Government Buildings Go Green

The equivalent of 48,000 cars will taken off the road courtesy of an ambitious new energy efficiency policy for Queensland Government buildings, Premier Anna Bligh announced today.

Ms Bligh said by 2015 energy consumption would be slashed by 210,000 tonnes per year.
She said the initiative would cost approximately $150 million over the next eight years but deliver annual ongoing savings of $18 million across the whole-of-government.

“This work has already started under the Government Energy Management Strategy (GEMS) program,” Ms Bligh said.

“However, I want to fast track this work and put specific energy reduction targets on each of our agencies.

“Reducing energy consumption is the most cost effective method of reducing the carbon footprint of a building.

“Specific actions we will look at include mandatory set points for air conditioning levels in government owned office buildings, mandatory switching off of non-essential computers and other equipment outside of normal office hours and minimum energy rating standards for government owned office buildings.”

Minister for Public Works and Housing Robert Schwarten said as part of Climate Smart 2050 the Government had committed to achieving ‘carbon neutral’ status for government office buildings by 2020.

He said after all action had been taken to minimise energy use carbon offsets would be purchased to cover remaining energy use.

“We want to make sure our own backyard is in order,” Mr Schwarten said.

“Business and consumers have a role to play but we must lead by example.

“By setting ambitious targets such as these we can show the rest of Australia what can be achieved by acting now in the fight against climate change.”


Further inquiries: Premiers Office (07) 3224 4500