Leading by example: cutting energy bills and carbon emissions in the public and higher education sectors
Detail of outcome
We have published the Emissions Reduction Pledge 2020; a guide for organisations wishing to support the voluntary target of a 30% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2020-2021, against a 2009-2010 baseline.
We will be organising a number of events and seminars to promote the target and encourage organisations across the sectors to sign up to the scheme. In addition, we will be working closely with event organisers, existing networks and forums to promote the target as widely as possible.
In relation to the future greenhouse gas reduction targets, and views on other actions to support ambitions in the fifth carbon budget, we will be developing an action plan to show how the department intends to take forward a range of other issues raised during the consultation process.
Feedback received
Detail of feedback received
We received a total of 92 responses to the Call for Evidence:
- 77 via the online consultation hub
- 15 by email
In addition, 60 people took part in a webinar organised by the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges, and over 100 attended the 3 workshops in London, Newcastle, and Nottingham facilitated by the BEIS Public Sector team.
The summary of responses document is divided into 2 parts:
- part 1: the responses to questions around the support for a voluntary target and what a proportionate mechanism for capturing data and reporting on savings should involve
- part 2: a summary of the main points raised to questions on other barriers to energy efficiency and other future options that would help to reduce emissions in the public, further and higher education sectors in line with the fifth carbon budget
Original consultation
Consultation description
We are interested in evidence, and views, about the action required to deliver an ambitious decarbonisation programme across the public and higher education sectors, in England over the next 10 years.
We particularly welcome your comments on the introduction of a voluntary emissions target for the public and higher education sector - excluding central government departments and their agencies which already have their own targets.
Under the Climate Change Act, the UK has committed to reduce its carbon emissions by at least 80%, against 1990 levels, by 2050. Parliament has recently approved the next interim target. This fifth Carbon Budget requires a 57% reduction in UK emissions by 2032.
Central government has already set carbon targets for its own estate and, to date, has made good progress in cutting emissions through the Greening Government Commitments. By 2015 to 2016, emissions from central government had been reduced by 27%, and energy costs reduced by £147 million, against 2009 levels. We now want to expand this approach to the rest of the public sector and to organisations in the higher education sector.
In the Clean Growth Strategy, the government announced its intention to put in place a voluntary emissions reduction target for the public (and higher education sectors in England. This reflects their important role in cutting emissions and in providing leadership across the rest of the economy. The target is to achieve at least a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 against a 2009 to 2010 baseline.
This call for evidence seeks your views about targets and implementation, including the design of a reporting framework. You may also have views about other policies that would help in reducing emissions. Evidence is particularly sought from organisations that would be covered by the target, but views from any interested party are very welcome.
Documents
Last updated 5 July 2018 + show all updates
-
Summary of responses published.
-
First published.