The Government could miss targets for cutting its own emissions by 2011, according to a group of MPs.
The environmental audit committee has warned that the Government could have to buy carbon allowances from firms which had done more to reduce their own emissions under its own carbon-reduction scheme, which begins next April.
The committee’s latest report, Greening government, also revealed that the proportion of renewable energy used by government departments had dropped over the course of the past year.However, the MPs welcomed improvements in some areas, such as government road vehicles, which had cut emissions by 10.3%.
But the committee is concerned the Government is not doing enough to reduce energy use in its buildings and will, therefore, fail to meet its target of a 12.5% reduction in carbon dioxide by 2010/11.
Committee chairman, Tim Yeo, said: ‘Unless the Government gets its house in order, taxpayers could end up paying a heavy price to buy carbon credits from the private sector. Cutting government energy bills with better insulation, solar panels, and new heat and power boilers could save us lots of money in the long run – but ministers have so far lacked the vision to invest for the future.’
In order to get back on track, the MPs urged the Government to complete its review of its sustainability targets and address the targets, which are being too easily met.
It has also called for an improved process for managing targets across government and to make sure cabinet members and ministers are held to account.
• Greening government : http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmselect/cmenvaud/503/50302.htm
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