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Going Green with the EPA

Contributing to Ireland’s sustainable future is hugely important to us, which is why we are committed to minimising the environmental impact of our activities at the EPA. Learn more about the achievements and vision of our dedicated Green Team.

Committed to Ireland’s Green Future

Through our green programme, we aim to: 

  • Prevent pollution,
  • Measure and reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from the work we do,
  • Adapt to climate change, and
  • Encourage environmental awareness within the EPA.

EPA Green Team

The Green Team is tasked with setting, measuring, and monitoring key sustainability goals and initiatives within the EPA.

Chaired at the most senior level by the Deputy Director General (& Director of the Office of Communications and Corporate Services, OCCS), the Green Team is a central focus for senior leadership at the EPA.

The team includes:

  • An Environmental Management Representative (EMR),
  • Sustainability Officer,
  • An Energy Performance Officer (EPO), and
  • Site Environmental Managers (SEMs).

The Green Team operates nationally and is supported regionally by managers and local Green Teams (with designated champions) in Wexford, Dublin, Cork, Monaghan, Castlebar, and Kilkenny.

During the recruitment process, if you're interested in joining the Green Team at a national or regional level, please let us know - we’d love to hear from you. 

 

Embedding a Green Culture through Training and Development

Our comprehensive green training programme offers you the opportunity to upskill yourself in environmental sustainability. 

All new employees and contractors of the EPA receive environmental management induction training. 

In addition, we offer:

  • Green Team training through the ‘Green Team Nationals Programme’ along with peer learning.
  • Energy workshops for employees through the ‘Power at Work’ campaign.
  • ‘Reduce your Use’ guidance through in-house screen displays and email reminders.
  • Eco-driving training, helping you understand more about ‘greener’ travel.
  • Through our partnership with SEAI, the Energy Management Accreditation Programme (EMAP) is provided for employees eligible for the programme.
  • Green Public Procurement (GPP) training.
  • Green Laboratory programmes for lab-based employees.
  • General carbon and energy training.
  • Frequent ‘lunch and learn’ sessions that cover various environmental topics. 

Sharing our Green Vision and Progress

We keep our team informed about our environmental efforts through regular updates. Environmental performance reports showcase our activities and achievements as part of the Greening the EPA programme, with key highlights shared on the intranet, in shared spaces, and on our website.

This ensures full transparency and that everyone can stay updated on our progress and commitment to sustainability.

Our Environmental Wins

Thanks to the efforts of our Green Team and the wider EPA workforce, who have fully embraced sustainable practices, we continue to meet key milestones and targets that bring us closer to our reduction target.

Read more about results achieved so far on Greening the EPA 

Read our most recent ‘green’ results in the EPA GHG Emissions Report, 2023.

Our Green Future

Our Strategic Plan commits to reducing our GHG emissions by 51% by 2030. 

Thanks to the efforts of our Green Team and the wider EPA workforce, who have fully embraced sustainable practices, we continue to meet key milestones and targets that bring us closer to our 51% reduction target.

Further Reading on our Commitment to Sustainability 

EPA's Environmental Policy Statement, 2024
Climate Action Roadmap, 2024
EPA GHG Emissions Report, 2023

 

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