The pressure to meet sustainability goals in the public sector is not just about doing the right thing-it’s also about keeping up with evolving regulations and compliance requirements.

As the UK works towards meeting its climate commitments, the public sector has had to adjust quickly to keep up with new rules and expectations.

Take carbon reporting, for example. Many local authorities and public bodies are now encouraged to measure, track, and report on their carbon emissions. This is part of the UK’s overall push to reduce emissions across all sectors by 2030(1).

For many public bodies, this means setting up new systems to collect and report data accurately. While it can be a bit of a challenge to get started, the reporting helps provide a clear picture of where emissions are coming from-and that’s the first step in reducing them.

Another major compliance requirement is procurement regulations. The UK government has made it clear that sustainability must be part of every public sector contract. If a local authority is tendering for services or supplies, bidders now need to show how they’re contributing to environmental goals. This could involve everything from demonstrating low-carbon transport options to ensuring that materials used are sustainably sourced. For public bodies, aligning their procurement processes with sustainability goals is now non-negotiable(2).

Energy efficiency regulations also play a significant role. Many local government buildings should meet certain energy efficiency standards, and those standards are getting tougher(3). If a building doesn’t meet the required efficiency level, local authorities might face penalties or be unable to access funding for improvements.

The UK government has also introduced the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, which provides funding to help public bodies reduce emissions. While this is a helpful resource, it also comes with stringent reporting and accountability requirements(4).

While compliance might feel like an extra layer of bureaucracy, it’s also a chance for the public sector to demonstrate leadership. By embracing sustainability regulations, local authorities not only meet their legal obligations but also take meaningful steps toward a greener, more resilient future.

Bibliography

1 Guide: Climate change reporting guidance for local authorities (Accessed May 2025) https://www.local.gov.uk/guide-climate-change-reporting-guidance-local-authorities

2 Toolkit: Sustainable procurement toolkit (Accessed May 2025) https://www.local.gov.uk/publications/sustainable-procurement-delivering-local-economic-social-and-environmental-priorities

3 Climate action: energy, planning and housing (Accessed May 2025) https://www.local.gov.uk/our-support/sustainability-hub/climate-change-resources/climate-action-energy-planning-and-housing

4 Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (Accessed May 2025) https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/public-sector-decarbonisation-scheme