Ireland has experienced unprecedented growth since 1990 and our economy has grown by 169% between 1990 and 2006 and our greenhouse gas emissions have grown accordingly (Energy In Ireland 1990 – 2005 - SEI). This economic growth, along with and partly due to Ireland's expanding population and phenomenal rate of infrastructural development and house building, has resulted in Ireland’s output of greenhouse gas emissions, according to data from 2006, being 25.5% above the 1990 levels. In accordance with the Kyoto Protocol Ireland must reduce its carbon output to 13% above the 1990 levels by 2012. Since the public sector is the biggest landowner, property owner and tenant in the state and also has the biggest fleet of transport vehicles, participation from the public sector is vital if Ireland is to meet this target.
The public sector is responsible for emissions through direct use of energy, such as the energy used in public sector buildings, operations such as roads and transit, water and wastewater, and other public services and infrastructure.
The indirect impact of the public sector on climate change is difficult to measure but has potentially had a far greater effect. Decisions on planning policy and procurement, which did not take climate change or indeed sustainability into account result in the unnecessary use of resources and expenditure of energy. More recently government policies have incorporated both of these ideas, reflecting changing attitudes to the importance of government policy and its influence.
The public sector is a huge consumer of energy in Ireland and must endeavour to reduce its carbon footprint and help Ireland fulfil its responsibilities to the Kyoto protocol.
More importantly the public sector must take the lead in combating climate change, primarily by practising energy efficiency and adopting sustainability but also by encouraging and stimulating the adoption of best practices by industry, SME’s and individuals. The public sector must attain the highest standard, thereby showing that energy efficiency can be achieved. Everyone had a part to play in combating climate change, but the government must lead.