Sustainability in DVLA
A number of factors have influenced this:
- a robust steer from government with the implementation of the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme and the Greening Government Commitments
- a need to improve efficiency and reduce costs
- a clearer understanding of environmental management across the agency, which has led to a positive shift in cultural attitudes.
Our strategic direction to reduce costs, increase efficiency and increase convenience for our customers and partners is aligned with the five sustainable development principles. These balance the needs of the economy, society and the natural environment alongside ensuring good governance and using sound science in decision and policy-making. For more information visit sd.defra.gov.uk.
Whilst our 2011-2015 sustainability strategy focuses extensively on environmental improvements, they underpin the operational and business developments we are making. The sustainability strategy is aligned with the Greening Government Commitments.
This plan allows us the flexibility to time investment so we make optimum changes to our estate to support the business in the long term and ensure we achieve the 2014-15 target of 25 per cent reduction in carbon emissions compared to the 2009-10 baseline.
During this year we will undertake studies and consultations to secure our strategy to 2014-15. We will also carry out specific activities of work that include:
Complete business case for investment in energy efficient power
This study is looking at a number of ways in which our heating and cooling is undertaken on the estate. It includes for example consideration of replacement of existing boilers, which are nearly 30 years old and optimising the management of our onsite electricity generation, combined heat and power. We are anticipating significant reductions in energy costs and carbon emissions from this. When we are given the approval to go ahead, it is unlikely to be complete in this financial year. The savings would be most likely start during 2013-14.
Consultation on transforming DVLA services
If the result of the transforming DVLA services consultation exercise is to proceed with the proposal, this will mean centralisation of activities from the local office network. We will realise significant and lasting savings in energy and water consumption and reduce waste and emissions from travel. However while the consultation exercise continues and during the period of transformation, we would expect to see some temporary increase in our business travel.
Continuation of the virtualising of servers and desktop refresh programme
Moving to virtualised servers and upgrading desktops will provide major energy savings. This work has already started and will continue over the next few years.
Updated processes within procurement and projects
The new process in place for procurement and projects is identifying and bringing about wider sustainable benefits. For example, the IT contract re-let is seeking to promote good environmental practices and sustainable growth in the economy by opening up opportunities to the small and medium enterprises sector.
During 2012-13 we will:
- find further ways to reduce greenhouse gases produced from estate and travel
- improve the biodiversity of our estate, making a positive benefit to the environment in which we work.
Key: tCO²e = tonnes of Carbon Dioxide equivalent
Previous
Next
Print page
Feedback