§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how much(a) electricity and (b) other energy his Department has used in each year since 1997 (i) in total and (ii) per square metre; what the projected use is for each of the following years for which forecasts are made; what plans he has to reduce usage; and if he will make a statement.[135046]
§ Mr. AlexanderFor answers in respect of parts(a) and (b) parts (i) and (ii) I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by the Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, on 3 November 2003, Official Report, column 404W.
Given the current size of the Cabinet Office estate and information currently available we anticipate some reduction in real terms in our energy consumption in future years but I cannot yet quantify the change.
Improving energy efficiency is a continuing objective for the Cabinet Office and is an intrinsic part of our estate management activities. Since April 2002 we have worked in partnership with a Facilities Management 261W provider to ensure the efficient use of energy throughout our operations, reflecting guidance on Government-wide energy efficiency initiatives and targets for energy use on the Government Estate. Continuing energy efficiency awareness campaigns encourage staff to conserve and make efficient use of energy.