government

The Sustainable Development in Government Report (SdiG), produced annually by the Sustainable Development Commission, assesses the performance of central government operations against the targets set in the framework for Sustainable Operations on the Government Estate (SOGE). The latest (2007) edition of SdiG was published in early 2008 and covers the fiscal year April 2006 – March 2007. The main conclusions of SdiG 2007 are disappointing. Fit-for-purpose measurements of the key indicators are not yet available and there is no evidence that the overall performance of the Government estate has improved. However, a delivery plan is being put into place and there are encouraging signs that Government is aiming to up its game. Highlights from the report at the cross-government level are: • 28.3% of electricity was obtained from renewable sources (target: 10%) • 38.5% of waste arisings were recycled (target: 40%) • Energy efficiency per square metre had improved by 21.7% against the 1999/00 baseline (target:15%) but note the improvements are mostly confided to the MoD, outside which this measure has got worse by 3.3%. Lowlights (worst first) are: - On procurement ‘Quick Wins’ (introduced in 2003) only 12 of the 21 departments had included the relevant clauses in contracts - Only 10 of the 21 departments have introduced SOGE targets into their Permanent Secretaries’ performance agreements SDiG 2007 identifies what we call the multiplier effect, whereby government through the leadership it demonstrates can have a disproportionate effect on the UK’s sustainability performance. The report urges ‘urgent and bold leadership by government and within government’ but acknowledges that ‘[government’s] record looks particularly weak’ alongside prominent businesses such as Marks and Spencer. Our perspective on this comparison is that it is too early yet to say whether large UK commercial companies are doing better than government. Some impressive targets have been set and not yet achieved in the commercial world. Moreover, corporations normally focus on carbon neutrality, achieved through a range of means including offsets. This focus is laudable but there is a bigger picture which is captured in the breadth of the SOGE targets. SDiG 2007 encourages government to ‘think beyond its current environmentally focused SOGE targets… to its own objectives of creating sustainable communities, a strong and sustainable economy and living within environmental limits. This must include preparing to respond to the challenges of the future.’ With the exception of DCA, which has measurement issues, each department has been given a star rating between 1 and 5 stars. SDiG 2007 showcases several innovative government sustainability initiatives, including... • PowerPerfector voltage optimisation project (Defra) aims to reduce energy use by lowering the mains electricity voltage of an entire site. • ‘PCs off’ project (Cabinet Office) which saves energy and money by finding ways to ensure that personal computers are turned off for most of the night, even when system updates are put in the evenings after staff have gone home • Lamp replacement strategy (CPS) to reduce energy and maintenance costs • Continual improvement of energy estate management (MOD) using an approach based on ‘the trinity of Technology, Behaviour and Measurement’, for example smart metering. • ‘On your bike’ project (Office of National Statistics) increasing the number of staff cycling to work by 40%, using Bike to Work week to launch a number of cycling incentives for staff. • Travel intranet site (HMRC) providing staff with guidance on sustainable travel in support of the target to reduce road vehicle carbon dioxide emissions by 15% by 2010/11. • Video-conferencing (DCA) to save staff time, reduce travel costs and cut travel-related carbon dioxide emissions as set out in the SDAP • Offsetting emissions (Government Carbon Offsetting fund) to mitigate the environmental effects of unavoidable official and ministerial air travel • Reduced use of landfill sites for waste (HMRC, Treasury) by re-establishing waste streams in the Treasury building to coincide with the types of waste generated in the office • Food waste composting scheme (Communities and Local Government and Government Office for London) by diversion of organic waste from the general waste stream • Pan-Government recycled printing papers framework (DFT) for central government departments and the wider public sector • Collaborating for sustainability (OGC) helping central government deliver its SOGE targets in the face of increasing budgetary constraints. • Sustainable Procurement (Defra) with the aim of meeting its self-set target of being Level 5 of the Flexible Framework (FFW) by Autumn 2008. • Sustainable Procurement (MOD) with the aim of reaching Level 1 in all five FFW themes by April 2007 and to reach level 3 in all five themes and level 5 in supplier engagement by December 2009 • Forest School for dis-engaged teenagers (Forestry Commission) making use of the natural environment to help young people succeed • Pond Development (FCO Hanslope Park) to encourage biodiversity in the surrounding area and encourage recycling of natural waste • Reduction in wastage of water in Merthyr Courts (DCA) by using meter readings to detect a water leak which was then fixed saving £7,000 per month • Mains-fed bottled water system (Food Standards Agency) reducing costs and wastage of glass • Reduction of water leakage (MOD) with anticipated savings of approximately £74,000 per year on an investment of £9,000 in leak detection and repair. • Rainwater harvesting (Environment Agency Wales) to reduce total mains water use by 45-50% • Carbon management programme (Defra) working with the Carbon Trust to deliver key energy efficiency and carbon reduction targets • Waste performance improvements (NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency) reducing the quantities of both recyclable and non-recyclable waste. • Student Volunteering (Home Office Crime and Drug Strategy Directorate) providing students with an innovative education programme while improving staff skills