Energyforum
UK government criticized over its own carbon emissions
March 7, 2007
Source: Platts
The UK government has been criticized for failing to reduce carbon emissions sufficiently from its own offices. A report from the Sustainable Development Commission Wednesday said that the government was "failing to meet carbon, waste and water targets."
The report, "Sustainable Development in Government 2006," assesses government operations to ensure that resources are managed sustainably. It finds patchy data and poor performance across most areas, the SDC said.
Departments are not on track to meet the carbon reduction target of 12.5% by 2010. On average, departments have reduced carbon emissions by 0.5% since 1999. However, 15 departments have increased carbon emissions since 1999. Most departments are using energy less efficiently than they did in 1999. Departments generated more waste than last year.
Total waste increased from 163,847 tonnes to 186,380 tonnes. Nine departments could not provide proper waste data. Departments also failed to meet the target of 7.7 cubic meters of water per person. Instead, departments consume an average of 10.2 cubic meters per person.
The Cabinet Office was furthest from the target, consuming 19 cubic meters water per person. The Department for Transport has increased CO2 emissions from road transport by approximately 40% since 2002. However, the report did find some progress.
Overall, recycling has risen by 8%. The Department of Health now recycles 85.4% of its waste. Government is buying 3% more of its electricity from renewable energy sources, compared to last year. Sites of Special Scientific Interest are well managed across the government estate.
The SDC report highlights the strong performances of the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Health and the Department for Work and Pensions, but criticizes the very poor performances of the Cabinet Office, the Department for Transport, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Law Officers' Department, and the Export Credits Guarantee Department.
Jonathon Porritt, SDC Chair, said: "Overall, government performance is simply not good enough. Against a background of non-stop messages on climate change and corporate social responsibility, the government has failed to get its own house in order. It's absolutely inexcusable that government is lagging so far behind the private sector, when it should be leading the way."
