Written question asked by Vera Baird (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 March 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 10 March 2006. It was answered by Yvette Cooper (Labour) on Thursday, 30 March 2006 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Environmental Sustainability

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what environmentally sustainable features he requires to be installed in new public buildings.

Answer: On 15 March 2006, the improvements to the energy efficiency standards set out in part L of the Building Regulations was laid in Parliament. The part L changes come into effect in April 2006 and will make a major contribution to the UK's commitment to combat climate change delivering increased energy standards of up to 27 per cent. for new buildings.We have just completed the consultation on the proposed Code for Sustainable Homes, which is a voluntary scheme being developed with industry and will set environmental performance standards for energy and water efficiency that are higher than those stipulated by regulation.From April 2006 we will require all new homes built by the resident social landlords with Housing Corporation funding to comply with level 3 of the code. This will also apply to homes developed by the English Partnership and all others receiving Government funding.

Secondary information