I’d like to welcome you all here today

A warm welcome to the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan who will soon provide the opening address to the conference. Also, welcome to our Speakers and Guests some of whom have travelled from Denmark and the UK providing an international dimension to the conference.

Now just a few words about the backdrop to the conference:

At the recent World Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi (attended by a high calibre audience that included some heads of states, prime ministers) Renewables, Ratings (Energy, BER’s and Environmental BREAMM and LEED) and the subject of today’s conference Refurbishment were the positive ‘buzz words’ – internationally Refurbishment is a current theme.

In the Irish context, Energy use in commercial and public sector buildings represents almost one fifth of national energy demand, costing €2.5 billion per annum and accounting for 8 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. Signficant Cost and Carbon figures

Under the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan, this sector must deliver energy efficiency improvements of over 20% by year 2020.A significant reduction target.

I’m sure you’ll find inspiration here today from the Speakers or from your discussions with Fellow delegates. Enjoy the Conference.

Without further ado, could I ask the Minister, Eamon Ryan TD to provide the opening address.