Chamber and committees

No, we intend to continue to have an outcome-focussed approach by delivering CO₂ emissions reductions through building regulations. This allows the procurer of the new building the opportunity to use energy efficiency measures to good effect as well as consideration for using on-site renewable energy technologies. We have just introduced a 30% reduction in CO₂ emissions for new buildings through these regulations and they are set at such a level that compliance will generally involve the use of such technologies. Paragraph 44 of Scottish Planning Policy complements this approach, stating that It is recommended that development plan policies for development involving low and zero carbon generating technologies should accord with the standards, guidance and methodologies provided in building regulations.

The Scottish Government will not be responding to or promoting the consultation. Stakeholders in Scotland are free to respond if they wish to do so.

The UK Government has kept the Scottish Government informed of its proposals. The UK Government and the Scottish Government together with the Welsh Assembly Government and the Northern Ireland Executive are discussing options for a joint position statement on high-level principles for nature conservation.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-35599 on 31 August 2010. The natural environment crosses national boundaries and An invitation to shape the Nature of England recognises that the UK Government and the Devolved Administrations will need to work together for a strong UK position in EU negotiations over environmental policy. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

Scottish ministers are assessing their options with regard to the Sustainable Development Commission in Scotland and its functions, following the UK Government''s decision to withdraw funding from the end of the financial year.

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs wrote to the First Minister on 14 July, to inform the Scottish Government that she was planning to announce on 22 July that the UK Government would be withdrawing funding for the Sustainable Development Commission. The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment replied on 20 July, reserving the Scottish Government''s position.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-35435 on the 19 August 2010. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-35435 on the 19 August 2010. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

The work of the Sustainable Development Commission has been valuable in informing Scottish Government policy development across a broad range of areas.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-35435 on the 19 August 2010. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.