Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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286. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the progress her Department has achieved in reducing its carbon footprint; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51125/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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My Department is fully engaged in the Public Sector Energy Reporting Programme. I am happy to report that my Department had improved its energy efficiency performance at the end of 2017 by 47%. This is above the target set at 33% by the Public Sector Energy Efficiency Strategy 2020.

During 2017, my Department reduced its energy consumption by putting procedures in place such as enabling automatic computer shut down in the evenings, reducing lighting in areas of the building with reduced footfall, the removal of personal heaters and desk fans, the central heating system set on a timer for 'exception periods' for dates when the building was closed on weekends and Bank Holidays. My Department also provided energy awareness information sessions to staff.

I fully expect my Department's energy efficiency performance to further improve as a result of the move in early 2018 to Miesian Plaza. Miesian Plaza is designed for high energy efficiency and is expected to achieve LEED Platinum accreditation. LEED, (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world.