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Protecting the natural environment for future generations requires co-ordinated action across government and a thorough understanding of the long term implications of decisions. Meeting climate change targets, for example, will require radical changes in energy, transport and housing by 2050. Improving air quality involves the environment and transport departments as well as local government.

To achieve real change government needs to ensure there is clear ownership for sustainability in government. This is particularly important in times of austerity, to avoid issues being side-lined under competing pressures. Environmental considerations should be an integral part of departments' planning and decision making processes, with rigorous arrangements for monitoring policy delivery and for holding people to account for performance. Government needs to understand the link between environmental sustainability and economic growth.

Key NAO publications:

• Environmental and sustainability metrics briefing (Oct 2015)
• A Short Guide to Environmental protection and sustainable development (Sep 2015)
• Sustainability reporting in central government: An update (Feb 2015)
• NAO Briefing: Environmental protection (Jun 2014)