§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much(a) electricity and (b) other energy her 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 she has to reduce usage; and if she will make a statement. [135058]
26W
§ Ms HewittMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has answered part A and B on 3 November 2003,Official Report, column 404W. The Government's strategy with regard to long term carbon dioxide emissions is set out in the Energy White Paper published in February 2003. The Department of Trade and Industry will play its full part in delivering through its own operations the energy efficiency and carob reduction aims set out in the white paper. Forecasts of energy use for future years are not available, but we have committed to reducing CO2 emissions by at least 1 per cent. per annum. From 1 November all new DTI contracts will meet minimum energy efficiency standards, as well as value for money in line with the commitments laid out in the Energy White Paper.
On top of this the Department purchases electricity from renewables sources equating to almost 30 per cent. of its HQ estate requirement compared to a target of 5 per cent. The Department is also continuing to work toward the Sustainable Development in Government green energy targets, which are to be published by the end of this year.