Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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302. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment 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. [23318/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has implemented a comprehensive set of measures in its offices and operations to reduce energy usage and to assist in meeting our 2030 Public Sector climate targets. The key actions taken include the following.

Deep Retrofit of our headquarters building Tom Johnson House

My Department's headquarters relocated in May 2024 to Tom Johnson House, a building deep retrofitted by the OPW to an A2 energy rating. The building uses heat pump technology and solar panels to replace fossil fuel heating. Sensor controlled LED lighting is installed throughout the building which further reduces electricity consumption by limiting lighting to periods of occupation.

Building Management System Controls

Heating and air conditioning of meeting rooms at Tom Johnson House are managed by my officials via a Building Management System (BMS) to prevent out-of-hours energy use and ensure efficient scheduling. The open plan floorspace at Tom Johnson House is naturally ventilated. Similar controls of heating schedules are in place in other buildings occupied by my Department.

Enhanced cycling facilities

Tom Johnson House was designed with facilities to encourage active travel, including extensive cycle parking, shower rooms, and drying rooms, supporting staff to walk, cycle, or use public transport. In 2024 the building facilities were awarded a Silver Smarter Travel Mark by Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

Monitoring and Reporting

My Department participates in the Monitoring and Reporting (M&R) System, which was established by the SEAI to enable public bodies to report on energy efficiency, carbon emissions and now includes reporting on Climate Action Mandate compliance to SEAI each year to enable them to track the Department’s progress towards achieving the 2030 Public Sector energy efficiency (EE) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets.

My Department also participates in the OPW Optimising Power @ Work (OP@W) initiative for Tom Johnson House where monthly reports are provided by an OPW appointed consultant on energy use in the building.

My Department also participates in the annual Reduce Your Use (RYU) campaign with regular communication to staff on energy saving measures that can be taken at work and at home.

Climate Action Roadmap

My Department produced an initial Climate Action Roadmap in 2023 to identify actions required to be taken to meet the 2030 Public Sector targets. This Roadmap was updated in late 2024 and both Roadmaps are available on the Department’s gov.ie website.

A new Roadmap will be prepared by my officials annually to account for any additional requirements set out in future Public Sector Climate Action Mandates.

As part of the actions taken to date as part of the Roadmap, my Department has purchased two electric vehicles to replace diesel vehicles in our transport fleet. Further measures to green our transport operations are being examined with the assistance of the Department’s SEAI Programme Support Manager.

EV Charging Infrastructure

The Department has installed EV charging points at our offices where possible for use by official vehicles. At our headquarters building 4 charging points have also been made available for use by the public.

Green Team

My Department has an established Green Team to promote energy awareness among staff. The Green Team meets monthly and reports annually on its actions to the Department's Climate and Sustainability Champion who is responsible for overseeing compliance with the Public Sector Climate Action Mandates.

It is anticipated that the measures taken to date and work that is ongoing to identify further measures to improve energy efficiency and reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions resulting from the Department’s activities will greatly assist the Department to achieve its 2030 climate targets.