Work needed to improve energy efficiency of Assembly Estate – Mick Bates AM

Welsh Liberal Democrat AM Mick Bates has called on the Assembly Commission to take more action to improve the energy efficiency of the Ty Hywel Assembly building in Cardiff Bay.

Commenting in the chamber, Mick Bates stated:

“Commercial properties and public buildings currently account for nearly 25% of the UK's carbon emissions. Energy efficiency is a key way to reduce the carbon footprint of our buildings and it is crucial that we take every step to decrease our energy use across the Assembly estate.

“Ty Hywel has an energy efficiency rating of F, the second to lowest efficiency rating on the scale. It has a high heating and electrical energy use, with no energy from renewables and although work has been done to install energy saving lightbulbs, there is still a long way to go.

“At a time when climate change is high on the agenda, the Welsh Government should be leading the way and living by example. The Senedd is a flagship building with excellent environmental credentials, but any environmental benefits of the Senedd are outweighed by having a F-rated building attached to it.”