Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Public Sector has a very strong track record in energy efficiency, having achieved the ambitious 2020 target of a 33% energy efficiency improvement, compared to an overall economy wide target of 20%. Given the ongoing situation in relation to energy prices and supply, there is a concerted effort across the public sector to continue this leadership role in reducing energy use.

Government took the decision that all public sector bodies must continue to lead by example in lowering energy consumption and costs by signing up to and implementing the SEAI and the OPW Reduce Your Use energy efficiency initiative for public bodies which commenced in September 2022.

The ‘Reduce Your Use’ energy efficiency initiative provides a structured programme of energy saving activities during the winter months and offers energy saving advice for the Public Sector.

Public sector organisations are now implementing a number of measures including; setting temperatures to a guideline 19 degrees where appropriate, turning off heat in office buildings at least 1-2 hours before the building closes, ensuring no non-security/safety lighting is in use after 8:00pm, and organisations are also seeking to reduce unnecessary lighting at other times.

It is expected that this campaign can deliver 5-10% energy savings overall across the sector, and up to 15% in buildings.

To ensure Public Bodies are supported in delivering these targets, there is a need to monitor progress and capture more detail on activities carried out. To this end, my Department and the SEAI have issued a survey on a monthly basis to the Energy Performance Officer in each public body in order to tailor supports and share learnings across the public sector.