The government has announced that it will place sustainability at the core of its future policy-making, according to Energy Efficiency News.

It is thought the coalition partnership has even written a dedicated plan, entitled ‘Mainstreaming Sustainable Development’. Measures proposed within the package include a promise to reduce the amount of waste created in the UK by 25 per cent, throughout the course of the current parliament.

Furthermore, a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10 per cent was specified.

The government could also consider using options such as pre-finished steel cladding to make its buildings run more efficiently, as this can provide or reduce the need for heating – therefore using less gas and electric.

Government’s priorities

The environmental secretary of state, Caroline Spelman, spoke out about the initiatives, telling Edie.net how sustainability would come to the forefront of the government’s priorities: “Sustainability will never again be an add-on or afterthought.”

“It will be at the heart of everything we do – from making policy to running government buildings, or purchasing goods and services,” Spelman confirmed.

“Moving to a long-term, green and sustainable economy is essential if we are to rebuild our financials, improve our quality of life and protect our natural environment.”

Speaking on behalf of the coalition partnership, deputy prime minister Nick Clegg also made a statement, cited on Click Green.

In it, he expressed his happiness that the package delivered would go some way towards re-balancing Britain’s economy, and putting the nation on “a greener, more sustainable footing.”