PRESS RELEASE : Sharp reduction in government’s energy consumption and emissions saves millions for public estate [April 2024]

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 19 April 2024.

The latest figures released today in the government’s annual State of the Estate report, highlight the significant progress being made to make the public estate more sustainable and efficient.

• Over £163 million in savings was secured last year due to reduced overall energy consumption across government buildings.
• Direct emissions from government buildings were reduced by 14% in 2022/23.
• The sale of surplus government land and property generated £1.07 billion in capital receipts, which will be invested back into the estate

A major efficiency drive has seen more than £163 million in energy cost savings secured and a significant fall in direct emissions from government buildings.

The latest figures released today in the government’s annual State of the Estate report, highlight the significant progress being made to make the public estate more sustainable and efficient.

In part through the disposal of unused property and the relocation of civil servants into modern, multi-departmental hubs, the government has been able to reduce its energy bill by £163 million and cut direct emissions by 14% compared to the baseline 2017/18.

Other achievements in the report include:

• Since March 2020, 83% (18,283 roles) of the 2027 Places for Growth target have been delivered, and 31.2% of UK-based SCS are now located outside of London.
• The One Public Estate programme, delivered in partnership with the Cabinet Office, Local Government Association, and Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities, secured £63m in capital receipts, £26m in running cost savings, released land for 6,000 homes, and helped create 9,000 jobs.
• Generated £1.07bn in capital receipts from the disposal of surplus land and buildings to support regeneration and residential development in communities

To mark the report’s publication, the Manchester First Street Hub celebrated its ‘topping-out’ ceremony yesterday (April 18th) The ceremony marked the beginning of the countdown to the completion of this new UK Government Hub in the heart of Manchester city centre. The c.12,000 sq. ft. building is scheduled to be ready for fit-out by the end of 2024 and open its doors in late 2025.

Once completed, the Manchester First Street Hub will accommodate approximately 2,600 civil servants from several key government departments and support the relocation of over 700 civil service roles under the Places for Growth programme.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office, Alex Burghart, said:

We are committed to creating more modern and productive work environments where civil servants can be inspired and take pride in delivering the best possible service to the taxpayer.

These savings on our energy bills, alongside the income generated through the disposal of unused property, will be reinvested into improving the overall quality of the public estate.