Public Sector Action

With more than 780 public organisations in Wales, the size and influence of this sector means it plays a key part in helping Wales tackle the climate and nature emergencies.

The two key areas in which the public sector must act in are:

Providing support

Public sector organisations are responsible for delivering the vital services, infrastructure and support needed to help make green choices easier, more convenient and more affordable for households, communities and businesses across Wales. They’re also legally obliged under the Well-being of Future Generations Act to involve and engage people of all ages and backgrounds when making decisions.

Leading by example

As well as supporting us to take action, the public sector is also responsible for embodying green behaviours in their own work, making sure their leaders, managers and staff lead by example.

What actions is the Welsh Government taking to help us make green choices?

The Welsh Government is working closely with a variety of public sector organisations to deliver Net Zero, through policy and support programmes:

The Climate Action Wales – Public Engagement Strategy sets out how the Welsh Government and other public sector organisations across Wales are working together to help us all make green choices. It details a range of policies and programmes in place, like the Warm Homes Nest scheme that provides free advice on home energy improvements; legislation against single-use plastics; a new deposit return scheme; supporting the roll-out of repair and reuse hubs; and Llwybr Newydd: the Transport Strategy for Wales which sets out a vision for an accessible, sustainable and efficient transport system.
Many households in Wales are already making green choices out of necessity – to reduce heating bills in winter, for example. The Welsh Government provides a range of advice and support to help the increasing number of people impacted by the cost of living.
The Welsh Government hosts an annual Wales Climate Week, giving businesses, communities and individuals the opportunity to join discussions with the Welsh Government and other public sector bodies to help shape climate change-tackling solutions.

How is the Welsh Government leading by example?

Vision: Net Zero Wales sets out the vision for the Welsh public sector to be collectively net zero by 2030, which means radically reducing emissions across these organisations, and transforming their relationship with nature.
Targets: The Welsh Government has published its own net zero strategic plan, describing the plan for making its own operations net zero by 2030.
Inspiring action: Many public sector employers in Wales run voluntary staff networks to encourage green behaviours. Staff within the Welsh Government, for example, have a voluntary ‘Living Sustainably’ network that gives participants a space to learn how they can live more sustainably and reduce their carbon footprint at home and in the office.