Anne Champions Energy Efficient Buildings Ahead of “Swindon’s Climate Change Bill” Second Reading

In response to a question from Anne Snelgrove on the effects of climate change on the economy (6^th March), Chancellor Alistair darling highlighted the emissions targets for 2050, and said that the UK would commit to domestic and international action.

In a supplementary, Ms Snelgrove asked if there had been cost benefit analysis on moving public sector buildings to the top tier of energy performance.

Replying, Mr Darling, who was aware of Anne’s bill, stated that the Climate Change Bill made the UK the first country to place legal restrictions on itself to address climate change, and stated that all buildings needed to play this part.

Anne Snelgrove (South Swindon) (Lab): What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the effects of climate change on the economy. [191848]

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Alistair Darling): The Government are committed to reduce carbon emissions by 60 per cent. by 2050 through both domestic and international action.

Anne Snelgrove: My right hon. Friend may be aware of my private Member’s Bill, which seeks to make public sector buildings more energy efficient and comes before the House on 25 April; all are welcome. Has he done any cost-benefit analysis on moving public sector buildings into the top quartile of energy performance?

Mr. Darling: I know that my hon. Friend is introducing that private Member’s Bill, and she is right to raise the issue because it is important that at every single stage we do everything we can to reduce carbon emissions. I remind the House that through the Climate Change Bill that is currently passing through Parliament we will be the first Government in the world to impose a discipline on ourselves that will require us to meet the objectives we have set; there will not be room for Governments to escape the consequences of that. It follows, of course, that all buildings must play their part in ensuring that we emit less carbon as a result of heating and lighting them.

Anne has also been writing to Councillors across the country to ask them to back her Bill, dubbed “Swindon’s Climate Change Bill” which receives its Second Reading on the 25^th April. More info: http://www.annesnelgrove.co.uk/c2e00f90-428c-0814-3917-0ed2b2e4ed4b