Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 160 together.

My Department has a strong record with respect to sustainable energy in school buildings and this performance has been recognised at both national and international level with sustainable energy awards for excellence in design and specification.

My Department’s approach to the decarbonisation of the school sector is predicated on establishing a credible phased pathway to zero emissions, and meeting 2030 public sector targets through an evidence based approach, informed by the Department’s Energy Research Programme which has been in place from 1997 with over 54 different research strands.

Since 2009, schools designed and built in accordance with the Department’s schools technical guidance documents have achieved A3 Building Energy Ratings. Current schools typically achieve up to 20% higher energy performance and 25% better carbon performance than required by Building Regulations.

It is important for successful implementation that a sustainable solution is compatible with the end users circumstances and requirements including health and safety and maintenance and operation. The application of wind energy in schools has been explored by my Department and the results indicate that given the scale of application to match demand and capacity in a meaningful way, schools are better placed to connect to one of the main wind energy electrical suppliers to maximise the potential of green electricity. This is kept under review given improvements in technology and the market place.