§ Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domerasked Her Majesty's Government:
What changes in planning policy guidance and Building Regulations they have introduced to deliver a sustainable approach to construction, as outlined in Building a Better Quality of Life. [HL943]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonBuilding a Better Quality of Life sets out the Government's strategy for more sustainable construction. It highlights the key role planning plays in underpinning more sustainable construction by enabling the provision of homes and buildings, investment and jobs in ways that are consistent with the principles of sustainable development. The guidance we have issued since the strategy was published has continued to underline the importance of planning for sustainable development.
The strategy does indicate that the Building Regulations were being reviewed to see what contribution they could make to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. The Building (Amendment) Regulations 2001, SI 2001/3335, were laid before the House on 11 October 2001. These regulations made changes to the technical requirements with regard to Part L, conservation of fuel and power. It is estimated that these measures will contribute 1.4 MtC in 2010 of the overall 23 per cent cut in the UK's greenhouse gas emissions that we set out in our Climate Change Programme published last November. The regulations will come into force on 1 April 2002.