National Assembly is halfway to 40% emissions cut

National Assembly is halfway to 40% emissions cut

The National Assembly for Wales is almost halfway towards its target of cutting its own carbon emissions by 40% by 2015, new figures show.

The target is part of a wider ambition to make the assembly a sustainable workplace.

Carbon emissions fell by 19% in the year 2010 to 2011 compared to the previous 12 months.

The tough carbon reduction target was agreed by administrative body the Assembly Commission in 2009.

According to figures released this week, a 19% reduction in energy emissions has been achieved compared to 2008/09 levels.

‘Tough target’

Assembly Member Peter Black said that although it was “pleasing” that the assembly is halfway to achieving the “tough target”, there was still another half to go.

“Working sustainably is a statutory responsibility of the Assembly Commission and energy consumption continues to be our most significant resource demand, primarily for lighting and powering our buildings,” he said.

“These latest figures are pleasing and demonstrate the initiatives we have put in place, such as more efficient use of heating and electricity including the Senedd’s biomass system and awareness-raising among assembly members and staff, are having a positive effect.”

He added he was confident that further innovations and ideas would help to make the assembly sustainable for the future.