Ministers Ruairí Quinn and Pat Rabbitte joined forces 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, 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.

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"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, 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."

The programme, available to all schools who sign up to workshops and online supports via the website, 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.

(CD)