With military precision, MoD hits emissions target two years early

Soldiers may not be seen as the most likely of tree huggers, but the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has this week emerged as one of Whitehall's greener departments, announcing that it has reached its target to cut carbon emissions from its estate by 12.5 per cent two years ahead of schedule.

The government updated its emissions targets in 2007, requiring Whitehall departments to reduce carbon emissions by 12.5 per cent on 2000 levels by 2011, and by 30 per cent by 2020.

At the time, the MoD accounted for one per cent of all UK carbon emissions and 60 per cent of the carbon footprint for central government, making it a key area for emissions reductions.

Matt Foley, head of the MoD's Central Programme Office for Energy within Defence Estates, said that the impressive cuts in emissions had significantly improved the efficiency of the department, freeing up more resources for front-line operations.

"We are among the major energy consumers across government, and this achievement is further evidence of our commitment to reduce public sector carbon emissions, and use Defence resources as efficiently as possible, to ensure maximum funding and resources on the front line," he said.

The department is now focusing on delivering further cuts in emissions, after being awarded £8.5m from the Department for Energy and Climate Change earlier this year to help fund over 30 energy saving projects, including an improved heating system at Buckley Barracks in Wiltshire and the conversion of part of the HMS Raleigh heating system to solar.

The funding will also be used to install oil meters at over 40 of the largest oil consuming sites and 50 electricity meters at six sites in Germany.

The MoD said that these projects alone will deliver £2m in annual cost savings, and cut carbon emissions by 7,000 tonnes.

The department is also currently working on a number of further initiatives to reduce energy consumption across the estate, including installing smart meters, as well as projects to roll out biomass, waste-to-energy, and small scale wind and hydro systems.

"Developing an energy policy, standards and a toolkit is also high on our agenda," siad Foley. "The newly created MoD Programme Office for Energy will become a 'one-stop shop' for resources relating to energy, and will serve the whole MoD on non-operational energy matters."