Public bodies in Scotland to set zero emissions date

All public bodies in Scotland will need to set a date for reaching zero greenhouse gas emissions and publish annual updates on their progress under new plans by the Scottish Government.

Climate Change Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “Scotland’s transition to a net-zero society is an investment in our present and our future and will require collective action across society.

“Our public bodies have played a key role in our emissions reductions so far and there is a real opportunity for the sector to lead from the front to ensure actions continue to match our ambitions.

“Several public bodies, including the City of Edinburgh Council, have already made firm commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I want to bring the leaders of those bodies together, to form a coalition of the ambitious and play a leading role in Scotland’s response to the global climate emergency.

“I look forward to hearing views on how we can work together to continue to strengthen our approach to tackling climate change, improving the lives of the people who live here.”

The 12-week consultation on The Role of Public Sector Bodies in Tackling Climate Change is a Programme for Government 2019-20 commitment.

The consultation includes a proposal that all public sector bodies set the date by which they will reach zero emissions in their annual reports from 2022.

Public sector bodies include local authorities, the police, fire and health services, transport partnerships, universities, colleges and organisations such as VisitScotland, Scottish Water and the National Galleries and Museums. UK Government public sector bodies operating in Scotland, such as HMRC and the Department of Work and Pensions, are not included in the proposals.

City of Edinburgh Council has announced its target to be carbon neutral by 2030.