§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Prime Minister what steps he has taken to encourage the development of green technologies as part of Government regeneration strategy. [135441]
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government's strategy for tackling social exclusion and improving the environment in deprived areas is being delivered through a range of programmes that encourage and support sustainable regeneration.
Regional Development Agencies have a statutory duty to promote sustainable development. As well as promoting the development of green technologies generally, they are able to support specific projects through their administration of the Single Regeneration Budget. These may include:
- combined heat and power schemes;
- community based waste minimisation projects;
- energy efficiency measures; and
- innovative solutions and remediation techniques for dealing with contaminated land.
In addition, the criteria used to select projects for support from European Regional Development Funds specifically encourage positive action on environmental sustainability, including clean technology projects.