APPENDIX 2
Memorandum submitted by the Audit Commission
The Audit Commission welcomes the Environmental
Audit Committee Inquiry into the adequacy of the current structure
and operation of government in dealing with the challenge posed
by climate change and is pleased to submit evidence.
On 10 May 2007, the Commission adopted a Sustainable
Development Approach and Implementation Plan which will guide
and further our work on sustainable development, including climate
change. Our greatest opportunity to make a difference is in our
role as a regulator of local public services. We will be using
both audit and inspection as tools to assess how well public bodies
are addressing the physical, social and economic development of
their areas, whilst ensuring that environmental limits are not
being breached.
We have a number of opportunities during 2007-08
to focus on, for example, how we assess performance on sustainable
development and climate change. As we develop our methodology
for Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA), we will revise the financial
and value-for-money (Use of Resources) judgements and our service
inspections.
One data tool we have developed, in partnership
with the Stockholm Environment Institute at the University of
York, is the carbon footprint which shows CO2 emissions per capita
and total CO2 tonnes by local authority. We are also considering
undertaking studies which will look at the implications of climate
change.
Furthermore, the Commission will set a positive
example by reducing the impact of our own organisation on the
environment. Through our work with the Carbon Trust, we have produced
a baseline of our carbon footprint, highlighting business miles,
commuting and office power as the three main areas of focus. We
are also increasing recycling and reducing paper use.
As the Sustainable Development Approach and
Implementation Plan have only just been formally adopted, we are
not yet in a position to comment on the outcomes of our work in
this area. However, we would be very willing to offer a briefing
to the Committee later on this year if you would feel this would
be useful.
May 2007
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