DISCLAIMER:

This duty is currently under review and has not yet been formally signed off by the relevant professional association. The information provided is for reference only and should not be treated as final or authoritative guidance. Please verify any decisions against approved sources or seek professional advice. Updates will be published once sign-off is complete.

Simple terms explainer:

Councils must reduce emissions from their own buildings, vehicles, and operations. This means they must take steps to make council offices, schools, housing, and transport more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. The goal is to help Scotland meet its climate change targets by cutting carbon emissions and using resources more sustainably. Councils must also report on their progress and show how they’re contributing to national efforts to tackle climate change.

Legal status

Statutory

Duty category

Environmental services

Corporate services

Duty type

Compliance

Social determinant of health

Neighbourhood and environment

Emerging policy and legislation


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Bodies with shared interest

Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA)

Energy Saving Trust

Zero Waste Scotland

Society of Chief Officers of Environmental Health In Scotland (SOCOEHS)

Standards and frameworks


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