Government department for carbon reduction rated "F"
September 1, 2008
The headquarters of the Government department responsible for reducing carbon emissions from buildings has been found to be amongst the least energy efficient.
The central London offices of the Department for Communities and Local Government have been granted an energy efficiency rating in the "F" band - the second lowest rating possible under new labelling rules. This is likely to prove embarrassing to the Department which drew up the requirements for the energy efficiency of all public buildings above 1000 square metres to be highlighted on Display Energy Certificates from October this year.
Officials blamed the building's poor rating on inefficient heating and ventilation systems and unexpectedly high occupancy. They are hoping to improve the energy efficiency of the building to attain at least a "D" rating. An earlier assessment of the building's design had indicated that the rating ought to be even higher, but this assessment did not take account of energy consumption.
It is hoped that this latest revelation will highlight the benefits of the new rating system for public buildings by drawing people's attention to the problem and persuading them to do something about it.
Print this page