Irish Government announce large-scale energy-saving refurbishment

Posted on | June 3, 2009 | 1 Comment

More than 1,000 large-scale public buildings are to be refurbished to reduce energy consumption by up to one third,the Government announce.

The targets, among some 90 separate measures aimed at creating a “greener Ireland”, are intended to save the State €1.6 billion annually in energy costs by 2020. This is to be achieved through a 20 per cent overall reduction in energy wastage, including a 33 per cent reduction from the public sector.

All public sector bodies are to be required to produce an annual report outlining their progress towards the 33 per cent target.

In addition, the State procurement spending of up to €10 billion per year will from 2009 be subject to new guidelines on purchasing energy efficient products and services.

Minister for Energy, Eamon Ryan, said the cheapest way to achieve energy efficiency was to reduce waste.