§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the current energy consumption of his Department; what targets have been set to reduce this level; and what proposals he has to include energy efficiency performance figures in his Department's annual report. [50641]
§ Dr. HowellsThe current energy consumption of the Department is approximately 2.6 million kWh per month.
We are currently developing new performance indicators to enable comparison with external independent standards of good practice.
Some energy efficiency performance figures are already included in the Department's annual report. We plan to extend information on our environmental performance to reflect more detailed monitoring, and will require agencies and NDPBs to report on their performance.
§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of his Department's waste is recycled; and what future targets he has set. [50642]
§ Dr. HowellsApproximately 28 per cent. of the Department's waste is recycled at present. Targets to reduce or recycle waste beyond this year are currently being reviewed as part of our overall improvement programme.
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§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he is taking to discourage car use by his Department's employees. [50643]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Department intends to reduce reliance on the car by encouraging people to use more environmentally friendly means of travelling to work. It is intended that the Department's Green Transport Plan will include proposals for drawing up Commuting Action Plans for each major Departmental site.
§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he is taking to raise awareness of environmental issues within his Department; and what specific training will be made available to staff. [50639]
§ Dr. HowellsWe have taken a number of measures to raise awareness of environmental issues in DfEE with respect to both policy development and Greening the Department. All Divisional Managers, Non Departmental Public Body (NDPB) sponsor teams and the Employment Service have received copies of the guidance on policy appraisal and the environment. Recipients have been asked to carry out screening of all policies and programmes at an early stage of development and to undertake full environmental appraisals where appropriate. The sustainable development strategy consultation document "Opportunities for Change" has been distributed to DfEE teams which have a particular interest in environmental issues and the team have been asked to bring the document to the attention of their contacts outside the Department.
Two training videos produced by the Employment Service, will be promoted throughout the Department later in the year as part of a wider awareness campaign to raise the profile of energy efficiency and environmental issues in the workplace. Each major Departmental site will establish action groups to promote environmental awareness among staff.
§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what activities relating to his environmental responsibilities his Green Minister has undertaken since being appointed. [50640]
§ Dr. HowellsI regularly meet and hold discussions with organisations which have environmental interests and with other Green Ministers.