Public bodies have reduced energy use

Victoria White’s commentary on public sector energy efficiency (Irish Examiner, Thursday May 7) contained a number of significant factual errors, based on a misreading of our published report.

She states that only 41% of public bodies have reduced their energy use, when in fact the report shows that the number is almost twice that.

For a number of organisations she has confused energy use with energy efficiency: IBRC, Cork City Council and the HSE have all demonstrated an increase in energy efficiency, not increased energy usage.

The purpose of the Public Sector Energy Efficiency report is to show progress towards energy efficiency targets and to ensure all public bodies engage with this important agenda.

Those bodies featured in the report represent 85% of public sector energy use and have between them achieved €74m in annual cost savings.

Can we not acknowledge this as the success it undoubtedly represents?

Majella Kelleher

Head, Energy Demand Management

Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland

Finnabair Business Park

Dundalk

Co Louth