§ Mrs. BrintonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will estimate the total reduction in greenhouse gas emissions if hospitals and other NHS facilities in Northern Ireland used not-in-kind refrigerants. [86170]
§ Mr. McFallResponsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Health Estates Agency under its chief executive, Mr. Ronnie Browne. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from R. H. Browne to Mrs. Helen Brinton, dated 11 June 1999:
I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question regarding the total reduction in greenhouse gas emissions if hospitals and other NHS facilities in Northern Ireland used not-in-kind refrigerants.Data is not readily available on the use of refrigerants in hospitals and other Health and Personal Social Services (HPSS) facilities in Northern Ireland, and information in the form requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.51WThe Department of Health and Social Services (Northern Ireland) is fully supportive of the Government's commitment to running and operating its estate in accordance with best environmental practice as an integral part of its contribution to the UK sustainable development strategy. All HSS Trusts are in the process of implementing GREENCODE, an environmental management system designed specifically for the Health Service.The HPSS has made significant progress in reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and up to March 1998 achieved a reduction in CO2 emissions of 22.21 per cent. against the base year of 1990/91. This exceeds the Government's target of 20 per cent. reduction by year 2010 against the same base year.I hope you find this information helpful.