To ask the Minister of Finance (i) what consideration is given to retrofitting and reusing existing buildings prior to agreeing to publically funded new-build projects; and (ii) for his assessment of how retrofitting as opposed to new-builds would contribute to Northern Ireland’s carbon output.

The Reform of Property Management team strategically manages the Benchmarked Office Estate (BMO) and seeks to utilise current buildings before looking at alternative new leased or new build accommodation. My Department also has responsibility for managing the Civil Service Office Estate, which forms part of the BMO and for all accommodation projects proportionate business cases are undertaken which consider a range of options. Retrofitting and reuse is normally considered as an option with the preferred option selected on value for money and affordability considerations.

As the Benchmarked Office Estate is a small proportion of the entire public sector estate, retrofitting as opposed to new build would likely have a negligible contribution to carbon output here.