Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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791. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the specific measures taken in his Departmental offices and operations in reducing energy usage and to assist in Ireland meeting our climate targets for 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23327/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Social Protection is committed to playing its part in the overall public sector climate targets, namely the Public Sector Climate Action Mandate and the Climate Action Plan 2025, which sets out key targets for energy:

- Reduce energy related GHG emissions by 51% by 2030 and

- Improve energy efficiency in the public sector by 50% by 2030.

At present, the department is on course to achieve its 2030 targets. At the end of 2024, the department had improved its overall energy efficiency by 53%. In addition, the department has also reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 48%. Both of these figures are relative to the baseline period for public bodies and both figures are trending towards further reductions in energy use.

The department has developed a range of activities to reduce both energy use and carbon emissions across its estate. These actions include:

• Obtaining and retaining ISO50001 certification in energy management.
• In conjunction with external partners, the department undertakes energy audits across key sites annually, with associated recommendations for enhancing energy efficiencies being implemented, having regard to the resources available.
• Building works carried out on behalf of the department by the OPW are completed with energy efficiencies a significant consideration in these respective projects.
• Engaging staff in the department is a key priority, using various platforms to raise awareness of climate goals and energy-saving behaviour. This is reinforced and supported by local Energy Officers and Green Teams across the country.
• Supporting and promoting national campaigns that are centrally coordinated by the OPW.