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Written question asked by John Hayes (Conservative) on Tuesday, 23 March 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 25 March 2021. It was answered by Andrew Stephenson (Conservative) on Tuesday, 30 March 2021 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

High Speed 2 Line: Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimation his Department has made of the greenhouse gas emissions from the use of fossil diesel in the construction of HS2 Phase One.

Answer

Carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, which accounts for the climate impact of all greenhouse gases, is referred to as ‘Carbon’ in our assessments. The construction carbon impact of HS2 Phase One is reported in the relevant Environmental Statement*. This assessment presents a reasonable worst-case scenario assuming fossil-based diesel for heavy plant and related transport. It does not reflect HS2 Ltd’s target to cut construction carbon emissions by 50% against industry baselines. The Environmental Statement was produced to accompany the then High Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Bill, and in the 4 years since publication, technological improvements and adoption of best working practices, including the adoption of plant and facilities that do not use fossil-based diesel, will have superseded many of the findings therein.

* https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hs2-phase-one-environmental-statement-documents

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
174008
Session
2019-21
Subjects
Construction Diesel Greenhouse gas emissions High Speed 2 line
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk