Scottish government looks to public sector to lead net-zero push

The Scottish government is consulting on plans for all public bodies to set a date by 2022 for reaching zero greenhouse gas emissions and to publish annual updates on their progress. It is also seeking views on the creation of a High Ambition Climate Network to lead the way, which will include City of Edinburgh Council, which has announced its target to be carbon neutral by 2030.

Climate change secretary, Roseanna Cunningham (pictured), said: “Several public bodies, including the City of Edinburgh Council, have already made firm commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"I want to bring the leaders of those bodies together, to form a coalition of the ambitious and play a leading role in Scotland’s response to the global climate emergency.”

The call is part of the Scottish Government’s plan to put the public sector at the heart of Scotland’s transition to a net-zero society by 2045.

Scottish Water has set itself a goal of net zero emissions by 2040