AQO 3791/22-27 Oral question to the Assembly Commission
To ask the Assembly Commission when it last reviewed its energy efficiency policy with a view to value for money and better environmental outcomes.
Asked by John Blair MLA on 11 June 2026
- Answered
- Oral
- Answered in the Chamber
- Tabled
- 11 June 2026
- Answer due by
- 23 June 2026
- Answered
- 23 June 202612 days after tabling
- Department
- Northern Ireland Assembly Commission
- Priority question
- No
Answer
Answered in the Assembly Chamber on 23 June 2026. Extract from the Official Report (Hansard), including any supplementary questions:
Ms Ennis
I thank the Member for his question. The Assembly Commission last reviewed its environmental and sustainability policies, which relate to energy efficiency, as part of its annual environmental management review. That review, which forms part of the Assembly's ISO 14001:2015 accredited environmental management system, is presented to and considered by the senior management team each year. The most recent review included consideration of energy efficiency in the context of value for money and improved environmental outcomes. As part of that process, a continuous improvement plan was agreed, setting out actions for the coming year to enhance environmental performance. While many actions focus on improving energy efficiency and reducing costs, the Commission recognises that not all sustainability initiatives are driven solely by financial savings. While opportunities to improve energy efficiency are actively pursued, it is recognised that fluctuating energy prices can make it challenging to consistently demonstrate cost savings. Energy-specific measures, such as the replacement of fluorescent lighting with LED technology, are expected to deliver reduced energy consumption and longer-term financial efficiencies, although the full benefits will take time to materialise, as savings accrue over time and are influenced by factors such as energy price fluctuations and operational usage.
Mr Blair
I thank the member of the Commission for that reply. It is good to hear that those reviews take place, of course. However, further to the information that was presented, will there be an ongoing review of the continuous improvement plan, and will that information be available to Members?
Ms Ennis
Yes, there will be an ongoing review. As and when we have that information, I am sure that the Commission will be happy to share it with Members. I know that the Member has a specific interest in that. I can take the Member's query on the agreed continuous improvement plan back to the Assembly Commission and will happily write to him to provide updates on that as well.