Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 6
6
Accepted
In addition to the BEIS dataset that covers the entire public sector, Defra publishes an...
Conclusion
In addition to the BEIS dataset that covers the entire public sector, Defra publishes an annual progress report for the Greening Government Commitments (GGCs). Alongside the government’s other environmental measures, this shows the progress made by central government departments and their arm’s-length bodies in reducing their scope 1 and 2 emissions, as well as emissions from business travel which fall under scope 3.9 The latest set of GGC targets cover the period 2021–25 however BEIS was unable to confirm whether the targets were sufficient to put government on target to meet its longer-term emissions reduction ambitions set for 2032 and 2037.10 Neither BEIS nor Defra seem to take action when departments fail to meet their GGC targets. BEIS and Defra regard transparent reporting in the public domain as a sufficient mechanism to secure accountability.11
Government Response Summary
The government claims that Greening Government Commitments (GGCs) emissions reduction targets are negotiated with departments and 2 partner organizations, aligning to longer-term decarbonisation trajectories as much as possible. Permanent Secretaries and Chief Executives are accountable for GGCs target delivery and reporting requirements and transparent reporting encourages progress. The government states that departments work with DEFRA and BEIS when deadlines are missed or progress is stalling.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
1.3 In terms of individual departmental performance, the Greening Government Commitments (GGCs) emissions reduction targets are negotiated with departments and 2 partner organisations, aligning to longer-term decarbonisation trajectories as much as possible. Government departments are responsible for ensuring the GGCs are incorporated into their formal governance arrangements, as well as those of their agencies. Permanent Secretaries and Chief Executives are accountable for GGCs target delivery and reporting requirements, and the transparency created by GGCs’ Annual Report publications encourages progress. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) work with departments when reporting deadlines are missed or progress is stalling. However, to date the government as a whole has consistently met or exceeded the emissions targets set in the GGCs.