Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what steps he is taking to reduce water (a) usage and (b) bills in his Department; and if he will make a statement.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) already utilises water efficient appliances, including waterless urinals. In addition, over the past twelve months DECC has undertaken a number of measures aimed at reducing its water use and water bills. These include undertaking an independent water audit, increased maintenance on its hot and cold water dispensers to make them more efficient, the closing and draining down of its cooling towers over the winter months when chilling is not required, staff awareness raising measures and maintenance work to fix a small number of leaking taps.