Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 77: To ask the Minister for Transport the steps he has taken to reduce the carbon footprint of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23396/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I would like to clarify at the outset that the buildings in which my Department is accommodated are sourced by the Office of Public Works. The OPW, because of its particular technical expertise, plays the key role in the assessment of the energy efficiency of buildings in State use.

The main step which the OPW takes in the discharge of this role is the installation of Building Management Systems which records energy consumption data every 15 minutes and which can be used to identify and drive measures to reduce energy consumption. A reduction of 15% is the target for this year and I expect this to be achieved.

I believe that the OPW's emphasis on the acquisition of quality energy consumption data is fully justifiable. Only through the availability of such data can informed decisions be taken.

My Department is also participating in an OPW-led Staff Awareness Energy campaign which is designed to make all staff more aware of how their daily actions and habits can contribute to greater efficiency. A number of staff seminars have already been held.

My Department was the first Government Department to introduce a Work Place Travel Plan. Besides promoting the use of safe, healthy and sustainable travel options, the Department also provides bicycles for use of Department staff as well as improved cycle parking facilities.

My Department is in the process of appointing Energy Officers for each participating building whose primary responsibility will be to drive good energy saving and house-keeping practices. Other energy-saving initiatives include participation in the green electricity and annual travel pass schemes. I wish to assure the Deputy that these efforts will be maintained and intensified into the future.