Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when the HS2 Environmental Statement was last updated; and what guidance has been given to contractors to encourage the use of 100 per cent renewable diesel in place of fossil diesel.

An Environmental Statement is prepared by HS2 Ltd to support each hybrid Bill deposit. Statements were prepared in 2013 and 2017 for Phase One and Phase 2a respectively, to summarise the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment process. Beyond the point of Royal Assent environmental surveys continue to be undertaken and are used to inform further decisions, requirements and additional mitigations where appropriate.

In respect of low carbon fuels, HS2 Ltd sets the toughest standards for both site plant and vehicle engine standards as described in Information Paper E31 and the project closely monitors compliance with these standards held here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/672406/E31_-_Air_Quality_v1.5.pdf and here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/960731/E14_Air_Quality_v1.3.pdf

HS2 Ltd has set a challenging target to reduce carbon during the construction of Phase 1 by 50% and has asked its contractors to develop plans to improve the quality of their supply chain vehicle fleets as these are renewed over the life of their contract, and issued advice to them regarding the suitability and adoption of new vehicle engine types, fuels and related standards, where there is a business case for their adoption.

HS2 Ltd and the supply chain remain focused on developing and implementing practical ways to improve impacts on air quality, and alternative fuels are one area of consideration. The HS2 Ltd Air Quality team support project delivery partners by making informed choices based on evidenced market offerings, with a view to ensuring that HS2 Ltd takes an industry lead on this subject.