Public Sector Leading by Example

Public Sector Leading by Example

Introduction

Engaged and empowered public bodies can achieve more than just reduce their own emissions; they can stimulate and inspire action across wider society. Public bodies are now leading in taking early action on climate change, which is fundamental to achieving our decarbonisation goals. To demonstrate leadership, inspire innovation, stimulate supply chains, and highlight practical applications, it is essential that the public sector continues to lead by example in the transition to a climate neutral economy and society. This includes ongoing practical emissions reduction, by retrofitting public buildings and electrifying public sector fleets, as well as embedding climate considerations in all public sector decision-making, particularly in relation to investment.

Public Sector targets under Climate Action Plan 2023

The Climate Action Plan 2023 committed to the following targets:

• By 2025
  • Achieve our buildings and retrofitting targets
  • Procure only zero emission vehicles from 1st Jan 2023 onwards, unless the vehicle is exempt under the European Communities (Clean and Energy-Efficient Road Transport Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations (S.I. 381 of 2021)
  • Implement and review the Public Sector Climate Action Mandate annually
  • Develop a new Green Public Procurement Strategy and implementation action plan, based on a review of Green Tenders
  • Public Bodies leading by example, shall specify low carbon construction methods and low carbon cement material as far as practicable for directly procured or supported construction projects from 2023
• By 2030
  • Reduce GHG emissions from the sector by 51%
  • Increase the improvement in energy efficiency in the public sector from the 33% target in 2020 to 50% by 2030