Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to reduce energy costs in her Department; and if she will make a statement.

Core Defra procures energy from the Crown Commercial Services Energy Frameworks. These pan-government contracts enable Defra to benefit from economies of scale and risk-managed procurement from the energy markets, so keeping costs down. Energy costs are also minimised through measures to reduce and improve the control of energy use in its buildings.

The biggest contributor to reduced energy costs has been the rationalisation of Defra’s estate. Since 2012/13 the Department has reduced its London estate from four to two properties, making more efficient use of space and reducing energy consumption as part of the overall strategy.

Core Defra has also reduced energy costs by investing in voltage optimisation, more efficient heating systems, LED lighting and better insulation. Smart metering also enables Core Defra to monitor and target excessive consumption and ensure building systems are operating to optimum efficiency.