The mandate’s aim is to provide a consistent approach to achieving climate goals across the public sector, with the aim of achieving a 51% reduction in GHG emissions, and a 50% improvement in energy efficiency by 2030, thanks to the Cabinet’s approval of the Public Sector Climate Action Mandate on Tuesday.

The actions outlined in the plan include a ban on disposable cups, plates and cutlery outside of clinical and healthcare settings. Private transport is also an area targeted in the mandate, with a plan to phase out parking spaces in buildings alongside a planned promotion of greener transport options such as cycling and shared mobility options.

There is also a push towards further digitalisation in the public sector, eliminating the need for paper-based processes.

Environment Climate and Communications Minister Eamon Ryan and the Minister of State with special responsibility for Communications and Circular Economy, Ossian Smyth, welcomed the Cabinet’s decision.

“Ireland’s public sector is already leading on efforts to combat climate change and will go further in coming years, in real and practical ways that will make a difference not just to their workplaces and work practices, but which will help us achieve our overall climate goals,” said Ryan.

The public sector employs an estimated 350,000 people in a country with a population of just over five million, giving it significant purchasing power.

“I particularly welcome the focus on green public procurement within the Strategy, since, as a large purchaser of goods and services, the public sector can influence supply chains towards offering greener products through its procurement practices,” said Smyth.

(Sophie O’Rourke | EURACTIV.com)

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