Just one quarter of public sector stakeholders believe the UK government’s target to achieve an 81% reduction in emissions by 2035 is achievable. That is according to the latest white paper report from public sector procurement specialist Pagabo, which shines a spotlight on sector views on decarbonisation.  

Based on a nationwide survey of local authority and public sector body representatives, the data also reveals that 37% of respondents feel the UK needs a more realistic timescale, leaving 28% who don’t believe the target is achievable at all, and 10% who are undecided.

Pagabo’s new white paper – Driving Decarbonisation in the Public Sector – brings insights from across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, with direct feedback from respondents across central government, local government, the NHS, education, housing and blue light sectors.

Further key findings from more than 170 individuals are:

• 13% say their organisation has no strategy or action plan in place, or any formal commitment to net zero whatsoever
• 54% feel their organisation has made meaningful progress towards decarbonisation during 2024/25
• 54% believe that the government isn’t doing enough to deliver on the UK’s net zero commitments – especially in the local government, social housing and education sectors
• Lack of funding represents the single biggest challenge to decarbonisation overall (80%), followed by competing priorities (71%), the complexities of existing buildings/ estates (64%), the perceived cost (47%) and changing policies and regulations (43%)
• Of the 56% who said their organisation had applied for decarbonisation funding in the past, 69% encountered challenges during the application process
• Installation of energy saving lighting was highlighted as the most common measure being rolled out to address emissions and energy consumption across the public sector estate (73%), followed by solar panels (63%) and renewable energy sources (51%)
• 75% feel that cost outweighs sustainability ‘most’ or ‘all of the time’

Tom Retallick, senior decarbonisation framework manager at Pagabo, said: “Some of the findings from our survey will not be of great surprise to many – especially when it comes to the biggest challenges the public sector faces around decarbonisation. For example, accessing and maximising funding at the right point has been a talking point for a long time – but the survey helps reveal more details behind this, such as almost half of people being unclear on the funding options available to them, or 35% reporting that secured funding was simply not sufficient to cover required works.

“Despite those challenges, 80% of people are still planning on seeking further funding to support with their decarbonisation projects – showing the need is still high. With 84% of our respondents detailing that government decisions have a medium or high impact on their organisation’s approach to decarbonisation, it’s clear that the public sector needs support. There is a clear lack of knowledge, confidence and planning, which is preventing a unified approach, from defining net zero strategies through to securing funding and delivering impactful decarbonisation projects.

“We believe that some of the complexity associated with decarbonisation is accurate, while much of it is assumed. However, from local authorities and NHS trusts to educational institutions and central government bodies, the responsibility to transform estates into low-carbon, energy-efficient assets is both urgent and profound. We recognise that turning this ambition into action demands more than policy, it requires robust, flexible, and expertly guided procurement pathways that empower progress at pace.”

The survey was conducted by Surveys in Public Sector in partnership with Pagabo, including respondents representing a broad cross-section of job functions. The study aimed to specifically explore how far along the UK’s net zero journey is the public sector, what is preventing organisations from making more progress, and how can public bodies ensure they are adopting a strategic approach to decarbonisation.

Karen Carter, director of national delivery at Pagabo, said: “Not only does Driving Decarbonisation in the Public Sector emphasise the need for expert contractors and consultants to engage early, it also reveals that action is needed immediately in order to overcome challenges that have been holding back the public sector for far too long.

“Most importantly, it seems that a lot of ‘easy wins’ have already been secured by public sector organisations, such as 73% already rolling out measures like energy-saving lighting. The next steps for many are the larger or technical measures like new energy systems or fabric improvements. The challenges reported through our white paper will not go away overnight, and to make real progress in decarbonisation goals these schemes need to be able to progress. Our key message for the public sector is to seek support as early as possible, to open the door to a huge variety of solutions based on a thorough understanding of individual circumstances.

“While our findings have helped assess the current state of play in the public sector, our true interest is in realising the potential progress which is more achievable than many stakeholders currently appear to think.”

To read the full white paper, go to https://pagabo.co.uk/driving-decarbonisation-in-the-public-sector/

To learn more about the Decarbonisation Solutions Framework managed by Pagabo on behalf of Kingston upon Hull City Council, visit www.pagabo.co.uk/solutions/decarbonisation or to learn more about Decarbonisation Solutions Framework for Healthcare managed on behalf of Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), visit https://pagabo.co.uk/frameworks/decarbonisation-solutions-for-healthcare/