Written question asked by Alan Simpson (Labour) on Friday, 10 March 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 March 2006. It was answered by David Lammy (Labour) on Monday, 27 March 2006 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Sustainable Building

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what proportion of her Department's building programme budget was allocated to (a) energy self-generation and (b) water recycling measures in the 2004–05 financial year.

Answer: The Department has not allocated any of its building programme budget to either (a) energy self-generation or (b) water recycling measures in the last financial year. The Department, however, is committed to achieve the targets under the Framework for Sustainable Development on the Government Estate Part C Water and Part E Energy.In order to achieve these targets, the Department has developed an energy strategy, which involves identifying potential savings through effective procurement; monitoring and targeting our consumption by analysing data; carrying out energy surveys of usage; capital investment in energy saving measures such as time controls; and an awareness campaign amongst staff led by the Department's team of environmental champions.The Department is also taking advantage of the planned refurbishment of its Cockspur Street offices to incorporate energy efficient measures such as passive infra red lighting controls.The Department is already supplied by 100 per cent. renewable energy.

Secondary information