Ben KendallA new environmental strategy has been launched by Norfolk police after a study found none of the county's eight main stations are operating efficiently.Ben Kendall

A new environmental strategy has been launched by Norfolk police after a study found none of the county's eight main stations are operating efficiently.

According to a new report into efficiency across the force the police headquarters at Wymondham currently has the lowest possible energy performance, rating as a G on a scale of A to G. North Walsham police station also has the lowest rating.

Bethel Street station in Norwich only fares slightly better as it is rated as F. None of the biggest bases - which also include Thetford, Dereham, Great Yarmouth, King's Lynn and office space in Norwich - rate higher than a D.

The strategy aims to reduce wastage in a number of areas and possibilities being explored are:

t Stopping the use of plastic cups at water machines after it was found officers and staff at headquarters get through 234,000 cups each year.

t Encouraging paper recycling or reducing the use of paper - the force uses 63 tonnes of paper each year, excluding notebooks, newspapers and magazines.

t Cleaning windows at some stations, including Yarmouth, more frequently to increase natural light and reducing the need for electric lighting.

Staff will also be encouraged to use 'green means' of transport to and from work and, where appropriate, to

carry out their duties. The force will promote cycling and the use of public transport.

The force also hopes that newly built police stations will be more environmentally friendly. Recently opened stations, such as at Aylsham, have been tailored to include a wind turbine and an insulating sedum moss roof.

Wind turbines could be built on the grounds of the Wymondham headquarters.

The new environmental strategy comes are the force announced it was to downgrade its police cars to cheaper models to save about �700,000 over three years. This move will also see most petrol cars being replaced by diesel models.

The fleet replacement strategy was endorsed by Norfolk Police Authority yesterday. A police spokesman said: 'We continually review to ensure we use all resources in the most efficient way. The proposed changes to our fleet will stand us in good stead as we face expected central budget cuts.

'We have thoroughly analysed our vehicle use using the automated vehicle location system and it is possible to slightly reduce our fleet without adverse effects for the public.'