In its new State of the Estate Report, published by minister for the cabinet office Francis Maude, the government has explained it cut £278 million from its running costs during financial year 2010/2011.
As a result of the savings, governmental office space is now running at a cost of 16 per cent less than the private sector average. In total, the central estate's overall size fell by 5.8 per cent, whilst the number of property holdings saw an 11.1 per cent drop.
As well as the reduction of £278 million from the running costs, government departments also managed to beat the CO2 reduction target of 10 per cent as outlined by the Prime Minister. This was achieved in May 2011 and has since gone on to fall a total 13.8 per cent.
Elsewhere, over half of the offices which has Display Energy Certificates posted an efficiency rating better than the industry standard for the first time ever. In addition, Maude explained that now-vacated buildings could be used for regeneration.
"Since May 2010 we have exited 904 properties saving millions as well as providing vital opportunities for regeneration in local communities," he told govopps.co.uk. "The government estate is now greener, leaner and cheaper to run. Today's report shows just how much can be done to drive out inefficiency."
Written by David Howells on behalf of Qube Global Software
While posted by Qube Global Software all views expressed are not necessarily those of the company. All facts are verified where possible directly by the author.