IN FOCUS: Environment and Sustainability

Overview

This In Focus report highlights the work that Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) are doing across England and Wales on environment and sustainability. PCCs play a key role in ensuring that their forces, commissioned services, and offices are employing environmentally friendly and sustainable practices, supporting the Government’s Net Zero ambition, and addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

Key themes

• Developing an Environmentally Sustainable Fleet: PCCs are investing in electric and hybrid vehicles, expanding charging infrastructure, and preparing for the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars.
• Delivering Social Value in Policing: PCCs are ensuring policing contributes to the wider community by integrating social value into procurement, commissioning, and workforce policies.
• Sustainable Estate Management: PCCs are embedding sustainability into the design and operation of police buildings, ensuring estates are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
• Collaborative Action on Climate Change: PCCs are working with national partners, including the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), College of Policing, and Bluelight Commercial, to drive the policing decarbonisation agenda.

Initiatives

• Fleet Decarbonisation (Gloucestershire, Thames Valley, Dyfed-Powys, Wiltshire, West Mercia, Merseyside PCCs): PCCs are investing in electric vehicles, piloting charging infrastructure, and reducing fleet emissions.
• Sustainable Estates (Devon & Cornwall, Northamptonshire, Suffolk, Merseyside, Dyfed-Powys PCCs): PCCs are integrating renewable energy, energy-efficient buildings, and innovative environmental policies into their estates.
• Social Value Projects (Durham, Devon & Cornwall, Thames Valley PCCs): PCCs are supporting community initiatives such as the Prisoners Building Homes scheme, Restart Thames Valley, and sustainable employment programs for ex-offenders.
• All-Wales Social Value Workshop: PCCs from Dyfed-Powys, South Wales, North Wales, and Gwent are aligning their procurement strategies with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to maximize environmental and social benefits.

Impact and outcomes

• 70% of forces in England and Wales have already started their carbon reduction journey.
• Investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure and fleet decarbonisation. Implementation of waste reduction, recycling, and energy efficiency measures across police estates.
• Adoption of social value policies that integrate environmental sustainability into policing operations.