To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether PFI and PPP building contracts have to meet environmental criteria set by his Department or by others, beyond the requirements of building regulations; [108853](2) what arrangements are in place to ensure that PFI and PPP building contracts meet high environmental standards. [108852]
Joint guidance promoting high environmental standards in PFI and PPP projects was issued in July 2002 by the Office of Government Commerce; the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; the Department for Transport and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.Moreover, by integrating the design, build and operational aspects of a project into a single financial package, PFI helps to maximise efficiency, including energy efficiency, over the whole life of the contract.