SUSTAINABLE AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY BUILDING

Early day motion 1450, tabled 20 June 2003 by Kerry Pollard (Labour). Signed by 29 members.

That this House notes that there is a need for more affordable housing, particularly in the South-East of England; realises that the construction of such housing is often disruptive to a local community, and can cause disruption and pollution for long periods while the homes are being built; notes that innovative building techniques and off-site construction methods can reduce the amount of extra traffic, noise and water pollution; notes that the Integer House in the Building Research Establishment in Garston is an internationally renowned example of this type of off-site, environmentally friendly construction using sustainable and recycled materials, as well as recycled water and photovoltaic and solar energy as a power source; notes that modular and off-site construction will help to meet home building targets despite the shortage of skilled construction workers; regrets that this valuable educational and research resource may be lost if the local planning authority orders the house to be demolished; and calls on the Government to take steps to protect such innovative research projects for the benefit of the country as a whole.

Signatures by party: Labour 17, Liberal Democrat 8, Labour/Co-operative 2, Conservative 1, Plaid Cymru 1.