National Assembly continues to cut carbon emissions
22 December 2011
The National Assembly for Wales Commission is continuing to build on its green credentials.
Latest figures show the Commission cut greenhouse gas emissions by almost 185 tonnes in the past financial year, aided mostly by an 11 per cent drop in energy emissions across the Cardiff Bay Assembly estate comprising the Senedd, Ty Hywel, and the Pierhead.
The energy savings documented in the Commission’s annual environmental report equate to gross cost savings of around £100,000 in the past two years through building improvements and the awareness and changing practices of Assembly Members, their support staff and Assembly Commission staff.
The report also shows a substantial reduction in the number of business miles travelled during 2010-11, over 122,000 less than the previous period.
Presiding Officer, Rosemary Butler AM, said: “It is fitting that these figures, which show a clear reduction in the Assembly’s carbon emissions, have come at a time when 190 countries from all over the world have signed up to a new climate change agreement.
“Wales may be a small nation but we are committed to doing our bit and these figures show our continued determination to reduce our emissions and make sure that everything we do at the Assembly is as environmentally sustainable as possible.
“The improvements to the building, coupled with the co-operation of the people who work here, have put us ahead of our target of an eight per cent reduction in energy emissions.
“But we know there is more work to do and we remain committed to continuing our efforts to make the National Assembly as low-carbon as possible in the future.”
In recognition of its continued drive towards becoming a low-carbon institution, the Assembly was also rewarded in the Public Sector Sustainability Awards 2011 for the second year running.
The annual environmental report for 2010/11 can be viewed here.
Further information on the Senedd and its sustainable features is available here.
Further information on the Assembly Commission and its responsibilities can be found here.