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Environmental News - Options for improving energy efficiency across the public sector set out


Options for improving energy efficiency across the public sector have been set out in a consultation document published today by Minister for the Environment Phil Woolas.

The consultation encourages the public sector to lead the way in energy efficiency and asks respondents to suggest which of at least two measures linked to energy efficiency procurement should be implemented across the UK under the EU’s Energy Services Directive. The Government will then decide which measures will be introduced next Spring.

The consultation will also outline the Government’s preliminary views on how well the public sector currently meets the requirements of the EU Energy Services Directive and will provide additional suggestions for further action.

Responses to a previous consultation to meet the same Directive were also published today. The earlier consultation with energy suppliers examined how best energy suppliers could promote energy efficiency measures to their customers. As a result, a number of voluntary agreements will be shaped and introduced over the coming months in association with the Devolved Administrations.

The Directive itself aims to enhance cost effective energy efficiency improvements across all Member States and requires that:

  • Each member state must reach an energy savings target of 9 percent by 2017;
  • The public sector must fulfil an exemplary role in meeting targets;
  • Obligations must be put on energy suppliers and distributors to promote energy efficiency;
  • Customers must be better informed about their energy use.
Minister for the Environment Phil Woolas said:

“Energy efficiency makes good business sense – it reduces costs and it reduces emissions.

“While we look at what can be achieved on an international level, I’m proud that the UK Government is consulting on how we can implement change domestically and pleased that we aim to go above and beyond the 9 percent target set out in this Directive. I welcome the knowledge that energy suppliers are backing our plans to promote energy efficiency measures to their customers. I also fully encourage the public sector to embrace this new consultation, to lead by example and to continue to work towards the collective goal of reducing our environmental impact.”

The consultation responses will be used to ensure the correct incentives and strategies are in place to promote and maintain energy efficiency in the public sector.


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