Public Sector Leadership is Key to Achieving Net Zero

The challenge of achieving net zero is often framed as a technical one, focused on energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and technological innovation. But for the public sector, it is just as much about balancing immediate demands with long-term ambitions. Meeting the needs of health, social care, education, and other essential services while also working towards a sustainable future is not an easy task – but it is essential. 

The Wellbeing of Future Generations Act provides a framework to guide public services in Wales towards this goal. It is designed to ensure that economic, social, environmental, and cultural wellbeing are considered together. That means local authorities, health boards, and other public bodies cannot treat decarbonisation as a standalone issue – it has to be integrated into everything they do. But turning this ambition into reality requires leadership, investment, and collaboration. 

There are already strong examples of public sector-led decarbonisation in Wales. The Welsh Government’s Energy Service has invested more than £200 million in projects that have saved or generated £360 million in return. Schools, hospitals, and community buildings are now powered by solar panels, heat pumps, and hydro projects, demonstrating that small-scale solutions can deliver significant benefits. 

These initiatives show what is possible, but if Wales is serious about meeting its net zero and nature recovery targets over the next decade, then action needs to accelerate. That means a fundamental shift in how projects are funded. Public sector budgets alone cannot deliver the scale of investment needed. There is private sector funding available, and innovative financing models such as community investment and crowdfunding are growing. The challenge now is to create the mechanisms that will allow Wales to draw down and deploy this funding effectively. 

There are already examples of how this can work. The Wildlife Trusts’ partnership with Aviva, which is funding large-scale nature restoration, demonstrates how businesses can be part of nature-based solutions. Similar partnerships in Wales could unlock new funding for community energy projects, green infrastructure, and environmental restoration. 

The Welsh Government has a crucial role to play in facilitating these partnerships. Public sector organisations cannot be expected to navigate complex funding landscapes alone. There needs to be a coordinated effort to identify and secure investment, ensuring that private and community-led funding can complement public sector initiatives. 

Collaboration is also essential at a community level. Public sector organisations must engage early with people and businesses, ensuring they are involved in shaping projects from the start. This avoids confrontation and creates a shared sense of ownership over local initiatives. The proposed community ownership of the Alwen Forest Wind Farm is an example of how industry and local communities can work together to deliver long-term benefits. 

The ambition for Wales must go beyond simply reducing emissions. Net zero should be a catalyst for social and economic transformation. It should create high-quality green jobs, strengthen communities, and generate revenue that can be reinvested in public services. Achieving this will require leadership from the public sector, but also a shift in how we think about funding, collaboration, and long-term planning. 

The next decade is critical. If Wales can align investment, policy, and public sector action, net zero can become an opportunity rather than a challenge – one that delivers lasting benefits for people, businesses, and communities across the country.