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NAO report calls for changes to public sector emissions reporting
The way public bodies measure and report greenhouse gas emissions varies significantly, according to a new report from the National Audit Office (NAO).
Measuring and reporting public sector greenhouse gas emissions examines the landscape of public sector emissions measurement and reporting. Since 2011, central government bodies have agreed targets with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions through the Greening Government Commitments (GGCs). The current GGC targets set by BEIS in negotiation with individual departments specify the reductions departments are expected to achieve by 2024-25, compared to a 2017-18 baseline. Government has committed to align these GGC targets with a trajectory to achieve net zero by 2050.
The report says some public bodies have found it challenging to navigate the range of guidance about how to measure and report greenhouse gas emissions, and that not all departments are fully measuring their greenhouse gas emissions. The NAO found that for 2018-19 – before reporting was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic – only nine of 21 government departments fully met HMT’s reporting requirements in their annual report and accounts.
Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, said:
“The government has an ambition for the public sector to lead by example during the transition to net zero, but the measurement and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions by public bodies is inconsistent.
“Public bodies face the challenge of navigating various greenhouse gas emissions reporting frameworks without a central source of government guidance. Government now needs to strengthen its leadership and establish a clear standard for the entire public sector to meet.”
The NAO recommends that BEIS, Defra and HM Treasury streamline greenhouse gas emissions measurement and reporting guidance. BEIS should also ensure that the 2021-2025 GGC targets are aligned to its long-term decarbonisation goals.
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