Guidance: Emissions reduction pledge 2020: emissions reporting in public and higher education sectors

In the Clean Growth Strategy the government introduced a voluntary target for the wider public and higher education sectors in England. This target would aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across these sectors by 30% by 2020 to 2021, compared to a 2009 to 2010 baseline.

Some parts of the wider public and higher education sectors already have carbon targets in place or are subject to mandatory or voluntary reporting schemes. It is also recognised that some sectors and local areas have already set ambitious 2020 targets which aim to deliver more than a 30% reduction in emissions, however we are keen to establish a common approach as the first reporting period up to 2020 is short.

We welcome further ambition and would encourage any organisation to exceed the 30% reduction target, if possible.

This guidance is for public and higher education sector organisations in England that want to support and report against a voluntary emissions reduction target.