CIPFA’s Amit Verma explains the vital role public finance professionals play in driving public sector net zero efforts.
We are living in an era marked by constrained public finances and unprecedented high demand on public services. In this context, the urgency around sustainability is often overshadowed and pushed down the priority list. Net zero targets can feel out of reach, and there is still much to be done to turn ambition into tangible outcomes.
The public sector is uniquely positioned to drive global sustainability standards and take the lead in the fight against climate change.
Sustainability is not only about creating a better world for all – it also delivers practical benefits such as cost savings and greater efficiency in public service delivery.
For example, Action Renewables, a charity based in Northern Ireland, worked with East Belfast Enterprise to install a 49kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system at their headquarters.
The result? Significant reductions in both energy costs and consumption. This example demonstrates that sustainability isn’t just about securing the future – it can generate efficiency and operational benefits here and now.
CIPFA remains committed to improving sustainability reporting, governance frameworks and evidence-based sustainability planning.
However, to maintain momentum toward a more sustainable public sector we need continued government support and decisive action.
This includes substantial public and private investment in energy infrastructure, technology and innovation and skills development – priorities outlined in the UK’s net zero strategy and carbon budget and growth delivery plan.
Yet the government has not committed further investment in the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), which has already awarded over £2bn to thousands of projects since 2020.
Alongside this funding uncertainty, the lack of long-term planning poses a major barrier to progress. Frequent policy changes in Westminster, combined with wider financial pressures, have created a short-term, crisis- driven mindset that prevents public sector organisations from developing and delivering long-term sustainability strategies.
Further afield, Denmark stands among the most advanced countries in implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ranking third in the global SDG index. In July 2025, the Danish government published an updated Action Plan for the UN Sustainable Development Goals, setting a clear framework for achieving a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050 – building on a 44.7% emissions cut already achieved between 2005 and 2021.
Denmark’s success reflects decades of prioritising energy security, investing in renewable energy, and maintaining consistent political commitment across governments while collaborating with neighbouring countries to strengthen its energy network.
The UK can learn much from Denmark’s approach – from its investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency and carbon taxes, to sustainable urban planning (such as cycling infrastructure) and the integration of organic food into public sector catering. By developing strong public–private partnerships and drawing lessons from Denmark’s green infrastructure financing model – supported by government and pension funds – the UK can unlock capital funding for major sustainability projects and accelerate its green transition.
At Public Finance Live Northern Ireland in October, CIPFA’s sustainability workshop explored many of these challenges, highlighting the need for close collaboration across public, private and third sectors. As public finance professionals, we must be willing to engage beyond traditional boundaries and embrace innovative ways of working.
CIPFA continues to support finance professionals on their sustainability journey across its three business pillars – CIPFA
Thinks, Supports and Develops. Ongoing projects include supporting standard setters such as IPSASB in developing the first public sector sustainability standards, working with central and local government bodies to embed sustainable finance practices, and collaborating with membership organisations such as ICAEW to upskill professionals for future challenges.
However, it is concerning that political support for sustainability initiatives appears to be waning, as this risks slowing progress across the public sector. For early-career public finance professionals, taking sustainability seriously is essential. If you are just beginning your journey in public finance now is the time to ask yourself: how can I contribute to building a greener, more resilient public sector?
- Amit Verma, Sustainability Policy Manager, CIPFA
