The Government’s commitment that the public sector should “lead by example” on the road to net zero is not being met, says a report from the Public Accounts Committee.
In the report, MPs are critical of the poor quality of emissions measuring and reporting across central government.
Responsibility for emissions reporting is split across three departments and the guidance issued is too vague, the committee says. This contributes to compliance on reporting standards being low across central government.
Despite the time and resources being committed by central government bodies, the committee is not convinced they, or the wider public sector, are using emissions data to drive decision-making.
Different parts of the public sector have been developing their own approaches to measuring and reporting their emissions, including the LGA’s Greenhouse Gas Accounting tool that provides councils with a straightforward and consistent approach to calculate their own carbon baseline.
Cllr David Renard, the LGA’s Environment Spokesperson, said: “It is vital the Government acts fast to give councils the policy and investment framework as well as the powers and resources to deliver on the projects and culture changes that will make a difference in local communities and help achieve net zero.
“Councils are rooted in their places where people live their lives and businesses do their business, and know their communities better than anyone else. This is why they are best placed to lead the way towards a net zero future.”