A €14million Pathfinder programme to demonstrate the approach to deep retrofit in the schools' sector, testing energy efficiency solutions and renewable heat technology in Ireland has launched.

Minister for Education Norma FoleyTD and Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan TD launched the programme.

The government-funded energy retrofit Pathfinder programme will target energy use and CO2 emission reduction by 50%, testing deep retrofit and low carbon heating solutions. The 2021 programme will see six schools benefitting from a selection of energy efficiency works.

It is jointly funded with a €14 million budget from the Department of Education and Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the Planning and Building Unit in the Department of Education.

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Minister Foley said: "The Department is committed to playing its part in ensuring energy efficiency in our schools, to support the Climate Action Plan.

"It is important that new design, policy and technologies are introduced to the educational environment on an evidence-based approach. Building on the Department’s Energy Research programme established in 1997, this jointly established Pathfinder Programme in collaboration with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and Limerick Clare Education and Training Board is testing and demonstrating energy retrofit approaches and informing stakeholders.

"The Pathfinder programme is a great example of how working together on pilot energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects, we can establish approaches to ensure compatibility with school design and operational requirements on a scalable basis."

Minister Ryan said: "The public service must reduce emissions by at least 50% by 2030 and to net-zero by 2050. This project is an example of leadership, which is producing sustainable solutions that can be scaled up around the country. Schools are at the centre of our communities, and are where our children learn skills for their future. By ensuring that older schools undertake energy upgrades to become low-energy buildings, we can demonstrate the steps necessary to our children, and the wider community, while critically reducing running costs, emissions, and improving the comfort levels and learning environment in these vital buildings."