The public sector in the UK is facing significant challenges as it works to meet ambitious sustainability targets amid rising energy costs and financial constraints. Local authorities, in particular, are struggling to find ways to reduce their environmental impact while meeting the increasing demands for public services and ensuring value for taxpayers.

The UK government has set ambitious net zero targets, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 68% by 2030 and achieve full decarbonisation by 2050. Local authorities, which control significant property portfolios, are expected to play a key role in these efforts(1).

However, many councils are dealing with ageing estates that are energy-inefficient and expensive to maintain. For example, several councils are still relying on outdated heating and lighting systems that contribute to high energy bills and carbon emissions. In addition to these internal challenges, local authorities are facing growing public scrutiny.

The public sector is under constant pressure to be transparent about its sustainability efforts. Residents expect local councils to adopt greener practices, while local governments must comply with an increasing number of sustainability regulations(2). The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) is one avenue that offers financial assistance for energy efficiency projects, but the application process can be complex(3).

Government bodies also face challenges with procurement. Complex governance and fragmented procurement routes make it difficult to implement sustainable practices across all departments and services. However, as pressure mounts to meet Net Zero goals, local authorities are beginning to adopt more streamlined processes for purchasing green technologies and services(4).

For local authorities, the road to sustainability involves making strategic investments in energy-efficient infrastructure and meeting regulatory demands. Although progress can be slow, taking small steps now-such as upgrading building insulation or switching to low-energy lighting-will help reduce operating costs and improve the environmental performance of public services.

Bibliography

1 The UK’s plans and progress to reach net zero by 2050 (Accessed May 2025) https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9888

2 Best Practice Guide 23-24: Climate & Sustainability Reporting (Accessed May 2025) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/best-practice-examples-on-sustainability-reporting-from-2023-24/best-practice-guide-2

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

4 The Procurement Act 2023: A short guide for suppliers (Accessed May 2025) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/procurement-act-2023-short-guides/the-procurement-act-2023-a-short-guide-for-suppliers-html