§ Sue DoughtyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what requirements he proposes setting for the energy efficiency standards of homes to be constructed within the Allenby Private Finance Initiative project; and what penalties will be incurred by contractors should there be non-compliance with these standards. [136985]
§ Mr. CaplinProject Allenby/Connaught will deliver major redevelopment of the Army estate on Salisbury Plain and at Aldershot, and includes the provision of around 11,000 single en-suite bed spaces for personnel living in barracks. These bed spaces will be provided through new and converted accommodation. The contract requires assessment of this accommodation in accordance with the Building Research Establishment's Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM). This system scores a building against a wide range of sustainability criteria, including those relating to energy efficiency and results in a BREEAM grading for the46W building. The contract will require the highest grading, 'Excellent', for new accommodation and the next highest grading, 'Very Good', for the converted buildings. If these grades are not achieved the contractor's monthly payments for the accommodation will be abated throughout the life of the contract.