Why Net Zero Matters for Local Authorities

Net zero refers to balancing greenhouse gas emissions by reducing them as close to zero as possible and offsetting the remainder through carbon removals. This isn’t just a technical ambition; it’s a foundational shift in how communities operate, from procurement to transport, from buildings to energy.

Local authorities play a vital role in this transformation. Not only are they responsible for their own operations, but they also influence community emissions through planning, procurement, and policy. Acting now offers numerous benefits:

• Regulatory foresight: Although there are currently no binding UK laws requiring local councils to hit net zero, national climate goals are legally enshrined. Regulatory landscapes are shifting fast, with frameworks like TCFD and ISSB pushing for mandatory emissions disclosures and decarbonisation strategies. Starting early reduces future compliance risk.
• Operational resilience: Rising energy prices, extreme weather events, and infrastructure risks make climate adaptation a business imperative. By cutting emissions today, councils can lock in long-term cost savings and operational stability.
• Public trust and procurement power: Residents, investors, and suppliers increasingly demand climate action. Leading by example strengthens community buy-in and opens up funding and partnership opportunities.

Understanding the SBTi and Its Relevance to Councils

While the SBTi was originally crafted for businesses, its structured approach to emissions reduction is well-suited for local government adaptation. At its core, the SBTi connects emissions targets to the latest climate science, ensuring that reductions align with the 1.5°C limit established in the Paris Agreement.

Under SBTi’s Corporate Net-Zero Standard, organisations commit to cutting emissions by at least 90% before using carbon removals to address the final residual. This focus on deep decarbonisation over offsetting makes it the gold standard for credible climate action.

For local authorities, this means:

• Setting near- and long-term targets: 2035 for interim goals, 2050 for full net zero.
• Reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by at least 95% and Scope 3 by a minimum of 67% by 2035.
• Achieving 90%+ reductions across all scopes by 2050.

Though designed for businesses, this framework translates well into the public sector when paired with transparent reporting, robust data collection, and stakeholder engagement.

Scope	1	2	3
Include?	Yes	Yes	If greater than 40% of total (near term)
Near-term coverage	>95%	>95%	>67%
Long-term coverage	100%	100%	>90%
Near-term date	Within 10 years	Within 10 years	Within 10 years
Long-term date	2050	2050	2050
Ambition	1.5°C aligned	1.5°C aligned	2°C aligned*

A summary of SBTi criteria. *Note: Scope 3 criteria is more lenient to encourage wider adoption of science-based targets by making the framework more accessible, rather than discouraging action due to complexity or external dependencies

Getting Started: Measure, Plan, Act

The first step toward net zero is always measurement. Councils must understand their current emissions baseline across all three scopes:

• Scope 1: Direct emissions from council-owned facilities, fleets, and infrastructure.
• Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased electricity and heating.
• Scope 3: Indirect emissions from procurement, waste, employee commuting, and more.

Most UK local authority footprints are dominated by Scope 3 emissions, particularly from purchased goods and services. This makes supplier engagement and procurement strategy pivotal in any credible net zero roadmap.

Scope 3 emissions from supply chain and leased buildings dominate local authority footprints. CarbonTrack helps measure and manage these

Once measured, targets can be established using tools like the SBTi’s free target-setting calculator. While local authorities are not formally eligible for SBTi validation, using the methodology still ensures credibility and alignment with global best practices.

Decarbonising High-Impact Areas

Local authorities should begin with sectors where they have the greatest control and the highest emissions impact. Buildings, transport, electricity, and procurement are often the biggest levers.

• Buildings and Heating: Retrofitting council buildings with insulation and switching from gas boilers to electric heat pumps is a powerful way to cut Scope 1 emissions. While capital-intensive, these changes deliver long-term carbon and cost savings, especially as the UK grid becomes cleaner.
• Fleets and Transport: Electrifying council fleets reduces Scope 1 emissions significantly. EV adoption is increasingly viable due to improvements in range, infrastructure, and total cost of ownership. Councils with urban fleets and short duty cycles are especially well positioned to benefit.
• Electricity Use: Switching to 100% renewable energy, whether through onsite solar or Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs), can rapidly shrink Scope 2 emissions. REGOs offer a market-based mechanism to match electricity use with clean generation when on-site solutions aren’t feasible.
• Supply Chains and Scope 3: Supplier engagement is essential. Councils must collaborate with vendors to measure their emissions and embed emissions reduction requirements into procurement contracts. This is a long-term process that builds climate maturity across the value chain. Read our guide on managing Scope 3 emissions for local authorities here.

Building a Credible Pathway: Scenario Modelling

One of the most powerful tools available is pathway modelling. This involves projecting how emissions will change over time based on different interventions. For example, what happens to a council’s footprint if it electrifies half its fleet by 2030? Or retrofits 30% of its buildings by 2035?

Scenario analysis lets decision-makers stress-test assumptions, prioritise actions, and develop resilient strategies. It turns ambition into operational clarity.

Pathway models help you do x, y, and z

A basic pathway model starts with the emissions equation: activity data x emissions factor = emissions. Councils can plug in changes (e.g., reduced gas usage, new EV purchases) to see the projected emissions impact. Over time, more sophisticated models can layer in embodied carbon, capital investment trade-offs, and grid decarbonisation assumptions.

Even basic pathway modelling can help councils understand the impact of their initiatives.

It’s Okay to Start Small

Many councils feel overwhelmed by the scale of the net zero task – and that’s understandable. But it’s crucial to remember: you don’t need to have all the answers before you begin.

Even small steps, like measuring your footprint or replacing one fleet vehicle with an EV, are meaningful progress. Momentum builds credibility, and credibility unlocks funding and support.

SBTi alignment isn’t a one-off certification – it’s a long-term commitment to climate integrity. By adopting its science-based approach, local authorities not only prepare for regulatory shifts but also lead their communities into a low-carbon future.

Final Thoughts: The Time Is Now For Local Authorities and Net Zero

Net zero isn’t just for the private sector. Local authorities have a unique responsibility – and opportunity – to drive place-based climate action. While SBTi wasn’t built for councils, its principles provide a clear, credible blueprint for getting on track.

By embracing emissions measurement, target setting, and scenario modelling today, local governments can accelerate their transition, attract climate finance, and build trust with the communities they serve.

CarbonTrack is here to help local authorities navigate this journey with clarity, tools, and data-driven insights. Together, let’s turn ambition into action and create a net zero future that works for everyone.