Ministerial Foreword

The public sector has a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Scotland’s just transition to a low-carbon economy and preparation for the future climate. Public bodies have an important leadership role to play as bodies with significant buying power and as trusted messengers.

I am delighted to present this draft Public Sector Fleet Decarbonisation Action Plan developed through engagement and collaboration with the public sector. It aims to help public bodies minimise their fleet emissions and achieve full road decarbonisation by 2040. It sets out a series of strategic and short-term actions that should be taken by public bodies leaders, senior management, fleet managers, sustainability leads & procurement specialists, and the Scottish Government to meet both the CCP 2040 target for road vehicles but also the intermediate 2035 fleet emission reductions target proposed in this Action Plan.

By 2040 public bodies are expected to save £87 million by transitioning to electric and taking advantage of cheaper fuel prices and maintenance costs. Accelerating this transition is an essential part of sheltering them from volatile fossil fuel costs - those that can decarbonise earlier and faster, particularly fleets with light vehicles, should do so now.

While this Action Plan is primarily focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it will also deliver public health benefits due to the resulting better air quality, including reductions in nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter, especially in urban areas. This is relevant in supporting the operation and effectiveness of Low Emission Zones in Scotland and wider Cleaner Air for Scotland objectives.

This will not be possible without a genuine openness and willingness to collaborate. Partnerships to share both vehicles and infrastructure will bring efficiencies and opportunities for fleet and operational rationalisation, including potential new revenue streams, and, importantly, create opportunities to partner with the private sector, whilst reducing both cost and carbon emissions.

Stephen Flynn MSP
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport