Zero Carbon Public Sector

The Challenge

The public sector is a large energy consumer, and, in some countries, it accounts for 10 to 20 percent of total energy consumption.

While existing public buildings often have the potential to save 30 to 50 percent of their energy use, new public buildings can be constructed to meet even higher efficiency standards, leading the way for increased building energy efficiency in the private sector. Capital investments by the public sector can lead to budget savings, job creation, and improved services.  Governments have an important role as legislators and regulators but also through procurement and investments in public sector spaces.

The public sector can show leadership toward a net-zero carbon future by being an effective early adopter of innovative approaches and by contributing to innovation and market creation through planning, policy, and procurement. So how can we achieve this?