Environment Minister launches 'Energy Management Code of Practice'

The local authority has confirmed that it also has produced 340 less tonnes of CO2 and made savings of in excess of €90,000 in the two-and-a-half years since implementing numerous energy efficient measures at its headquarters building in Dooradoyle. The savings are so considerable that the original architects have returned to Limerick County Hall to carry out a case study on the improvements and performance of the building.

The announcement of considerable savings coincided with the launch last week of Limerick County Council’s ‘Energy Management Code of Practice’.

The strategy document includes a series of short, medium and long-term action plans aimed at effectively managing energy consumption and promoting energy efficient practices within the Local Government system in County Limerick. The Code also provides for ongoing staff training in relation to best practice in the area of energy efficiency.

Minister Hogan said - “Environmental policies are constantly changing and I am delighted to see that Limerick County Council is adapting to such changes by utilising renewable technologies and exploring how they can be used in an appropriate way. This Code of Practice fits in with the overall energy strategy of Limerick County Council - and indeed, the Government’s National Climate Change Strategy 2007-12.”

Limerick County Manager Edmond Gleeson explained that Limerick County Council has successfully increased energy efficiency, particularly through the use of renewable energy sources.

“The Council is conscious of expenditure of public money in the delivery of services for the public good. Under this Code, for example, the Council will use all energy as efficiently as practicable, reduce energy related emissions, promote the use of renewable energy resources and purchase all energy at the most economic cost”, said Mr. Gleeson.

In late 2008, Limerick County Hall and Library Headquarters became the first state-owned buildings in the country to install photovoltaic solar panels to reduce their carbon footprint and energy usage. County Hall has since improved its Building Energy Rating (BER) from a D2 to a B3 and plans to achieve a B1 within the next 18 months. Typical buildings of this size typically have a BER of D2.

According to Limerick County Council’s Facilities Manager, Pádraig Power - “The building is generating electricity from 175 square metres of photovoltaic panels, producing 16 kW of electricity on average. A Visual Display Unit (VDU) for public viewing has been installed to relay live information on the energy being generated. The Council has published its own internal Energy Saving Workplan during 2011.

“Significant savings have been made as a result of upgrades to current heating and lighting systems, while LED lighting has been introduced on a phased basis. Exploiting natural elements of the building design, natural lighting and ventilation has also had huge effect on energy reduction.

"Solar gain in the winter time has been harnessed and contributes to the heating of the building fabric. Meanwhile, Building Management Systems have been upgraded to obtain maximum savings on energy consumption.

“Staff awareness has been promoted on how individuals can contribute as they would at home. Elsewhere, our Information Technology (IT) Department has upgraded servers and used new more energy efficient hard drives for Personal Computers”, Mr. Power added.

While in Limerick County Hall, the Minister also met with the Limerick Clare Kerry Regional Waste Management Office, which recently launched an ecopledge campaign. The website campaign encourages people to show their commitment to caring for the environment by signing up to one of ten eco-friendly pledges.