Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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459. To ask the Minister for Finance 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. [23319/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Climate Action Plan 2021 (CAP21) envisages the public sector leading by example on climate action to reach the target of reducing Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 and becoming climate neutral no later than 2050.

This requires public sector bodies to put in place a Climate Action Roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 51% by 2030 and increase the improvement in energy efficiency from the 33% target in 2020 to 50% by 2030.

As of winter 2024, my department has exceeded the energy efficiency target and is well on the way to achieving the remaining targets in the latter half of the decade. Despite these early successes, my department continues to strive to achieve, and eventually surpass, all sustainability targets and energy reduction goals set out by Government.

My Department strives to effect tangible reductions in its carbon footprint by active engagement with the Energy Section of the Department of the Environment Climate and Communications (DECC) as well as the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). My department has published its Climate Action Roadmap setting out a High-Level Roadmap for D/FIN Implementation of the Public Sector Climate Action Mandate www.gov.ie/en/department-of-finance/publications/climate-action-roadmap-2023/.

As an office-based organisation, the majority of my department’s energy use comes from two primary sources: space heating and the use of electrical equipment.

My department has completed significant lighting replacement projects to provide the benefits of better lighting, improved energy efficiency and occupancy detection systems. Such work has resulted in minimising both energy consumption and maintenance costs through the use of new technology LED lighting. Other initiatives have included the use of energy-efficient pump technologies for heating, the installation of modern, energy-efficient, communal printers to replace individual printers, as well as the delivery of energy awareness programmes to staff.

My department has been utilising the policies laid out in the Green Public Procurement (GPP) Strategy and Action Plan since its inception. All procurement carried out by my department ensures that the service providers and suppliers are aware of, and adhere to, the principles laid out therein. Greater purchasing power gives the public sector significant influence to stimulate the creation and provision of more resource-efficient, less polluting goods, services and works within the marketplace.

All electrical goods sourced by my department are assessed prior to purchase to determine their energy saving rating in line with current Green Public Procurement best practices.

The Facilities Management Unit (FMU) monitors prevailing weather conditions and adjust the heating and/or air conditioning systems accordingly, often several times a day. FMU are heavily involved in planned preventative maintenance of all electrical & electronic plant and equipment throughout all our premises, to identify and address potential problems before they arise. FMU also regularly carry out energy audits to highlight any unnecessary wastage by staff. The most recent of these audits was carried out in Q1 2025.

The Building Management System (BMS) installed in our main buildings makes it easier to adjust, boost or switch the heating off entirely, as required. Heating can be monitored and adjusted in real time, as the weather worsens/improves, or can be switched off entirely when the building is unoccupied e.g. on bank holidays. This has led to huge improvements in our energy efficiency.

My department engages with OPW’s Architectural and Engineering Services Divisions on identification of projects that will assist in achieving additional energy efficiencies and it is an active participant in the Office of Public Works (OPW) “Optimising Power @ Work” campaign. In addition, my department participates in the State-led schemes that assist in reducing Ireland's carbon footprint more generally, including participation in the cycle-to-work and the travel-tax saver schemes, waste management and the promotion of recycling.

A “Green Committee” has been established to co-ordinate our approach to all things environmental. This team is comprised of volunteers who carry out the work in addition to their regular duties.