Scotland is making progress in energy efficiency, according to a report from Audit Scotland, but public spending on energy has increased because of rising costs.
Although the sector cut energy usage in public buildings by nearly 5% over the last three years, spending on energy rose nearly 47%.
Stronger leadership on energy efficiency is needed from the Scottish Government and public sector organisations such as councils and hospitals to implement good practices and change behaviours, says the report.
“The public sector should give greater priority to energy efficiency for both environmental and financial reasons,” says Robert Black, the Auditor General for Scotland.
Energy efficiency is the most cost-effective way for the public sector to contribute to reducing emissions, he adds.
“There has been some progress, and the Scottish Government’s publication last week of its draft Climate Change Bill is an encouraging step,” says Black. “However, there is still a need for the government and public bodies to give strong leadership to deliver improvements in energy efficiency.”
The report, Improving energy efficiency, is calling on the Scottish Government to provide clear guidance for the public sector on improving efficiency and establish proper monitoring channels.
The public sector itself must also ensure that efficiency programmes are in place and work with staff and the general public to raise the profile of energy efficiency.
The report also criticises the level of investment in the Central Energy Efficiency Fund, which it indicates is inadequate to make the targeted energy savings.