7 Accepted

BEIS has not spelt out the assumptions underpinning its ambitions to decarbonise the public sector,...

Conclusion
BEIS has not spelt out the assumptions underpinning its ambitions to decarbonise the public sector, in particular the extent to which it is relying on technological innovation to meet its long-term targets. BEIS told us that it expects electric heat pumps to fall to around the same price as gas boilers by 2030 and that hydrogen may also play a role in decarbonising the public estate, although the relevant technology is not yet mature.12 Although its impact will be broader than public sector decarbonisation, BEIS stated that it expects to have four functioning carbon capture and storage clusters in place by 2030.13 We accept that predicting future costs and developments in technology is challenging and uncertain, which is why it is important for government to be clear about any assumptions it makes in this area.14 Setting standards for measurement and reporting
Government Response Summary
The government agrees, stating its plans are based on the best available data and new data is reviewed. It highlights existing mechanisms like working groups and steering boards for identifying and sharing learning across the public sector.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government Accepted
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. The government has based its plans for decarbonising the public sector on the best available data. As decarbonisation maturity increases across the sector, new data will be reviewed and, if appropriate, incorporated into existing modelling. There are also regular mechanisms to identify and share learning through working groups and cross-government steering boards, with high-performing departments leading sessions on best practice. For the public sector more widely, Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) and GGCs case studies highlight good practice, and local Net Zero Hubs offer a resource to share learning with local authorities and local organisations.
Source
Committee Public Accounts Committee
Inquiry Measuring and reporting public sector greenhouse gas emissions
Report Twenty-Third Report - Measuring and reporting public sector greenhouse gas emissions 02 Nov 2022 HC 39
View on Parliament website
Addressee Bodies
HM Treasury
Timeline
Recommendation age 3.7 yrs
Report published 02 Nov 2022