Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 520: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will initiate a new schools insulation programme to bring all schools up to a minimum standard and to reduce heating costs for schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46285/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is at the fore front of design with respect to energy efficiency in school buildings. Its Technical Guidance Documents, which set the benchmark for low energy design in schools are clearly focused on energy efficiency and are based on solid energy research projects. It has been demonstrated that all Primary School's designed and built in line with this 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 Departments policy is supported by a strong research programme with over thirty 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.

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.

A programme for thermal improvements in existing schools is currently being developed and the Planning and Building Unit of my Department is developing a technical and administration guidance document that will provide school authorities with the necessary criteria and specifications to implement an insulation programme. Case studies will also be provided.

In addition, an Energy Management Guide for Schools is being developed in partnership between my Department and Sustainable Energy Ireland and this will be available on line in early 2009. This guide will be specifically directed to schools and will provide school managers with advice and guidance on how to improve energy management within the school and thereby reduce costs.