Friday 11 June 2010

DECC makes its energy use public

The Department of Energy and Climate Change and the Home Office are displaying their energy use online and in real-time for the first time from yesterday.

They are set to be followed by all central government department headquarters in the coming months.

Real-time on-line energy display is part of the coalition's commitment to cut carbon emissions from central government by 10% in the next year.From today, the energy used to heat and light DECC and the Home Office will be updated on-line in units of energy, cost and carbon.

Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne is leading the drive to reduce Whitehall's emissions by 10% and will today chair the cross-Whitehall and private sector working group on greening government.

He said: "We're opening up Whitehall's electricity and gas meters to public scrutiny.There can be no hiding place for energy waste in central government.

"Cutting energy use saves carbon and it saves taxpayers' money.Only by leading by example can we expect businesses and homes up and down the country to follow suit."

Lynne Featherstone MP, minister responsible for sustainability in the Home Office, said: "The energy tracker will enable the public to see how the Home Office is working towards being a more energy efficient department while reducing its carbon footprint.

"This demonstrates the government's commitment to transparency and will allow the public to see how much we are spending on gas and electricity in real time. This will also drive efficiency and ensure we are delivering value for money."

You can find the displays at www.decc.gov.uk and www.homeoffice.gov.uk