To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when his Department began to measure its carbon emissions; what the volume of those emissions was in the last period for which figures are available; when his Department started to offset those emissions; what the cost is expected to be of offsetting his Department’s emissions in 2006-07; and if he will make a statement. (116398)

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much his Department has spent on carbon offsetting for air travel in the past 12 months. (117130)

The Treasury has been measuring the carbon emissions for the office estate since 1999.

The volume of emissions for the building for the last period measured (2005/06) was 1,189,241.93 kg C0₂, which is the weather corrected annual carbon emissions. All electricity used is generated from renewable sources.

Work is underway to accurately calculate emissions from air travel. The Treasury will contribute this year to the carbon-offsetting fund, coordinated by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to offset emissions from flights on departmental business from April 2006. On the basis of estimated air emissions of around 1,629 tonnes per annum, we would expect to pay £32,577 per annum.

Opportunities to offset other emissions will be explored once levels have been reduced as much as possible.