Energy

Energy consumption in the public sector is largely from facilities and operations such as roads and transit, water and wastewater, health services and other public services and infrastructure. According to Energy In Ireland 1990-2009, a report produced by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, total final energy consumption (TFC) of the commercial and public sector grew by 58% between 1990 and 2009 (SEAI, 2010).

Unit consumption of electricity per employee can be used as an indicator of energy consumption in the services sector. This is because there is a correlation between electricity use and the number of employees. According to Energy In Ireland 1990 - 2009, unit consumption of electricity has been rising steadily since 1990. In 2003 the unit consumption of electricity per employee was 60% higher than in 1990 and fell back to 29% above 1990 values in 2009. This indicates some progress towards decoupling energy usage and economic activity. Electricity use per employee also decreased by 14% in 2009.