Dublin Airport is aiming to cut its energy use by up to a third by 2020, having agreed upon a new energy efficiency programme with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
The deal to work towards a 33% improvement in energy efficiency at the airport was signed by the Dublin Airport Authority’s (DAA) interim chief executive Oliver Cussen along with Dr Brian Motherway, SEAI’s chief executive.
As part of SEAI’s Public Sector Energy Partnership programme, the DAA will aim to build upon the progress it has made in its energy sustainability programme.
The DAA has pledged to lead by example in its contribution to the public-sector energy-efficiency improvement target of 33pc by 2020.
New measures will include replacing the five existing airport operational vehicles with fully electric models on a trial basis, plus the upgrading of airport car park lighting with more energy-efficient LED lighting. Dublin Airport will also be launching new ‘green screens’ to update passengers on environmental and energy usage information at the airport.
Dublin Airport is already Airport Carbon Accredited as part of a Europe-wide airport carbon management certification programme that covers more than half of European air passenger traffic. Between 2008 and 2010, Dublin Airport reduced its carbon footprint by 1,775 tonnes.
Mary Coveney, head of health, safety, security and environment at the DAA, said the agreement with SEAI is just the beginning.
“We will be working with SEAI experts to assess potential projects to improve energy efficiency and help support the development of energy action plans for Dublin Airport,” she said