Isramart : Public sector managers know little about carbon targets

Isramart news:
There is widespread ignorance in the public sector about climate change and the need to cut down energy use, according to research published today.

A survey of public sector managers carried out by CIPFA revealed that 78% had either vague or no knowledge of the Carbon Reduction Commitment energy efficiency scheme, or had never heard of it, even though the emissions trading mechanism, which will start this April, will cover most larger public sector organisations.

The research also reveals that 66% had ‘only a very limited understanding’ of the 2008 Climate Change Act, while a further 19% knew nothing about it.

A clear majority – 59% – knew little about their performance indicators for climate change.

While 81% of authorities kept records on how much energy their organisation used, only 39% had data on greenhouse gas emissions.

Most respondents were senior-ranking managers or executives, with the majority working in finance departments across the public sector.

CIPFA is planning a series of workshops on carbon finance to address the knowledge gaps and explore the implications of carbon reduction on public budgets.

The first of the three events will focus on the challenges that accountants face in understanding the practicalities and complexities of the CRC and applying this understanding to the financial management of their organisation.

CIPFA’s sustainability technical manager, John Maddocks, said: ‘There are many excellent public sector green initiatives but, as this survey clearly shows, there is a need for CIPFA’s carbon finance events to improve knowledge of sustainability issues and the financial impact they will bring.’