Empty Ark's lights 'a symbol of energy waste'

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Today - the first anniversary of the Stern Report on climate change - the empty Ark building in west London is a symbol of energy profligacy, according to green campaigners.

The lights in the eight-storey block have been burning round the clock for weeks. One driver who passes the Ark every day said: "The lights are always on when I go by. It seems to have been lit up for ages."

Contractors refurbishing the building insist they are conducting vital tests on new lighting systems. Experts estimate they will create up to 10 tonnes of carbon emissions.

The building was constructed in 1992 next to the A4 Hammersmith flyover, but has never been fully let and became known as a white elephant.

It was sold last year to investors GE Capital and developer Landid for £49million. GE Capital is owned by the American industrial conglomerate that patented the tungsten filament light bulb in 1906.

The owners are spending a further £20 million on refurbishing and dividing the building internally so that it can be let to more than one company - Apple and Google are both said to be taking an interest.

Martin Sheward of main contractor Sir Robert McAlpine said: "To make sure the emergency battery back-up works properly, we have to have the light on round the clock for about six weeks, of which there is just one to go."

Darren Johnson, Green party member of the London Assembly, said: "I can't believe anyone needs to to keep the lights on for six weeks to test whether they're working. That's ridiculous."