Action in the UK - Public sector
The commitment of business and the public sector to tackling climate change is growing in the UK. Many public sector organisations have recognised and acted on the cost effective opportunities that are available for cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Some leading authorities have adopted high profile initiatives bringing wide-ranging benefits - they deliver real cuts in emissions, offer good examples for others to emulate and introduce a constructive and practical note into climate change debate.
The Government welcomes the action that has already taken, but much more significant changes will be needed as part of the move to a lower carbon economy.
The Climate Change Programme aims to encourage and enable organisations of all kinds to take the lead in finding and implementing cost effective measures that will cut greenhouse gas emissions. The intention is to tackle climate change while ensuring that a healthy and competitive business base is maintained and, where possible, improved.
The implementation of Article 5 of the Energy Services Directive now requires the public sector to lead by example when it comes to energy efficiency, and purchasing energy using equipment and vehicles which, as a minimum, conform to the standards specified in the Buy Sustainable – Quick Wins specifications. By applying these cost effective product standards, the public sector will use its considerable purchasing power – estimated at £150 billion a year – to drive change throughout the supply chain, while saving energy and money to put into front line services. Purchasing equipment and vehicles based on the energy efficient product specification is estimated to save over £23 million per year to the public sector.
Further information:
- Action by local authorities (including the Home Energy Conservation Act)
- Advice and information for parish and town councils
See also
- Climate change levy and climate change agreements
- Emissions trading
- Fuel poverty and the Warm Front scheme
- Other sources of help
- The Carbon Trust and the Energy Saving Trust offer business and public sector organisations help and advice on reducing energy consumption
Page last modified: 31 July 2008
Page published: 01 December, 2005