Energy Campaigners welcome Paul Rowen MP's support for reducing carbon emissions

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 6th Sep 2007

A broad coalition of organisations have today welcomed local MP Paul Rowen's support in Parliament for a campaign to reduce carbon emissions from the public sector.

The MP for Rochdale has signed a House of Commons Early Day Motion (EDM 1554) that calls on the Government to show a renewed lead in tackling climate change by reducing carbon emissions in its own buildings.

According to the latest National Audit Office report, Government departments are not on track to meet their own sustainability targets and 15 departments have increased their carbon emissions since 1999.

The Motion calls on the Government to renew their commitment to only buy, lease or procure buildings in the top quartile of energy performance.

By setting high standards of energy efficiency the Government can not only reduce its own emissions but also drive up standards in the whole commercial sector. This is very important because this sector has the fastest growing energy use of any sector apart from aviation.

Paul Rowen MP said: "It is vital that the UK reduce its carbon emissions by all possible means and across all sectors. Here in Rochdale, our Council are leading efforts in the fight against climate change. It is vital that the individual,

businesses and of course our Council do our bit to fight Climate Change. Not acting is simply not an option anymore.

"It is important that the Government's own buildings are as sustainable as possible. I fully support Government renewing this commitment as it will set a good example to the private sector and help reduce emissions."

Andrew Warren, the Chair of the Sustainable Energy Partnership said: "Paul Rowen MP is to be congratulated for supporting this initiative, it's good to have Rochdale on board. The Government is a key player in the commercial property market and this initiative will drive up energy efficiency standards in all buildings."