The Wales Centre for Public Policy (WCPP) and Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) have joined forces to support the public sector transition to net zero.
Net zero is a top priority for both organisations and the WLGA has asked us to review the policies and practices that local authorities in other small countries and devolved regions are adopting to reduce public sector emissions and encourage public and private sector behaviour change.
WCPP will bring together evidence, experts and resources to summarise the facilitators of best practice – along with key barriers to success. It will identify case studies showcasing ways to achieve change in the public and private sectors and explore the potential for private sector financing of net zero initiatives.
The findings will support the WLGA and local authorities work towards meeting the overall public sector ambition of reaching net zero by 2030.
WCPP Director Steve Martin said,
“Working with local policy makers to help them tackle some of the biggest challenges facing Wales is a key part of work as a Centre, and we welcome this new project which builds on and strengthens our relationship with the Welsh Local Government Association.
“Local government has a crucial role to play in leading the transition to net zero transition. But constraints on public funding and the need to harness external expertise to reduce emissions means engagement with the private sector is essential.
“We are looking forward to working closely with our partners at the WLGA to help support councils’ efforts to tackle the climate emergency in the most cost-effective way.”
Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, WLGA Leader said:
“Climate change is the defining challenge of our time, and local government is fully committed to fulfilling its role to achieve the ambition of achieving a net zero public sector by 2030. That is why we’re looking forward, through the Welsh Local Government Association, to work closely with the Wales Centre for Public Policy to support us on that journey. Collaborative working is key to ensure a just transition, and the added expertise of the WCPP will very much complement Welsh councils’ local knowledge.”