The new Government should build travel demand management into its procurement procedures in its bid to become “the greenest ever”. The recommendation is contained in the final report from the Sustainable Development Commission, which recently had its funding abolished.

The report says: “Effective demand measurement need not cost departments anything in terms of initial investment but can have a huge impact. The new Government needs to establish the best way to build demand management into procurement procedures and enforce it rigorously. IT and travel should be clear priorities for action.”

The report – Becoming the Greenest Government Ever – says that last year’s Review of Government Travel, carried out by consultants JMP, highlighted the extent of government’s influence on the travel habits of both its employees and service users and this provides a useful starting point to access further efficiencies and savings.

It says: “The SDC is pleased to note the [Coalition Government’s] initial announcement relating to the 10% reduction in carbon emissions over the coming 12 months; there is now however a clear opportunity over the coming years to signal equal intent in relation to…carbon emissions from Government travel.”

“The SDC … believes that Government needs to understand both the sphere of influence of its operations and procurement and the potential for change, including the potential to link operations and procurement with policy goals.”

JMP chairman Gordon Baker said: “This report shows government’s policies are starting to make a difference, but it again calls on policy leads to clear the confusion that surrounds travel management and reporting. Progress with travel falls far short of that achieved in other areas – such as energy – a step change is urgently required. Government needs to move away from measuring impacts and focus on how travel is procured, managed and used to deliver the business of government.

“There is a clear message in this, the SDC’s, final report. Whilst some reductions are being achieved in the costs and emissions associated with ‘administrative’ vehicles, departments need to take a holistic approach and recognise that all travel, regardless of mode or type of journey, contributes to the sustainability of government operations.

“DfT’s new role as the lead on sustainable travel in government, and the development of a new reporting and monitoring framework, can make this happen. There needs to be a clear steer, better data collation, management and interpretation, and collective action to make a difference.

“The SDC has played a huge role supporting government embed sustainability in its operations. If Government is to honour its commitment and be the “greenest government ever” then it must continue to be transparent. The private sector is expected to have its CSR policies and performance independently scrutinised. To retain credibility, Government needs to do the same.”

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