Ministers Ruairí Quinn and Pat Rabbitte launch inter-agency initiative to help schools manage energy use

Energy in Education Initiative to save €6 million on school energy bills. Ministers Ruairí Quinn and Pat Rabbitte joined forces today to launch the new ‘Energy in Education’ initiative to help schools manage energy costs and potentially save €6m over the next year.

Developed by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), in collaboration with the Department of Education and Skills, the web-based initiative provides a vital service to help schools make energy savings requiring little or no capital expenditure.

Launching the initiative at St Clare’s Primary School in Harold’s Cross today, Ruairí Quinn T.D., Minister for Education and Skills, said, “We are delighted to support such an important educational tool which empowers schools to not only manage their own energy use but also engage with pupils from a very early age.”

“It’s great to see schools working towards a more sustainable future for themselves as well as shaping and influencing future generations.”

Also at the launch today, Pat Rabbitte T.D., Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural resources noted, “I am very focused on reducing the energy bill of the public sector and education is a significant part of that.

“This new initiative gives schools the tools to manage their own energy, with great opportunities to make significant savings. It’s a real demonstration of what can be achieved with little or no capital expenditure required.”

SEAI’s Chief Executive, Dr Brian Motherway, added, “The Energy in Education initiative is a great tool for schools and provides them with the opportunity to not only manage their energy use but learn how to become more sustainable.”

“What I particularly like is that the initiative helps to reduce the environmental impact of the school, while also teaching students about good energy using behaviour.”

The programme, available to all schools who sign up to workshops and online supports via the websitewww.energyineducation.ie,takes participants through a five step process to implement energy management, offering a school the unique opportunity to learn about energy management with a view to implementing and making continued savings themselves.

To date SEAI has worked with over 250 schools aiding them to make savings in excess of €800k on energy bills through a number of energy saving supports.

More information can be found at www.energyineducation.ie