Written question asked by Frank Doran (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 March 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 March 2010. It was answered by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 18 March 2010 on behalf of the House of Commons Commission.

Parliament: Environment

Question: To ask the honourable Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission, what targets the House of Commons Commission plans to set to improve Parliament's environmental performance.

Answer: The Commission has recently endorsed Parliament's new environmental policy statement and the following short and long term environmental targets: To reduce carbon emissions by 7 per cent. by 2010-11 and 34 per cent. by 2020-21, relative to 2008-09; To reduce water consumption by 12 per cent. by 2010-11 and 25 per cent. by 2020-21, relative to 2008-09; To reduce the volume of waste generated by 10 per cent. by 2010-11 and 25 per cent. by 2020-21, relative to 2008-09, and To recycle 60 per cent. of waste generated by weight by 2010-11 and 75 per cent. by 2020-21. These targets address current UK and international environmental commitments and expectations, including the 10:10 carbon emissions reduction campaign, as well as the operational arrangements for Parliament in 2010-11. They are supported by a robust environmental improvement plan to ensure the targets are achieved.

Secondary information