Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Rejected
Paragraph: 86
Adopt Science-Based Targets for Defence and develop carbon reduction plans for suppliers.
Conclusion
We welcome the Ministry of Defence’s efforts to expand coverage of carbon emissions, but more needs to be achieved to ensure all Defence emissions are measured. Best commercial practice for promoting emissions reductions and net-zero targets are the Science Based Targets initiatives (SBTi), which can also apply to major suppliers along with carbon reduction plans. The Ministry of Defence, therefore, should look to adopt Science-Based Targets initiative-approved measures for Defence and major suppliers, and develop carbon reduction plans for major suppliers.
Government Response Summary
The government explicitly states it is not planning on using Science Based Targets (SBT) for Defence, citing potential undermining of capabilities. While major suppliers were already obliged to publish climate reduction plans from September 2021 under PPN 06/21, HMG guidance states SBTs are not aligned with these requirements.
Paragraph Reference:
86
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
. The MOD welcomes the Committee’s acknowledgement of the expansion of its emission reporting. However, it is currently not planning on using Science Based Targets (SBT) as part of its planned approach. Using SBTs could undermine or drive perverse decisions around the provision of current capabilities, a non-negotiable point already acknowledged by the HCDC. The MOD’s suppliers, through Policy Procurement Notice (PPN) 06/21 (published June 2021), were obliged to publish their climate reduction plans online from September 2021. These plans must include a signed declaration confirming the supplier’s commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050. Whilst suppliers are allowed to use SBTi as an example of the environmental measures they have in place, HMG’s commercial guidance is clear that SBTs are not aligned with the requirements of PPN06/21.