Introduction
In 2015, AGS set an ambitious target of becoming the first police force in the world to achieve the ISO 50001 standard for energy management. AGS received ISO 50001 certification from Amtivo, formerly Certification Europe, comprising the Garda Headquarters site in Phoenix Park, Dublin and its entire Transport Fleet. AGS is committed to extending ISO 50001 across the entire organisation and recently extended the accreditation to Garda College.
Mike Dodd, Financial Accountant for AGS, said: “An Garda Síochána are the first national police force in the world to achieve ISO 50001 certification, achieving energy savings of 21.9% and energy cost savings of 9.3%.”
Using an ISO 50001 certified energy management system across its transport fleet and at two of its largest sites, Garda Headquarters and Garda College, AGS saved €9.6 Million and reduced its CO2 emissions by 70,340 metric tons over eight years. AGS staff have developed an operational control system to ensure efficient energy use on a continuous basis.
Key Processes for Saving Energy
Lighting
Ensure lights are switched off outside of regular office hours and if necessary, turn off respective lights and inform the assistant energy manager
Heating
Ensure heating schedules and operational parameters are maintained satisfactorily according to predetermined setpoints
Transport Operational Control
Ensure that all vehicles are serviced at regularly defined intervals based on vehicle type. AGS Transport staff carry out audits of maintenance contractors to ensure vehicles are maintained to optimal performance.
Ventilation & Cooling
Ensure that parameters such as temperature set points and schedules do not deviate from effective energy performance.
Key Energy Savings
Under the ISO 50001 certification, AGS has achieved significant savings across the organisation reducing energy consumption by
- 810,827 GJ (21.9% saving)
- CO2 Emissions by 70,340 tCO2 (22.2% saving) versus the baseline year 2009
- Energy cost savings of €9 Million (9.3% saving vs 2009)
- AGS’s target is to reach at least 33% improvement in its energy performance by 2020. To date, AGS are exceeding their performance target and have achieved 21.5%
