Redundant machinery (photocopiers, fax machines, shredders, etc) is disposed of in compliance with the Waste Management (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations 2005. In disposing of PCs, a number are given, free of charge, to various charities and schools/community groups.

The Department also has arrangements in place for the recycling of glass, cans, plastic bottles, mobiles phones, toners, batteries, CD's, DVD's, CD/DVD cases, diskettes and Bio waste.