WIREDGOV

Proposals for required reporting by public sector bodies.

Major players in the public sector, may be required to report climate change information, subject to a public consultation, Climate Change Minister Aileen McLeod said.

The consultation seeks views on:

• the introduction of a requirement for public sector bodies to report climate change information
• the introduction of a standard reporting form to improve data quality and consistency
• the impact of the changes in reporting climate change performance and progress 
• how the reports should be annually validated, analysed and monitored in the future

The requirement to report will apply to approximately 150 public bodies including the Scottish Government, local authorities, education institutions, NHS Boards and selected NDPBs.

Over the next 14 weeks stakeholders will be able to offer their views on both the principle of the proposals and how they might operate in practice.

Dr McLeod said:

“The Scottish Government takes its climate change obligations seriously, through our world leading ambitions we are doing all we can to deliver on this challenging agenda.

“The introduction of required reporting is one area where we have the power to do more to tackle climate change. This is why we are seeking views on standardising reporting for public sector bodies to enable consistent standards, continuous improvement and transparency within the public sector.

“Climate change affects every single person on this planet, I would encourage all those with an interest in the proposals to respond by 29 May.”

Notes To Editors

The reporting requirement only applies to bodies which have large estates and large number of staff, high impact and influence, large expenditure or provide an audit or regulatory function.

The consultation document can be found at: https://consult.scotland.gov.uk/energy-and-climate-change-directorate/compliance-with-climate-change-duties