In the world of sustainability, the public sector in the UK is under the microscope more than ever. As the government commits to ambitious carbon reduction goals, local authorities and public bodies are not only encouraged but required to step up and meet strict regulations that aim to push sustainability to the forefront.

One of the most pressing pieces of regulation is the Climate Change Act 2008, which set the legally binding target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Public sector bodies are key players in achieving this target. Under this legislation, many local authorities and government departments are required to publish carbon reduction plans and commit to reducing their emissions. As part of this, carbon reporting is now a legal requirement for many public bodies, ensuring that they can track their emissions and show they’re on track to meet these long-term goals(1).

The Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 also plays a major role in guiding how public sector procurement decisions are made. Local authorities and other public bodies must consider the social, environmental, and economic impacts of their spending. This means when public contracts are awarded-whether for infrastructure projects or services-environmental factors such as sustainability and low-carbon choices must be given priority(2).

There’s also the Energy Efficiency (Private Sector) Regulations 2015, which affects public sector buildings. This regulation sets standards for energy efficiency and requires public sector buildings to meet certain energy performance levels, making them more energy-efficient over time(3).

While compliance with these regulations can seem daunting, it’s important to remember that they are designed to help public bodies meet the UK’s broader sustainability objectives. They’re not just about enforcing rules-they’re about creating a framework that encourages long-term environmental responsibility.

For local authorities, getting ahead of these regulations is not just about avoiding penalties; it’s about being part of a bigger movement towards a cleaner, greener future.

Bibliography

1  Climate Change Act 2008 (Accessed May 2025) https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2008/27/contents

2 Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 (Accessed May 2025) https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2012/3

3 Energy Efficiency (Private Sector) Regulations 2015 (Accessed May 2025) https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/962/contents/made