Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 November 2025
406. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress in emission reduction targets in areas that are the responsibility of his Department; which measures are particularly successful and which measures are underperforming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67056/25]
View answerThe Department of Social Protection continues to make strong progress under the Public Service Climate Action Mandate.
By end-2024, the Department has achieved a 50.36% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the 2016–2018 baseline of approximately 70% for this department. Energy efficiency, which is directly linked to CO2 emissions, has improved by 55% against the 2009 baseline, exceeding the 2030 goal of 50%.
The Department has maintained ISO 50001:2018 accreditation in Energy Management since June 2021, supported by annual audits. This accreditation underpins a structured Energy Management System, which drives behavioural change through local Energy Officers and Green Teams. Initiatives such as Reduce Your Use, delivered under the OPW’s Optimising Power at Work Programme, have been particularly successful.
Progress has also been supported by collaboration with the OPW on energy efficiency and emissions reduction projects, including building retrofits such as the Ennis Intreo Centre. There are further plans for refurbishment at the Department's headquarters of Áras Mhic Dhiarmada and at the Sligo Pensions Services Office over the coming years, with sustainability and a reduced CO2 output of each premises being key outcomes of the respective projects.
The main challenge for the department remains reducing fossil fuel emissions from heating systems. In partnership with the OPW, as building agents, the department will seek to develop any opportunities that arise to replace high-emission systems with cleaner, cost-effective alternatives to sustain and build on current gains.
