Written question asked by Vincent Cable (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 15 November 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 November 2006. It was answered by Ian Pearson (Labour) on Monday, 27 November 2006 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Energy Conservation

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what incentives are in place for those with responsibility for public buildings to install insulation as an energy saving measure.

Answer: Targets, including those now in place for central Government and the NHS estate, can encourage public sector organisations to reduce the use of energy and achieve lower emissions.To help these organisations to achieve their targets, the Carbon Trust’s Carbon Management programme is encouraging public sector organisations to develop effective management procedures for the efficient use of energy. Specialist tailored programmes have been established for local authorities, the higher education sector and the NHS.Salix, which is a not-for-profit company set up by the Carbon Trust in 2004, uses Government funding of around £20 million to set up ring-fenced recycled loan funds in public sector organisations. Salix’s funding is matched by the organisation and used to invest in cost-effective, long-term energy saving projects such as insulation, heating and lighting.

Secondary information