§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, representing the House of Commons Commission, if he will list the ways in which the Commission has(a) demonstrated by example and (b) promoted externally, the ability to improve efficiency and competitiveness through environmental auditing; and if he will make a statement. [4537]
§ Mr. BeithAll works executed by the Parliamentary Works Directorate are carried out with regard to energy efficiency and environmental impact. The design of the phase 2 new parliamentary building includes the Building 399W Research Establishment environmental assessment method and the building will have an exceptionally low energy usage.
The Accommodation and Works Committee has approved projects to improve the energy efficiency of the Palace of Westminster including new boilers and a cooling plant. The Parliamentary Works Directorate operates an energy efficiency programme in accordance with the Department of the Environment Energy Efficiency Office guidelines and presents annual reports on savings achieved to Committee. Waste, including paper, arising on the parliamentary estate is recycled. Building work is commissioned using the Department of the Environment guidance on environmental considerations, and the standard specifications used for product selection and contract specification include environmental requirements. Building design and maintenance are carried out in accordance with the guidance issued by the central advisory unit of the Office of Public Service.