Government pledge to help planet

The Isle of Man government is to appoint an Energy Initiatives Officer

Energy-saving measures by the Isle of Man government could help save tax payers more than £1.7 million a year.

A survey has revealed that for the year 2004/05, the government spent £9.8m on gas, electricity, heating oil and fuel for its buildings and vehicles.

It also produced carbon dioxide equivalent to the emissions from more than 5,000 domestic homes.

The government is to recruit an Energy Initiatives Officer to help cut costs and emissions across all departments.

John Rimington, Energy Committee chairman, said: "The Isle of Man Government should lead by example in showing how the island can play its part in global efforts against greenhouse gases and climate change.

"But tackling energy waste across all the departments, boards and offices will require corporate co-ordination and advice - hence the requirement for a dedicated Energy Initiatives Officer to drive the campaign."