Environmental analysis news: Public sector buildings 'emit more CO2 than previously estimated'

Public sector buildings produce 27 per cent more CO2 than previously thought, according to a comprehensive assessment of their environmental impact.

The data, which was published by the Guardian, revealed that the 28,000 publicly-owned buildings emit an annual total of almost 14 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Of the ten worst-performing buildings, eight are hospitals, with some prisons also having a poor environmental record.

Paul King, chief executive of the UK Green Building Council, told the news provider that the government needs to do more to tackle the issue.

"Government, as the biggest user and procurer of buildings in the UK, needs to lead by example and roll out a massive programme of refurbishment," he said.

Mr King added that the technology to carry out the necessary alterations in a cost-effective manner is available.

A report released by the Carbon Trust last month revealed that non-domestic buildings in the UK account for 18 per cent of the country's total carbon emissions and claimed that they could play a vital role in meeting CO2 reduction targets.

Posted by Claire Manning