We published our Sustainability and Climate Change strategy 2021-2026, in September 2021. Within that document, we set ourselves the goal of achieving net zero direct emissions by 2040 and net zero emissions by 2045. We are now entering the final year of this strategy. Over the last financial year, we have continued to embed our commitment to sustainability and climate change throughout the organisation.

You can read more about our progress and plans in our Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy Report update for 2025.

Addressing the climate emergency

In last year’s blog, we said that in terms of our sustainability work, our top priority for 2024–25 would be to address the climate emergency. We committed to:

• Developing a new approach to measuring and reducing carbon emissions—not just for ourselves, but to encourage and enable others to follow suit.
• Embedding sustainability and climate change in all our decisions, ensuring that every action we take steers us—and those we influence—closer to Scotland’s net zero goals.

Redefining how we measure carbon emissions

Understanding the impact of our activities on the environment begins with accurate measurement. Over the last year, we introduced a new approach to quantifying our carbon emissions, and in the year ahead, we are committed to further developing and refining this methodology to meaningfully measure progress while targets and opportunities shift. This enhanced approach will support greater transparency, precision, and accountability. We are open to sharing our challenges and successes in this space to enable others across Scotland in pursuit of a collective net-zero future.

Embedding sustainability and climate change in decision-making

To ensure that sustainability is reflected across our operations, we have updated our governance group templates and Risk Management Framework and continue to develop our ‘benefits realisation’ process. In 2025 and beyond, these changes will ensure that addressing the climate emergency is considered as a fundamental part of our decision-making.

Over the last year, we have also worked closely with suppliers to encourage greener practices throughout our supply chain, sending a strong signal about our values, and supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Engagement

We recognise that real progress on sustainability requires collective action and collaboration beyond organisational boundaries. Over the last year, we have partnered across the public sector to pool knowledge and resources. We have also offered an engagement programme to encourage everyone from colleagues to tenants and contractors to learn, contribute, and take action.

You can read more about the action we have taken in other areas this year, such as resource efficiencies, enhancing on-site biodiversity, and supporting the circular economy, in the report.

What are our upcoming priorities in 2025-26?

• Introduce purchased goods and services to our carbon footprint and continue to work with current and future suppliers to allow further improvements.
• Maintain our support to help colleagues reduce emissions from home working and commuting
• Expand preparations for the commencement of significant carbon reduction within our estate
• Continue to explore opportunities for us to help others across Scotland to achieve net zero
• Build our understanding of carbon insetting, to inform future target-setting

Looking Forward

While progress has been made, we recognise there is much more to do. Next year, we will also be preparing for the introduction of a new Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy following the expiry of the current strategy in 2026.

If you have any practical questions about our work or would like to collaborate, contact sylvia.gray@ros.gov.uk