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Departmental Buildings

Answer

The Department is working to meet the energy efficiency targets within the targets for Sustainable Operations on the Government Estate (SOGE) and that is to increase energy efficiency per m² by 15 per cent. by 2010 relative to 1999-2000 levels. In the Department's case this would equate to 260.1 kWh/m².The following table provides the performance of the Department against the energy efficiency target:

	kWh/m²
1998-99	300
1999-2000	306
2000-01	274
2001-02	289
2002-03	297
2003-04	286
2004-05	303
2005-06	288
2006-07	322
2007-08	312
Note:
The figures from 1998 to 2002 are compiled from data for the former Department for Social Security and Employment Service. Figures for 2007-08 are subject to confirmation.

The Department acquires fully serviced accommodation from Land Securities Trillium (LST) under PFI arrangements. Any new space the Department requires is identified, acquired, managed and operated by LST to meet the Department's needs. The improved energy efficiency of our total operations is one of a range of issues that is considered in the acquisition of new space. Ease of access for customers and the requirements for highly efficient office space (both existing and new build) are among other criteria.Energy efficiency is incentivised within the PFI arrangement and is incorporated also within the Department's Estate Strategy. Specific measures to improve efficiency are detailed within the Department's three year Sustainable Development Action Plan, which is incorporated within its Sustainable Development Annual Report for 2007.While the Department's increased use of IT and extended opening hours, to provide a better service to customers and improved facilities for staff, has impacted on our energy efficiency, a planned programme of work is in place to meet the carbon from offices and energy efficiency targets. The Department has secured investment for 41,000 'spend-to-save' measures through its PFI arrangements and is installing Smart Meters in its largest 700 buildings to improve reporting and energy management. These measures, together with an intensive energy efficiency and communications campaign, have resulted in absolute carbon emission reductions of 10.8 per cent. in 2007-08. Their ongoing implementation, together with improved governance and a review of site plant and equipment, mean that the Department predicts a further reduction of 15 per cent. by 2011, meeting the Sustainable Operations target.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

221106; 479 c2366-7W

Session

2007-08

Subjects

Buildings Department for Work and Pensions

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk