Government departments and public bodies avoided a €154 million energy spend through increased energy efficiency, according to a report by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

The SEAI published the third annual report on the energy efficiency performance of public bodies which revealed the sector is now 21% more energy efficient than their 2009 baseline and is on track to meet the 2020 target of becoming 33% more energy efficient.

Efficiency gains have been achieved through implementation of thousands of diverse projects, ranging from structured energy management, building and facility upgrades, retrofits, changes in transportation, better energy procurement and through behavioural change in organisations.

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Other significant highlights in the 2015 report include:

• 350 public bodies were requested to report data to SEAI, of which 337 submitted complete reports by the reporting deadline.

• In addition, 3,732 standalone schools were requested to report data, of which 1,792 submitted complete reports.

• Collectively, the reporting bodies account for €588 million of energy spend which represents approximately 89% of total public sector energy use.

Majella Kelleher SEAI Head of Energy Demand Management: "It is very encouraging to see the increased levels of compliance with the reporting requirements, in particular the dramatic increase in the schools sector where reporting requirements are a particular challenge. The effort required to ensure that the target of 33% is met by 2020 is likely to be more challenging and strong commitment across the public sector will be essential to sustain continuous improvements. SEAI will be working closely with all organisations to help them achieve their targets, and we will shortly commence a number of new initiatives with schools, the OPW and a new public sector energy bureau."