Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 136: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the progress his Department has made in achieving this 33% target of energy efficiency in the public sector; if energy use in buildings under the responsibility of his Department is being monitored; if so, the person by whom it is monitored; the recent trends; if buildings under the responsibility of his Department are being retrofitted to improve energy efficiency; if there are capital budgets for energy efficiency measures in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13125/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There are a number of developments underway relating to energy efficiency in the public sector. In this context, I have been advised by the Office of Public works that energy efficient lighting is used for all new buildings and refurbishment work except in exceptional circumstances. Even in the latter, new developments in lighting will mean that even in these unusual circumstances it will be possible to use energy efficient and economic solutions in the foreseeable future. Energy efficient lighting is the norm in schools, hospitals and other public service buildings. Here again it is only in exceptional circumstances that incandescent lighting is used in any new or newly refurbished buildings.

The OPW has an energy awareness programme underway in all large State buildings. Based on an advance pilot programme completed last year this is expected to achieve 15% savings on an annual basis. This energy reduction programme is the first step in achieving the 2020 target of 33%. The progress to date has focused on putting the energy awareness programme in place and it is expected that it will several months before any quantifiable progress will be evident. An essential part of the energy reduction plan is to monitor the energy usage. In respect of my own Department and those operating in the Government Buildings complex, the Office of Public Works provide a monitoring service using a web based logging system which has been installed in advance of the energy awareness programme in the targeted State buildings.

For the present there is no Office of Public Works programme to undertake refurbishment work solely on the basis of energy conservation. Such a programme may be necessary in the future. However, where refurbishment is necessary or planned at present, energy saving will be considered in the designs and any reasonable or economic improvements will be incorporated. My Department does not have a capital budget allocated to energy efficient measures.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 137: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the energy criteria the Office of Public Works is using when acquiring or constructing new buildings for the public sector; if the OPW has, is or plans to retrofit any public buildings to improve energy efficiency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13133/08]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The current policy of the OPW with regards to energy criteria for new buildings is to specify a maximum energy performance target of 120kWh/m2 year for standard office accommodation. This target would be considered best practice for this type of building. Other types of building would require individual targets dependant on function and purpose. In the present leased market it is not practical to set a similar type of target and so buildings acquired by lease or existing buildings that are being purchased are not set such an energy target.

As part of the National Climate Change Strategy, the OPW is committed to converting a number of the heating systems in existing buildings to Biomass. This programme of work is underway and is due for completion before the next heating season. Although this is not specifically an energy efficiency measure it will reduce the carbon footprint.

Energy efficiency is considered in the refurbishment of existing accommodation and where economically practical improvements are incorporated into the works to maximise energy performance.

An essential part of the OPW's Staff Energy Awareness Campaign, which is currently underway, is a preliminary energy audit in each of the targeted buildings. It is anticipated that these energy audits will identify areas for improvement in the energy performance in certain buildings and improvement works will be considered when these audits have been completed.