§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what action he is taking(a) to encourage schools and colleges to respond to the requirements of the European Directive on the energy performance of buildings and (b) to monitor compliance with it. [129982]
§ Mr. Stephen TwiggThe Department is working closely with ODPM on actions required to implement the European Directive on energy performance. ODPM believe that many of the requirements of the directive can be implemented through changes to the Building Regulations and to Approved Document Part L2 (the next revision being due in 2005). As schools are required to comply with building regulations, any changes in energy performance requirements will apply to schools.
The Department already encourages energy efficiency and management in schools through a number of measures. The Departments guidance on design of new school buildings promotes a carbon performance rating of 5kg C/m2 per year or better, which is in line with current building regulations requirements.
Further Education colleges will be responsible for compliance with the Directive in relation to their own premises and the Learning and Skills Council is updating its guidance to colleges on estate management to reflect the directive's requirements.
The Departments approach to monitoring compliance is still being developed with ODPM.