RTÉ has signed up to an energy partnership with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to adopt cost saving and efficiency measures to ensure its energy consumption is reduced in line with the 2020 public sector energy efficiency target of 33%.

RTÉ is well on track to reach the target with recent projects like the upgrading from analogue to digital, lighting retrofits and the installation of solar panels delivering significant energy savings to their annual energy bill of €4.5 million.

With the support of the SEAI, RTÉ has launched a structured approach to energy management, particularly in the areas of energy efficient procurement, awareness of energy consumption, and development of measurable goals, including a 3% annual efficiency improvement target.

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As part of the recent RTÉ Go-Green fortnight, the organisation installed 66 solar photovoltaic panels at its Donnybrook campus which feeds directly into the main building electrical supply, thereby reducing the amount of energy drawn from the national grid.

Commenting, Alex White T.D., Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources said: “With all public sector bodies now needing to focus on achieving 33% energy efficiency savings by 2020 I am delighted to see more  public service organisations  putting themselves at the forefront of energy efficiency and are seeing the rewards of energy cost savings. This is resulting in more lean and efficient organisations which are delivering on their public service objectives with far less impact on the environment.“  

Speaking at the signing of the partnership, SEAI’s Chief Executive Brian Motherway said: “The public sector is helping to drive change in all sectors by embracing this leadership role in adopting high energy efficiency standards. This is delivering valuable energy cost savings and cutting CO2 emissions. We welcome RTÉ’s commitment to implementing ambitious energy saving initiatives and to demonstrating leadership through action on energy efficiency.”

Confirming their commitment to ambitious energy saving objectives, Noel Curran, Director-General, RTÉ, said: “Our commitment to public service is strongly reinforced by our participation in the programme. With our partners in SEAI, RTÉ will endeavour not only to lead the way in the energy efficiency drive but we will share our achievements with others to maximise the impact the program can achieve.”

Future plans for RTÉ include the installation of solar panels across other facilities and continued optimisation of heating and ventilation services using cost effective and smart energy controls.

SEAI works with public bodies offering them advice, support and training to make energy savings. To date 68 public organisations have signed partnership agreements with SEAI to achieve the energy improvement of 33% by 2020.  The first annual report on Public Sector Energy Efficiency Performance showed that the public sector had by 2013 achieved 14% of the 33% target energy performance improvement , worth €74 million for 2013 in savings to the Exchequer. Results for 2014 are due out shortly.