UK Prime Minister David Cameron today charged central government departments to cut energy use by 10% during the next month.
“In May, I called for real action to make us the greenest government ever,” says Cameron. “I made a commitment that over the next 12 months, central government departments would reduce their carbon emissions by 10%. We have made a start but clearly we can all do much more.”
Over the summer, each government department launched its own online energy meter to show consumption over the course of each day.
Now an online league table will bring together the data and allow the public to compare how each department is faring on a day-to-day basis. By the end of the month, the league table will reveal which department has managed to reduce consumption the most.
“Today is a clear challenge to Cabinet ministers and an opportunity for the public to hold us to account,” says the Prime Minister.
Some departments are taking action, with the Home Office signing up to a “payment by results” investment and performance contract with British Gas and working with facilities management firm Amey on energy saving measures.
The Department of Energy and Climate Change, meanwhile, has plans to trial ceiling tiles that store heat during the day and release in the evening as part of a Technology Strategy Board project.
“This challenge underlines the urgency of tackling emissions and introduces some healthy competition to bring out innovative ideas,” says Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne.
While the move has been welcomed by green group Friends of the Earth, campaigner Craig Bennett says it should be part of a wider effort.
“We also need a comprehensive nationwide programme, led by local councils, to enable the whole country to benefit from energy saving,” he says.