§ Lord Smith of Leighasked the Chairman of Committees:
What steps will be taken to reduce heat loss from the House of Lords end of the Palace of Westminster. [HL1480]
§ The Chairman of Committees (Lord Brabazon of Tara)Steps are continually taken to reduce heat loss as part of the wider programme of energy efficiency investment throughout the Palace. An energy group meets regularly to review energy consumption figures and advise, help and encourage occupants to economise. Both Houses also have a framework agreement with the Carbon Trust under which they provide advice and assistance in reducing energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
New main boilers and chillers for the Palace of Westminster, which are substantially more efficient than the old ones, came into use in October 2004. In addition, in the summer recess this year the windows of the Library will be double glazed, bringing them into line with all the other windows on the Principal Floor and the Committee Corridor on the river front.