Environmental Audit (Departmental Buildings)

HC Deb 18 February 1997 vol 290 cc482-3W

Mr. Martyn Jones

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the ways in which his Department has demonstrated the ability to improve efficiency and competitiveness through an environmental audit of waste management within those buildings his Department occupies; and if he will make a statement. [16420]

Mr. John M. Taylor

My departmental policy has been to concentrate on larger sites in implementing environmental audits. My Department uses the Building Research Establishment environmental assessment method—BREEAM—when undertaking large building refurbishments. Following refurbishment of the No.1 Victoria street headquarters building a BREEAM assessment rating of "very good" was achieved.

Wherever possible, my Department uses the DIY environmental performance checklist, produced for premises managers by the Environment Agency and within the DTI headquarters estate. My Department has implemented an environmental management audit system, which is aimed at assessing and recording the estates impact on the environment. By 1998, my Department will have reduced its impact on the external environment by moving from 25 per cent. to 75 per cent. waste recycling.