Energy Management

At Maynooth University, we see and understand the impact that Global Warming is having, with dramatic changing climate effects. Much of what is happening today on a global scale is due to unsustainable use of fossil fuels, an abundance of what appeared to be a self-replenishing source of fresh clean water and a disregard for what happens to our waste when discarded.This has led to carbon pollution of our atmosphere, contamination of our waterways and seas and our
 environment generally. The problem, of course, is not just local but worldwide, with many much greater offenders than Ireland.
 
Government Targets
The Government has set ambitious CO2 targets to be achieved by 2030 and beyond to 2050. As in the recent past, the public sector is again targeted to lead the challenge in order to make significant reductions in support of these targets. Ireland is committed by EU Law, to clearly defined carbon dioxide (CO2) targets, through COP22 and other international agreements.

These legal requirements are designed to reduce our CO2 emissions. Under Ireland’s National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP), the public sector is legally bound to lead the way in this regard. We also have the Climate Action and Low Carbon  Development Bill 2020. This is an ambitious piece of legislation, which commits us, in law, to move to a climate resilient and climate neutral economy by 2050. This bill will provide the platform to help us achieve this goal. Public bodies are required to demonstrate an exemplary role in terms of energy management and carbon reduction. The Government launched a Climate Action Plan 2019, which set out a pathway to reduce Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and beyond. The plan outlines actions to be taken by all sectors and highlights the need for the Public Sector to lead this regard.
 
Public Sector targets have been set as follows:

  • A 50% improvement in public sector energy efficiency by 2030
  • A 50% reduction in CO2e from the sector by 2030.
  • All Public Sector Buildings to be B2 rated by 2030.
  • Decarbonize the energy use for heat and transport by replacing fossil fuels with renewable where appropriate.
  • By 2050 achieve Near Zero Energy Related Greenhouse gases.
  • Reduction in annual water consumption and usage.
  • Revise the M&R reporting scheme to include for carbon reduction. 

 
The Climate Action Plan 2021 section 9.0 outlines the actions required by the Public Sector to achieve the Government’s targets. 

Energy Management Working Group

Leader: Ciarán Coffey, CPD Office ciaran.coffey@mu.ie

Other members of the Energy Management team are:
James Cotter, Dept. of Electronic Engineering
Michael Rafter, Director of Estates & Capital Development (interim)
Mireia Guardino-Ferran, MGC coordinator
Sarah Coughlan da Silva, Dept. of Ancient Classics
Ivan Griffin, Campus & Commercial Services Manager
Heather Meldrum, Campus Services
Michael Lennon, Powerhouse Manager
Victor Nava Millan, IT Services
Karen Jago, IT Services