by jbs091409 d3 — September 16, 2009—U.K. public sector organizations are setting increasingly ambitious targets for carbon reduction, doubling their commitments over the last four years, the Carbon Trust reported recently. In 2008-09, organizations participating in the Carbon Trust’s annual Public Sector Carbon Management Programme committed to reduce their carbon emissions by an average of 25 percent over a five-year period.
Some organizations are aiming even higher, says Carbon Trust, naming Cranfield University as one of those leading the field with a commitment to halve its carbon emissions in only five years. Four years ago the average commitment of participants was a 12 percent reduction. The Carbon Trust has seen it rise every year since then.
The Carbon Trust’s Public Sector Carbon Management Programme guides organizations through a peer-supported process of building a team, measuring the carbon footprint, defining carbon reduction targets and projects, and compiling a compelling case for action. Projects implemented as a direct result of the program since it was established are already saving over 500,000 tonnes of CO2 per year and generating annual savings of 36m on energy bills, says Carbon Trust.
In 2008-09, 109 organizations participated in the program, including 71 local authorities, 17 universities, and 19 NHS Trusts as well as central government estate. As a result, they developed new plans that will cut their collective carbon emissions by a further 500,000 tonnes a year and save over 90 million per year on their energy bills, says Carbon Trust.
Richard Rugg, Head of Public Sector at the Carbon Trust, predicts increasing collaboration between public sector bodies on carbon reduction in local areas, a trend driven by National Indicator NI186, which puts the onus on local authorities to reduce emissions within their area. To meet this need, the Carbon Trust is set to launch a new bespoke service called Carbon Management Leadership which will help local authorities engage local public sector and business stakeholders in area wide carbon reduction.
