Energy Campaigners welcome Paul's support for Climate Change Bill

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 16th Aug 2006

A broad coalition of organisations have today welcomed local MP Paul Holmes's support in Parliament for a Bill to reduce carbon emissions from offices.

The MP for Chesterfield is one of nearly 300 MPs who have signed a Commons Motion (EDM 2378) supporting the Climate Change (Commercial and Public Services Sector) Bill.

This sector has the fastest growing energy use apart from aviation. With the proliferation of computers and other electronics, its use of electricity, which has a particularly high carbon footprint, is projected to increase by nearly 45% from 1990 to 2020. The Bill will set legally binding targets for reducing energy usage in the commercial sector and further targets for energy production from renewable sources, Combined Heat and Power and microgeneration.

It was formally introduced by Alan Whitehead MP on 5th July and is supported by senior MPs from all the major parties.

Paul Holmes MP said: "The need for urgent action to cut our carbon emissions is greater than ever. The Government has rightly acknowledged that we need to do a lot more if we are to meet our climate change targets of a 20% reduction in C02 emissions by 2010. I fully support this Bill which will ensure the Government makes our offices more environmentally friendly. I will do all I can to ensure that it becomes law as soon as possible."

Andrew Warren, the Chair of the Sustainable Energy Partnership said: "Paul Holmes is to be congratulated for supporting this important Bill in Parliament. It will be good for industry and good for the environment."