Govt fails on own eco targets

The Government is failing to practice what it preaches on green issues, with a "do as I say, not as I do" approach, a study has found.A report by the Sustainable Development Commission has found ministers are not meeting their own carbon, waste and water targets.The Cabinet Office and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport fared worst amongst Government departments - all of which are "lagging behind the private sector" in making improvements.For example, the Department for Transport is actually increasing its road transport carbon emissions - they are up 40 per cent since 2002.Sir Jonathon Porritt, SDC Chairman said: "Overall, Government performance is 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."Environment Secretary David Miliband said the Government must not just set targets to become more sustainable - it must deliver them.He said: "Government is committed to play its role in tackling climate change and reducing emissions, alongside the actions already being taken by business and individuals."Earlier this week John Healey and I announced how we are going to use procurement to deliver those targets and to help move the UK towards a low carbon economy."I have asked Gus O'Donnell to take personal charge and we have asked the Prime Minister's Delivery Unit to recommend, by the end of April, the structures we need to put in place to ensure these targets are delivered."© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.

ITN | March 7, 2007

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