Coalition proves itself as the greenest Government ever

Government HQ has today revealed that it has cut carbon emissions by almost 14% in just one year, trumping the 10% target set when the Coalition first entered office. The Prime Minister has now set an increased objective to further cut emissions by 25% by 2015.

The increased goal, announced by David Cameron earlier today, includes emissions from Government business-related travel, which could mean changes to the way ministers get around.

It is estimated that Government’s efforts have chopped energy bills by £13 million across approximately 300,000 civil servants in 3,000 buildings. Between 14 May 2010 and 13 May 2011 more than 100,000 tonnes of CO₂ was saved.

Prime Minister David Cameron said, “A 13.8% cut in emissions in just one year is a great result and the civil service should be very proud of this achievement. But to be the greenest government ever we need to do more to stamp out energy waste in Whitehall, and make it easier for people and business to use energy more efficiently. That’s why I’m committing the Government to go further by reducing emissions by 25% by 2015.”

Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne said, “This achievement has shown that we’re serious about leading by example and, when we promise to cut carbon, we mean it. This is only the start and we’ve now got to get on and slash Whitehall’s emissions by a quarter by the end of this Parliament.”

Minister for the Cabinet Office Francis Maude said, “Not only have we hit the Prime Minister’s ambitious target and reduced our carbon emissions, we have slashed government energy bills – driving out waste and inefficiency.”

The news came as Government confirmed it will run a series of trials in partnership with DIY retailers, local authorities and utilities to encourage a greater uptake of energy efficiency measures and lay the foundations for the Green Deal energy efficiency loan scheme. The trials are due to begin in September this year.

 “The Green Deal’s going to be a real hit and will be a fantastic way for people to upgrade their draughty and energy-wasting homes,” continued Huhne.

“But there are currently too many barriers standing in the way of people upgrading their homes – the cost, the hassle, and the lack of trust in the people who install the kit.

“It’s great that high street names are getting involved at this early stage to road-test these exciting ideas about how to make it easier for people to take up the Green Deal and insulate their homes from rising energy prices.”