Government offices urged to go green

Government departments have been urged to set a positive example and adopt more eco-friendly practices.

Environmental pressure group Friends of the Earth said the Labour Party needs to demonstrate its commitment to helping to tackle climate change.

Mike Childs, spokesman for the organisation, called on every department to show the necessary urgency to help protect the environment.

He commented: "The government's commitment to tackling climate change is undermined by its failure to cut emissions quickly enough from its own offices and buildings."

Mr Childs added that if ministers are seen to be adopting sustainable and green practices, it would set a good example to the rest of the country.

However, a government spokesperson rejected the suggestion that it is not committed to reducing the impact of climate change.

The comments come as EU leaders are meeting in Brussels to discuss how the economic slowdown will impact on their environmental targets.