Thousands of public buildings are energy inefficient

Ministers will discuss a memo which asks public sector bodies to cap heating systems at around 19C, to reduce unnecessary heating of low occupancy spaces and to cut energy use.

Ministers will discuss a memo brought forward by Green Party leader Eamon Ryan which asks public sector bodies to cap heating systems at around 19C, to reduce unnecessary heating of low occupancy spaces and to cut energy use at peak times.

Thousands of publicly owned buildings are scoring as low as ‘F’ and ‘G’ for energy efficiency or have not received an energy rating at all.

As the Government pushes to increase energy efficiency and reduce consumption to avoid winter blackouts, figures released to the Irish Examiner reveal the scale of energy inefficiency in State-owned buildings for the first time, with many among the worst performing in the country.