Smart gas and electricity meters will play “a key role in bringing our energy management into the 21st century”, claims Energy Minister Charles Hendry.

Writing in his blog the MP for Weald said smart meters, which send data between suppliers and users, “will provide accurate consumption information and bring an end to estimated billing – so no more nasty surprises for consumers.”

The Government has introduced a mass roll-out of smart meters which will begin in 2014 and aims to be completed in 2019. Some energy suppliers have already started installing smart meters in homes and businesses.

Some people are cynical about how useful smart meters will be, especially over the initial cost involved with installing them. Reports today claim Belgium has rejected installing the devices over this very issue.

Nonetheless, Mr Hendry said the roll-out would benefit the UK by £7 billion: “We are consulting on a series of measures, such as how consumers should be engaged and how data can be accessed and protected, which underline our determination to put consumers’ interests at the heart of the programme.”

Colin Gebhard from M and C Energy Group talks risk management

The Home Office has entered into energy management contracts with public service provider Amey and British Gas Business across 90% of its estate on a ‘payment by results’ basis. The contracts come after the two companies saved the department £212,000 in eight months.

The scheme aims to save £1.3 million through making 350 government buildings more energy efficient. By doing so, the Home Office is also expected to cut its carbon footprint by 15%.

Mike Chessum, Head of Energy Services for British Gas Business said the deal was competitive: “Our partnership accepts risk on both the energy management and technology investments made on the Home Office estate because we are paid according to the savings measured, verified and agreed with our client. The payment on results contract has demonstrated how a cohesive team of energy experts, FM provider and client can operate as one to achieve outstanding energy savings and excellent value for money.”

The news comes shortly after number 10 announced the Government has achieved a 14% reduction in emissions over the last year – exceeding the 10% target initially set when the coalition was formed. The Home Office achieved even higher savings, reducing its carbon footprint by 17.6 per cent.

Water and its uses and constraints are now a boardroom issue, according to the Carbon Disclosure Project.

The not-for-profit organization, which holds the largest database of primary corporate climate change information in the world, asked over 300 of the world’s largest companies to provide information on their water use and water-related business issues.

And just under 40% reported that they are already experiencing detrimental impacts from drought or flooding, declining water quality, increasing water prices or fines and litigation arising from pollution incidents.

Water efficiency and security is now on the radar of most companies, with nearly 90% already having water policies, strategies and plans and 60% having set water-related performance targets.

But nearly two-thirds of firms are also finding opportunities in water-related businesses such as water management, water efficiency and reduction and wastewater treatment.

“This data provides valuable insight into the strategies deployed by many of the largest companies in the world in relation to water and is a first step in helping drive investment towards sustainable water use,” said Paul Dickinson, executive chairman at the Carbon Disclosure Project.

The Carbon Disclosure Project launched in 2000 to provide a climate change database to inform business, policy and investment decisions and it now runs the only global climate change reporting system.