They may be better known as venues where the occupants generate plenty of hot air. But now TDs, senators and staff working in Leinster House and Government Buildings are also doing their bit for the environment.

New figures show that the amount of carbon dioxide which the buildings emit has been cut by 12% since October of last year.

This drop was achieved through an energy campaign which aims to encourage public representatives and their staff to "think green".

According to a recent email to Oireachtas staff from the coordinators of the initiative, the campaign has led to a reduction of 17% in heating and 9% in electricity use in Leinster House and Government Buildings since last autumn.

This is equivalent to an overall reduction of 12% in carbon dioxide emissions, it states.

The email also extends a "big thank you to everyone for your efforts on Oireachtas Energy Saving Day last February".

"We saw significant savings in all but a couple of buildings in the Leinster House complex – with electricity use down 6.7%," it states. "The drop in electricity use is the equivalent in carbon emissions of taking a car off the road for 4,800km."

"Gas usage was also down by an impressive 34% for the day (though this figure is not adjusted for temperature), as we have implemented changes to our building management system."

The campaign focuses on making small but simple changes to behaviour with a view to reducing unnecessary energy waste. Overall, it aims to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 15%.

"These are good results, but this progress will only continue if we see a change in our day-to-day behaviour," the email states.

"Remember that the small things matter: while on the phone or leaving the office for a short period, turn off your computer screen. Don't forget to turn off lights, printers, TVs and any other pieces of electrical equipment not in use if you leave for any significant length of time.

"The energy team and the ICT unit have been working in the background to reduce emissions – ICT are, for instance, piloting energy efficient smart plugs and there have been substantial changes to our building management system. But we need behavioural change from everybody if we are to reduce our carbon footprint from an environmental and efficiency point of view."