Questions to the Minister for Health:
128. To ask the Minister for Health the measure that have been taken by his Department and the Health Service Executive to reduce energy use and to increase the use of electricity generated from renewable sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. -Jerry Buttimer
Ref. No. 13455/13
129. To ask the Minister for Health the savings that have been generated to date by energy saving initiatives in both his Department and the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. -Jerry Buttimer
Ref. No. 13456/13
130. To ask the Minister for Health if his Department and the Health Service Executive have estimated the amount of savings which could be achieved through reducing energy use and increasing energy efficiency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. -Jerry Buttimer
Ref. No. 13457/13
All for WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 14th March, 2013
REPLY
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 128 to 130, inclusive, together.
My Department is participating in the Office of Public Works “Optimising Power @ Work” scheme.The aim of this staff energy awareness campaign is to reduce C02 emissions from energy consumption by the public sector.The main focus of the scheme is a staff energy awareness campaign and at the same time ensuring that the buildings are being operated in the most efficient manner possible regarding all energy consuming processes.
Savings have been achieved in the heating and electricity consumption at my Department’s headquarters in Hawkins House, not withstandingthe age of the building and the limitations arising from single glazed metal windows.
In 2012 the Department took the following steps to further improve energy performance and efficiency:
continued to monitor and adjust heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems;
carried out ‘Building Management System’ audits;
renewed focus on staff awareness;
recalculated benchmarks and HVAC control performance.
In addition work was carried out to the main heating system which involved upgrading/replacement of the original heating boilers including the installation of summer time immersion heating for hot water to the toilet/kitchen facilities.This also includes a more up to date BMS system allowing for additional local control of heating distribution.
My Department do not select the electricity provider as this is completed by the National Procurement Service who are attached to the Office of Public Works and therefore do not have control on the amount of electricity consumed which is produced from a renewable source.
Since Hawkins House became involved with the Office of Public Works “Optimising Power @ Work” scheme the energy consumption of the building has been reduced by 14%.The position regarding the Health Service Executive (HSE) is a matter for themselves.I have requested the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy in this regard.