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Northern Ireland Office

Answer

Mr. Martyn Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the ways in which his Department has demonstrated the ability to improve efficiency and competitiveness through an environmental audit of (a) energy use and (b) waste management within those buildings his Department occupies; and if he will make a statement. [16431] Mr. Moss: The central Government estate in Northern Ireland achieved a 13 per cent. improvement in energy efficiency by 31 March 1996 (against the Government target of 15 per cent.). This compares very favourably with other parts of the central Government estate in the UK. This has been achieved by measures such as the promotion of energy efficiency through an inter-departmental committee; energy audits; staff awareness programmes; and buildings energy management systems. Waste management strategies are included in the green housekeeping action plans for all Government Departments in Northern Ireland. The strategies cover such issues as the disposal of waste paper and the recycling of other materials. The steps taken include a centralised contract for the disposal of waste paper, a Northern Ireland-wide procedure for the collection and disposal of confidential waste and recycling schemes for aluminium cans and toner cartridges.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

16431; 291 c99-100W

Session

1996-97

Subjects

Central government Buildings Competition Government departments Waste management Northern Ireland Office Environmental audit