Sustainability

Sustainability in the EPA

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) helps protect Ireland’s environment. We also work to reduce the environmental impact of our own activities. We measure and reduce our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and consider sustainability in our everyday decisions.

Since 2010, the EPA has maintained an Environmental Management System (EMS) certified to the ISO 1400:2015 international standard. This system, together with the dedicated work of our Green Teams and our staff, helps us track and reduce our environmental impact. We have made strong progress in reducing GHG emissions, energy and fossil fuels.

Climate action is a core part of how we work. Our Facilities Management and Sustainability team leads practical actions with support from our Green Teams, Senior Management and staff across the EPA. Together, we have:

Reduced energy demand by 63% since 2006, exceeding our national energy efficiency targets.
Reduced total GHG emissions by 47% compared with the 2016–2018 average of 1,827 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e).
Cut lighting energy use across our buildings by 78% after installing energy-efficient lighting.
Planned further energy and GHG emission savings through upgrades to heating, solar panels and building controls at EPA locations.

Climate Action Roadmap, 2025

EPA GHG Emissions Report, 2025