Targets

• Reduce carbon emissions from its office estate by 12.5% by 2010–11 (compared to 1990)
• Reduce water consumption by 25% by 2020, (compared to 2004 levels)
• Recycling 40% of its waste against by 2010–11
• Reduce carbon emissions from road vehicles used for Government administrative operations by 15% by 2010–11, (compared to 2005–06 levels )

Reduction strategies

Carbon Emissions

Defra has been focusing on delivering further carbon savings across its office estate in order to achieve the Prime Minister’s 10% Carbon emissions reduction target. A variety of zero and low cost initiatives have delivered savings through improved building management. This has been supplemented by quick win energy efficiency technologies and a comprehensive staff awareness campaign. It is envisaged that further savings will be achieved through estate rationalisation. Defra is now developing an action plan for delivering the new Greening Government Commitments and further reductions in carbon emissions across both it's office and laboratory estate.

Waste & Recycling

Defra engaged in a long term contract with a new waste and recycling contractor. Through this contract Defra has started to introduce an improved and expanded recycling service. The standardisation of recycling facilities across the estate will ensure that all Defra staff can maximise recycling opportunities.

Water Consumption

Defra has undertaken water surveys at all of its major properties. This has identified both water inputs and outputs from all major processes. This information has been used to inform ongoing water reduction initiatives. These will focus primarily on the laboratory estate, which accounted for 89% of the Department’s total water consumption in 2009–10.

Defra is already exceeding most of the 2010–11 targets, with potential for improvement against the recycling and water consumption targets. The Department is now preparing an action plan to deliver the proposed Greening Government Commitments, which will replace the SOGE Targets from April 2011. Primary areas for focus include improvements in recycling rates, reduction in water consumption, as well as building on progress already made in reducing carbon emissions.