Time for Government to get real on retrofitting of public buildings

16 November 2022

Labour finance and public expenditure spokesperson, Ged Nash has today (Wednesday, 16th November) sharply criticised the Government for tinkering around the edges of climate action and not getting real on the retrofitting of public buildings.

Deputy Nash said:

“The idea that the Government can roll out a plan to cut emissions by simply stripping away some non-essential electrical items in the workplace is just tinkering around the edges of what needs to be done.

“Individual actions are undoubtedly important. The elephant in the room is that currently just one of 238 office buildings occupied by Government Departments and agencies has achieved an A rating for energy efficiency. A paltry 38 of the 238 buildings have a B rating. This is the real problem with energy efficiency of public buildings and what is driving the gigantic energy costs, as well as carbon emissions.

“Recent figures released by the Office of Public Works show that far too many Government buildings have poor energy ratings, with the vast majority of public buildings yet to undergo the extensive retrofitting that will be required to ensure they are energy efficient. This is despite the Government’s own target stating that all public sector buildings will be retrofitted to a B rating by 2030 in a bit to cut emissions by half.

“Rather than taking the kettles away, it’s time for the Government to get real on their own retrofitting targets.”

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