Energy

(asked on 4th September 2014) - View Source

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps she is taking to reduce energy costs in her Department; and if she will make a statement.


Answered by
Theresa Villiers Portrait
Theresa Villiers
This question was answered on 11th September 2014

My Department currently operates from two locations; 1 Horse Guards Road, London; and Stormont House, Belfast.

The relocation of the London office in February 2013 enabled a considerable reduction of the footprint from 3,098sqm to 462sqm. The move reduced energy costs through maximising open plan working and sharing resources with other departments within the building. The office space was recently reduced by 30sqm, further reducing energy costs for heating and lighting.

In our Belfast office there is a strong emphasis on encouraging staff to be energy aware and to maximise the sharing of IT equipment, turning off all appliances (computers, printers and lights) when not in use. The ‘Turn it Off’ campaign is promoted throughout the Department which also includes the use of energy efficient appliances and light bulbs.

A number of working practices have been streamlined or ceased in recent months as part of an efficiency and reform package, which has reduced energy usage in Stormont House. For example, the canteen facility has been closed and overnight accommodation is no longer used, resulting in reduced use of appliances, lighting, heating etc.

Work has recently commenced to review the use of the accommodation in Belfast which will seek to maximise efficiency within the existing footprint, and to identify potential options to reduce the NIO footprint if possible, with a view to reducing overheads and energy costs. Part of the office is a Grade II listed building so this will be taken into consideration as part of the review.

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