Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan TD and Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications Ossian Smyth TD today announced funding of €60 million to drive energy efficiency and decarbonisation in Further Education and Training (FET) buildings.
For the first time in the FET sector, the Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation Pathfinder Programme will seek to reduce carbon emissions, enhance energy performance and build capacity to ensure they lead by example in the transition to a sustainable future.
Speaking today, Minister O’Donovan said: “Today marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a sustainable future for lifelong learning.
“The €60 million Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation Capital Investment Programme for Further Education and Training centres is not just an investment in our infrastructure, but an investment in our people and our planet.
“By upgrading our FET centres with the latest green technologies we are creating a better learning environment for our apprentices and learners while advancing our commitment to achieving climate targets.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and fostering innovation, ultimately securing a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.”
Co-funded under Project Ireland 2040 by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), this initiative is part of Ireland’s Climate Action Plan.
Minister of State Ossian Smyth said: “For the first time the Further Education Training sector will have its own dedicated pathfinder programme for energy efficiency and decarbonisation.
“The programme is designed to successfully deliver significant energy savings and emissions reductions in the Further Education and Training centres, taking an exemplary lead role in energy efficiency, climate action and investment in developing our people.
“However, it goes further than that, because while this programme aims to develop a foundation for sustainable practices across the FET sector itself, it is also another example of the public sector leading by example, helping to encourage and inspire those who may use these centres and the wider public to also take climate action.”
Avril Behan, Director FET College of the Future in SOLAS, said: “SOLAS is delighted that a dedicated Pathfinder Programme for the Further Education and Training (FET) sector is now available.
“This is an important step forward as it will ensure that some of our key FET campuses are compliant with climate action targets. This funding will support ETBs to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and expand their leadership role within their communities.
“The Pathfinder programme is part of a holistic package of supports being provided to the FET Sector that also includes over €24 million in Green Devolved Capital Grants over the next 3 years.
“As an organisation we are committed to sustainability, economic resilience, and a future for our learners. The Pathfinder and Green Devolved funding supports ensure that FET will play an important part in contributing to a greener, more sustainable world.”
Declan Meally, Director of Business, Public Sector and Transport at SEAI, said: “SEAI is delighted to support the expansion of the Pathfinder programme to the FET Sector and to be able to build on the collaborative work that the teams in SEAI, DECC and DFHERIS have been developing and delivering successfully for many years.”
The initiative is modelled on the lessons learned from the successful Pathfinder Programme in Higher Education, the Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation Pathfinder Programme (EEDPP) for Higher Education Institutions, of March 2020.
