Scotland Excel net zero strategy

Our Executive Sub-Committee has given approval to the Scotland Excel Net Zero Strategy 2023-28.

This will support our member councils in the delivery of their net zero commitments. These are linked to the Scottish Government ‘climate emergency’ declaration and associated policy and legislation.

As the Centre of Procurement Expertise for Scotland’s local government sector, our contract arrangements are used by a range of council services. These service areas link to the key areas identified within individual council ‘Climate Action Plans’ - as vital for successful delivery.

This strategy aims to make sure that Scotland Excel contract arrangements will continue to meet the needs of councils via the products they buy, suppliers they contract with, and services they deliver.

This is already underway with the introduction of several frameworks that are aligned with council net zero ambitions. This includes arrangements for the installation of electric vehicle charging points and energy efficiency related works.

Sustainability impacts are always considered throughout our tendering activity, however there’s scope for additional collaboration and linked benefits. Scotland Excel is therefore strengthening partnerships with relevant organisations from across the public, private and third sectors.

Public sector net zero goals are being met against a backdrop of increasing pressure on public spending and all public organisations are working to achieve their aims by the most cost effective means available.

The collaborative model for procurement has the potential to deliver both cost and resource efficiency savings. Councils can benefit from centrally based routes to contract and supply arrangements - minimising duplication. As well as this, consistency, collaborative demand, and commitment may bring savings and drive down costs on products and services as buying habits evolve.

Scotland Excel fully supports our member councils’ net zero ambitions and will make sure our portfolio remains crucial in assisting councils and others in meeting the regulatory requirements.

We look forward to leading by example in exploring how we can reduce our own carbon footprint, ensuring that contract and supplier management activity develops actions across our portfolio and that future tenders are designed to ensure goods and services purchased are as accessible and affordable as possible.

You can read our Net Zero Strategy here: Scotland Excel Net Zero Strategy 2023-28.