§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much(a) electricity and (b) other energy his 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 he has to reduce usage; and if he will make a statement. [135053]
§ Mr. RammellI refer the hon. Member in reply to parts(a) and (b) to the reply given to him by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Exeter (Mr. Bradshaw) on 3 November 2003, Official Report, column 403W.
Compared to the previous year, the FCO's projected energy consumption in 2003–04 is an increase of 3 per cent. in total electricity usage. This is accounted for by the demands in development of our major financial management system (PRISM) and the modernisation of FCO working practices and procedures. These both rely heavily on electrically powered electronic technology. A decrease of 1 per cent. in other energy usage is projected.
We aim to achieve reductions by upgrading building facilities, using more energy efficient equipment, staff awareness campaigns and close monitoring of consumption.