The Department's main achievements in greening its operations since 1990 include:

—  production of a Welsh Office Green Housekeeping Policy Statement in response to the commitments given in the White Paper, "This Common Inheritance". This explains how the Department will meet its obligations to integrate environmental concerns into its domestic housekeeping;

—  construction of explicit annual action plans each year since to give practical effect to these stated policies. These encompass a wide range of activity to reduce environmental impacts;

—  energy surveys of all Welsh Office buildings;

—  implementation of survey recommendations including draught proofing of windows and doors, thermal insulation of heating boilers, hot water storage systems, valves and pipe work, insulation of roof voids, cavity insulation, modifications to air conditioning and heating controls, new energy efficient lighting and automatic lighting controls;

—  energy management training for local accommodation managers;

—  increased energy efficiency overall in the face of conflicting and unavoidable energy demands;

—  water saving equipment installed in all Welsh Office buildings;

—  introduction of recycling schemes. Welsh Office has a range of targets in place aimed at reducing the amount of waste it sends to landfill. Substantial quantities of waste paper, aluminium cans, toner cartridges, plastics, old wooden pallets and polythene packaging are being recycled;

—  reduction in the use of products containing ozone depleting substances. Replacement of all Halon fire extinguishers with ozone friendly alternatives and establishment of an inventory of the remaining equipment it owns which contain ozone depleting substances. Leakage control system and a new containment system installed at the Department's main headquarters buildings to prevent leakage of CFC gas;

—  comprehensive programmes of building inspections undertaken across Welsh Office estate to ensure compliance with statutory regulations. Including, checking for the presence of asbestos in Welsh Office premises; maintaining asbestos registers and associated maintenance and removal programmes in accordance with relevant regulations;

—  compliance with the duty imposed under the Environmental Protection Act to ensure that the perimeters of its buildings are kept clear of litter and refuse. National clean-up campaigns are fully supported;

  Specific policies aimed at reducing vehicle emissions are as follows:

—  encouragement of staff to walk, cycle or use public transport instead of their cars. Interest free loans for the purchase of bicycles for home to office travel;

—  reminding staff of the availability of interst free loans for the purchase of season tickets;

—  reminding staff of the benefits of walking to work and lift sharing. Lift sharing is already fairly widespread throughout the Department;

—  implementing a policy of replacing existing diesel driven vehicles with those fitted with "three-way" catalytic converters and run on unleaded petrol. Monitoring technical opinions on the various fuels to ensure that the Department's policy remains in keeping with current thinking on pollution. Ensuring that each vehicle receives regular maintenance and servicing to optimise efficiency and economy. Monitoring fuel consumption, mileage and maintenance costs of each vehicle to identify any areas of inefficiency;

—  better facilities for cyclists—discrete parking areas given over to cyclists at the Department's headquarters at Cathays Park, Cardiff. Changing and showering facilities upgraded and increased.

March 1998