§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what his Department's policy is regarding the purchase of(a) hydrocarbons and (b) other environmentally benign refrigerants to meet the refrigeration and other relevant energy needs of buildings and premises owned and leased by his Department; and if he will make a statement. [160014]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Department's policy is to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gasses, and other substances detrimental to the environment, from its buildings.
When purchasing new or replacement equipment, the Department will therefore consider equipment using less environmentally damaging refrigerants where practicable.
§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which London headquarters building or premises owned or leased by his Department use(a) chlorofluorocarbons and (b) hydrochlorofluorocarbons for refrigeration and other relevant energy needs. [160018]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Department has one HQ building, Kingsgate House, where a small proportion of the refrigeration and other energy needs are met using chlorofluorocarbons.
548WThree HQ buildings (1 Victoria Street, 151 Buckingham Palace Road and Kingsgate House) have some of their refrigerant and other energy needs met by plant which requires the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons.
§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to what extent his Department's headquarters buildings use hydrofluorocarbons for(a) refrigeration and (b) air conditioning; what amounts of hydrofluorocarbons have been purchased in each year since 1995; and what plans he has to phase out the (i) purchase and (ii) use of hydrofluorocarbons. [160009]
§ Dr. HowellsOne building (1 Victoria street) uses a small amount of hydrofluorocarbons for its refrigeration.
Between the period April 2000 and March 2001, 1 kg of hydrofluorocarbons was purchased. Data for previous years could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
When replacing plant which currently uses hydrofluorocarbons, the Department will consider plant using alternative refrigerants where practicable.