The report, which assessed progress in 2005/06, singled out several departments for particular criticism, including the Department for Transport and the Cabinet Office. Carbon dioxide emissions from road transport used by the DfT, for example, had risen by 40% since 2002.
SDC chairman Jonathon Porritt said the government performance was “simply not good enough. Against a background of non-stop messages on climate change and corporate social responsibility, the government has failed to get its own house in order.”
A league table of all departments and agencies ranked the DfT and the Cabinet Office near the bottom with scores of around 35%. The Export Credits Guarantee Department and the Law Officers’ Department scored worst having failed to provide much useful information.
The Departments of Trade and Industry, Health, and Work and Pensions were ranked in the top three, with scores of around 80%. The Environment Department (DEFRA) scored a modest 58% - but was among 15 departments and agencies that allowed their carbon emissions to rise in 2005/06.
Departments are not on track to meet the carbon reduction target of 12.5% by 2010. Average emissions have fallen by a paltry 0.5% since 1999.
Waste arisings increased from 164,000 to 186,000 tonnes. Nine departments could not provide proper waste data. Departments also failed to meet a target to cut water use.
However there was some good news, with carbon dioxide emissions from transport dropping 14% since 2002/03. The overall recycling rate increased by 8% since 2004/05. The Department of Health recycles the most at 85.4%.
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