Three large chimneys, with one releasing a white cloud of smoke

Carbon management plans

07 Mar 23

A carbon management plan is an essential for public sector organisations, in order to formulate a measurable and achievable strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, in line with Scottish Government commitments.

The Scottish Government has proposed a legally binding target of net-zero emissions by 2045. There is a global climate emergency and the Scottish Government is determined to lead the world in tackling it. As a public body, it is your duty to comply, and we have the tools you need to do just that.

Establish a Baseline

All carbon management plans begin with a baseline.  The Carbon Footprint and Project Register Tool has been updated to be better aligned with the Public Bodies Climate Change Duties (PBCCD) report. For further information please contact ECCI by emailing info@edinburghcentre.org or call 0131 650 5326.

Set Targets

It is crucial that your targets are realistic and practical, not only to drive real change, but also to demonstrate your commitment and ability to put it into practice. Figures plucked from the air won't fool anyone and will leave you muddling along for years to come.

Our range of four guides covers all the bases:

  • Setting targets – considers factors such as time-scale, boundaries, and forecasts of savings as opposed to business as usual
  • Reporting – will help shape your carbon management plans so as to comply with your public bodies climate change duties reporting obligations, including guidance on scope, data availability and sense checking
  • Organisational boundaries – ensures you identify the line between you and third-party organisations, and how to quantify this in your reporting
  • Governance and accountability – a carbon management plan needs commitment from across your organisation, and to be seen to dovetail with your organisation's other drivers, such as cost-effectiveness and engagement with the wider community. Our guide talks you through it.

Finally, we have both long and short versions of a carbon management plan template, to give your plan structure and keep you on track, and a diagnosis tool, which functions as a spreadsheet checklist.