Galway City Council adopts new energy policy as part of transition to low-carbon economy
Galway City Council has adopted a new energy policy for its day-to-day operations, with a strong focus on energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
The move is designed to bring the council’s services further into line with the Climate Action Plan 2024-2029, as Ireland transitions to a low-carbon economy.
Under the new policy, the local authority will establish a framework for reviewing energy objectives and monitoring progress.
Resources will also be allocated to ensure the council remains on track to meet key national targets, including a 50pc improvement in energy efficiency compared with 2009 levels and a 51pc reduction in carbon emissions against the 2016-2018 baseline.
Chief executive of Galway City Council, Leonard Cleary, said: “This policy aligns with national and EU energy goals and reflects our shared ambition to create a cleaner, more energy-efficient Galway City for current and future generations.”
The council has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, with net-zero to be achieved by 2050.
At the heart of the policy is the introduction of an ISO50001-compliant Energy Management System, which sets out international best practice for improving efficiency, cutting costs and minimising the carbon footprint of daily operations.
The policy also places an emphasis on the continuous procurement of energy-efficient products and services.
“This policy is not just a statement – it is a call to action,” Director of Service, Derek Pender, said. “All staff members, whether as a team or as individuals, have a role to play in achieving these goals.”