How to save energy in the public sector

In the light of the IPCC report (March 31) the case for action on climate change is now more than just beyond refuting as you rightly pointed out in your editorial – it is now time for urgent action.

Many state that it is pointless to try and fight climate change, that the expense is too much. However, we could save e120m and 500k tonnes of CO2 over two years if we implemented current government initiatives to save energy in the public sector.

The Government has set a target of a 33% reduction in energy use in the public sector by 2020, which would make a significant impact upon us reaching our climate change commitments. However, there is a complete lack of commitment at government to implement these changes. There are examples of numerous projects which if implemented across the public sector would make a huge impact, however the government is failing to put in place a proper strategic approach to energy saving.