Minister for the Environment and Climate Eamon Ryan will request Cabinet approval today for a plan to ensure public sector bodies lead by example on climate, and help reduce Ireland’s emissions by 51% by the year 2030.
What is called the “Public Sector Climate Action Mandate 2023” envisages the phasing out of the use of parking in buildings – where there is access to good transport services or there are mobility-sharing options for the majority of staff or visitors.
However, parking will be maintained for people with physical mobility issues or staff who may work shifts or out of hours.
The mandate applies to all public sector bodies with the exception of local authorities, commercial semi-State bodies and the school’s sector.
Among the other designated tasks will be to cease the use of disposable cups, plates and cutlery from public sector canteens, or closed facilities, except for those in clinical or health settings such as a public coffee shop in a hospital.
Relevant public sector bodies will be obliged to promote the use of push and electric bikes as well as the buying or leasing only zero-emission vehicles.
The plan also envisages ending the installation of heating systems that use fossil fuels in new buildings, or renovation/retrofit projects, after 2023.
The details will be published after Cabinet by Minister Ryan and Minister of State Ossian Smyth who has repsonsibility for green procurement and the circular economy.
Article Source: Climate mandate aims to phase out parking for some workers – Paul Cunningham – RTE