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Woolas calls for the Public sector to lead in energy efficiency

DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (468/07) issued by The Government News Network on 13 December 2007

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.

The Energy Services Directive will be implemented in May 2008.

Notes to editors

1. The second Defra Energy Services Directive consultation and more information can be found on the Defra website at http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/energyservices-article5/. The deadline for responses is 6th March 2008. The consultation covers the whole of the UK and invites all public sector bodies, energy suppliers, those in the energy efficiency industry and others to respond.

2. Key questions that the consultation is seeking views on include:
* Exemplary role To what extent is the public sector playing an exemplary role, as required by the EU Energy Service Directive.
* Implementation Should it be voluntary or legislative
* Measures Which two of the six proposed energy-saving measures linked to procurement should be taken forwards and introduced

3. A summary of responses to the first Defra Energy Services Directive consultation can be found on the Defra website at http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/energyservices/index.htm. It considered the implementation of the Energy Services Directive, including the proposed way forward through the development of Voluntary Agreements with fuel suppliers in three sectors. The three sectors are electricity and gas suppliers to SMEs, off grid suppliers and transport suppliers. Dft are responsible for taking forward policy on transport fuels.

4. The EU's Energy End-Use Efficiency and Energy Services Directive (most commonly known as the Energy Services Directive) was first agreed at the end of 2005 and is due to be implemented in May 2008. For further information about the EU Energy Services Directive visit http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/climatechange/uk/energy/energyservices/index.htm

5. BERR has run a separate consultation on the Energy Services Directive to examine the issues of metering and billing.

6. Defra is leading on the implementation of the Directive. Defra will also be responsible for reporting the UK's performance to the EC in Energy Efficiency Action Plans to be published in 2011 and 2014.

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