The Friends of the Earth have suggested that massive cuts in
emissions as well as financial savings could be made by adopting more rigorous
energy saving in schools, hospitals and other public offices. It especially highlights buildings that are
heated when empty during weekends and leaving computers switched on when not in
use. It estimates that it could save the
state 1.75 billion euro over 10 years and calls for retrofitting such buildings with better insulation,
reducing dependence on air conditioning and using low carbon heating systems. However,
small changes can make a difference. A school in Clara in County Clare was able
to reduce its electricity usage by 70% by simple actions such as lowering the
heating setting on the central heating, using
time switches for heating rooms that were not used all the time, turning
off the boiler at night and weekends, and encouraging staff and pupils to close
doors and turn off lights. Plans are
already in place by the Government to reduce electricity use in over 10,000
buildings run by central and local government under the National Energy
Efficiency Action Plan. It is claimed that the plan has already reduce energy
usage by 33% across the public sector.
More information: Friends
of the Earth (2013) ‘Cuts that don’t hurt’. Friends of the Earth , Dublin.
More information: The Second National Energy Plan launched in February 2013.
Nick Gray
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