Parliament takes power saving measures

Thursday 10 April 2003

All parliamentary staff are being urged to conserve power, in response to possible power supply problems this winter, the Speaker, Rt Hon Jonathan Hunt announced today.

‘We are aiming for a 5 percent power reduction throughout the Parliamentary complex and I am confident that we can achieve that,’ Mr Hunt said.

Parliamentary Service, which is responsible for the administration and maintenance of the parliamentary complex, is taking the following measures to reduce electricity consumption:

• Reduce corridor lighting levels in Parliament House by turning off the metal halide up lighters and leaving the fluorescent lighting on
• Reduce the use of external buildings and grounds decorative lighting without compromising security
• Make best energy use of air conditioning plant in all buildings
• Fast track the installation of sensor lighting in the toilets on Parliament House
• Review lighting in the Parliamentary Library.

As well as this, staff are being asked to play their part by following these guidelines when leaving work for the day:

• Switching off unnecessary lights
• Turning off their computer and screen
• Turning off their printer and photocopier
• Switching off any other appliances in their office which are not in use
• Taking the stairs rather than the lift for short trips

‘Parliament has a very good record of being an efficient energy user. In 2001 we introduced power saving measures that resulted in a 24 percent drop in power usage. It’s only proper that we should lead by example again this year and play our part in reducing electricity consumption,’ Mr Hunt said.