Written question asked by Baroness Byford (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Truscott (Labour) on Wednesday, 20 June 2007.

Energy: Office and Street Lighting

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Statement by Lord Truscott on 23 May on the Energy White Paper, whether they will introduce measures to require unnecessary office building and street lighting to be turned off in order to reduce energy consumption.

Answer: The Government have no plans at present to introduce specific measures on office lighting or street lighting. The Government also announced in the Energy White Paper that in respect of business premises in England and Wales, they will consult on the requirement to display energy performance certificates alongside other means of encouraging energy efficiency. Provision of street lighting on local roads in England is a matter for individual local highway authorities. Street lights already use energy-efficient lighting. Most is provided by gas discharge light sources. These produce higher light intensities than domestic light sources and are also more efficient in terms of their light output for electrical power consumed. On the government estate, each department has agreed to meet sustainable operation targets in terms of energy efficiency and carbon emissions. Departments are responsible for determining how they can best be achieved within their offices. Departments are required to work with the Carbon Trust to identify energy savings and to purchase electrical equipment which includes requirements on power consumption in sleep-mode and energy efficient light bulbs.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 4007; 693 c56WA
Session: 2006-07
Related items: Energy White Paper
Wednesday, 23 May 2007
Parliamentary proceedings
House of Lords
Subjects: Conservation Energy Lighting Offices Roads
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk