To ask the Minister for the Economy, pursuant to AQW 19174 17-22, to detail (i) any specific plans for a £10 million pilot invest to save fund, and (ii) when this will commence.

The Energy Management Strategy and Action Plan for central government outlined the creation of an energy ‘invest to save’ fund as a critical action in meeting the objective of lowering net energy consumption by 30% by 2030 from a 2016/17 baseline year.

My Department has secured £10 million in capital funding as part of the Economic Recovery Action Plan and is working with the Energy Management Unit in the Strategic Investment Board to pilot a funding model for energy efficiency in central government.

The initial focus of this funding is to develop an understanding of the readiness and capacity of central government to deliver energy related projects and to scope out any potential procurement challenges that may exist.

To date departments and arm’s length bodies have been invited to submit details of potential energy projects within their estates along with outlining costs and specifics around delivery confidence within this financial year. The Energy Management Unit is offering support through this process through providing specialist energy and technical advice to enable consistency in business case completion.

In preparation for this funding, and in alignment with the strategy action plan, the Energy Management Unit has undertaken an extensive period of communication across central government through regular energy manager’s forums and by hosting ad hoc and topical workshops that consider collaborative energy procurement and buying strategies, the work is not only aimed at providing expertise where it may not be otherwise available but aims to influence and supplement existing work in ensuring better energy management.