HC Deb 20 October 1998 vol 317 c1089W
21. Mr. Stunell

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he plans to encourage energy efficiency in Government Departments. [54347]

Mr. Meale

The Government are committed to an improvement in the energy efficiency of departments of 20 per cent. over 1990–91 levels by 2000, and progress will be reviewed regularly by Green Ministers under the chairmanship of my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment. New benchmark indicators for different building types, based on good practice in other sectors of the economy, are being developed as a further tool to help departments assess the energy efficiency of different parts of their estates and concentrate efforts where there is most scope for improvement. My Department will continue to ensure that relevant written and practical guidance is available to energy managers in the Government estate.