§ Mrs. CaltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what progress have been made in reducing energy use in the NHS; [108683]
(2) what progress has been made on embedding sustainable practice in the National Health Service; [108652]
(3) what progress have been made in producing a low carbon economy in the NHS. [108653]
§ Mr. HuttonThe National Health Service has been highly successful in meeting the energy efficiency target of 20 per cent, reduction in energy use from 1990 to March 2000.
In April 2001, in accordance with the Government Climate Change Programme, the Department of Health introduced mandatory targets for NHS organisations in 296W England with the aim or reducing the level of primary energy consumed and also carbon emissions produced by the NHS. The targets are:
To reduce the level of primary energy consumption by 15 per cent, or 0.15 million tonnes carbon from March 2000 to March 2010.To achieve a target of 32–55 Gigajoules per 100 cubic metres (Gj/1OOcu.m) energy efficiency performance for the healthcare estate for all new capital developments and major redevelopments or refurbishments; and that all existing facilities should achieve a target of 55–65 Gj/lOOcu.m.The Department does not differentiate between energy efficiency and carbon efficiency targets.
To assist the NHS work towards meeting these targets and embedding sustainable practices in the NHS, NHS Estates issued the "New Environmental Strategy for the NHS" in 2002 together with the guidance document, "Sustainable Development in the NHS" and the software tool, "NHS Environmental Assessment Tool (NEAT)". NHS Estates is also working closely with Action Energy and the Carbon Trust to support the NHS and provide them with best practice advice and guidance on sustainable practices and improving energy efficiency.