EAC to scrutinise government over plans for ‘net zero’ to see whether it practices what it preaches on managing the estate

The Environmental Audit Committee has launched a new inquiry into the sustainability of the government’s estate and procurement processes and what action it needs to take to achieve its net zero emissions target by 2050 or sooner.

MPs will examine how government targets should be set, enforced and monitored, whether it is leading by example in its own performance, and whether existing strategies are sufficiently robust to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote resource efficiency.

Mary Creagh MP, chair of the EAC, said: “We’ll be examining how the Government sets and performs against its own targets, such as ensuring its fleet of vehicles are ultra-low emissions, reducing waste and water use.”

The Committee welcomes written evidence on some, or all, of the points below by 5pm on Thursday 15 August. 

  • What must be done to achieve a net zero government?
  • What time frame is required for government to achieve alignment with net zero emissions?
  • What challenges might government encounter as part of this process? How could these be overcome?
  • How should net zero targets be set, monitored and enforced?
  • What must government do to ensure a just transition and decent work as it moves its estate towards net zero?
  • To what extent is government “leading by example” in aligning its estate and operations with net zero emissions?

The commitee also asks whether government is following its own advice. Are existing government frameworks ambitious enough to meet the requirements set out by the Committee on Climate Change and will policies deliver the target? 

The inquiry will assess performance against a number of existing frameworks. It will also look at priorities for action that can be incorporated into government’s new set of Greening Government Commitments,  due for publication later this year.

Respond to the announcement and provide evidence here