Public sector polluters buck trend of lower CO2 emissions

Taxpayer owned organisations, including councils, the Scottish Government and the NHS increased emissions by 100,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent compared to 2007, blaming cold winter months and the need for more heat. Private homes also increased their output in the period.

But the overall amount of greenhouse gases north of the Border dropped in 2008, taking the total reduction in emissions since 1990 to 20 per cent - almost halfway towards the target of a 42 per cent reduction by 2020 set out in the Climate Change Act.

But taking into account emissions trading in the EU, which allows countries which exceed their cap to buy back "credit" from other countries which have kept within their limits, the cut reaches 21 per cent.

Experts believe the economic downturn, which began in the second half of 2008, was likely to have had an impact on emissions figures as companies fell into administration and consumers cut back on air travel.

"The figures clearly reflect the descent into recession which began in the second half of 2008," said Duncan McLaren of Friends of the Earth Scotland. "But there is much more that can be done to cut emissions with social or economic benefits rather than more pain.

"Clearly if overall emissions are to continue to decline to meet our targets, local authorities and the rest of the public sector must improve their performance, and lead by example, as well as delivering support so that households can cut emissions too. Even though it is a small proportion of the total emissions, it is still very concerning."

The government said it was working to improve its record in greenhouse gas emissions, adding that it has made a commitment to reduce emissions from energy use in its buildings by 12.6 per cent by March 2011, compared to 1999-2000 levels. "Our Climate Change Act places a duty on all public bodies to act sustainably and reduce emissions and we will shortly be consulting on draft guidance to assist public bodies comply with these duties," said a spokesman.

Significant savings were made in the energy supply industry, where emissions dropped by 6 per cent in 2008 and 13 per cent since 1990. However, total emissions from international aviation and shipping increased by 20 per cent between 1990 and 2008, despite dropping 4 per cent in the final year covered by the statistics.

Dr Sam Gardner, climate policy officer at WWF Scotland added: "Scotland now has the opportunity to come out of the recession on a true low-carbon economy pathway and the Scottish Government's forthcoming action plan must ensure these 'accidental' emissions savings - from the recession - are locked in."

Carbon dioxide accounted for about 79 per cent of Scottish greenhouse gas emissions in 2008, a 3.5 per cent fall compared to the previous year and a 15 per cent fall since 1990.

Lib Dem climate change spokeswoman Alison McInnes said: "The public sector should be leading by example. The Scottish Government and its agencies have a key role to play in meeting our ambitious climate change targets."

Climate change minister Stewart Stevenson said: "These figures demonstrate the excellent progress we are making towards achieving our world-leading climate-change targets."

He said that nearly a quarter of Scotland's electricity demand was met by renewable energy during 2008 and investment in offshore wind projects means electricity generated from renewable sources will play a bigger role in helping to reduce emissions.

Mr Stevenson added: "Everyone from government, business, industry and individuals will need to play their part to ensure we deliver a low-carbon Scotland and meet our ambitious climate targets."