The Cabinet Office (CABO) demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability through practical operational changes, strategic policy development, and international engagement. It has reduced paper and energy use by introducing digital payslips, defaulting printers to lower‑impact settings, and encouraging staff to minimise printing and use SharePoint to reduce data‑storage demand. A staff carbon‑reduction group explores further improvements, including flexible working models and revived car‑pool initiatives supporting the Island’s Net Zero goals. Staff are also encouraged to undertake Carbon Literacy training.
As the central coordinator of Our Island Plan, CABO ensures cross‑government alignment of environmental, social, and economic priorities. Its Planning Policy team oversees the Island Development Plan, promoting responsible development that protects biodiversity and natural carbon stores. Legislative amendments have enabled easier installation of solar panels, air‑source heat pumps, EV chargers, and bicycle storage, contributing to a growing green industry. Planning remains rooted in public consultation, balancing environmental protection with economic and community needs.
CABO administers the International Development programme, supporting global initiatives that conserve natural resources and reduce emissions, such as sustainable land‑management work in East Africa and clean‑energy cooking solutions in Burundi. It also funds Manx charities that deliver development education and provide training for representatives of other small or developing nations.
Through its cross‑departmental leadership, CABO promotes sustainable investment, ethical trade, and responsible migration policy. GTS procurement incorporates environmental scoring to embed sustainability in purchasing decisions.
Its External Relations Division represents the Isle of Man internationally on issues including renewable energy and sustainable finance, and supports participation in major political, cultural, and diplomatic forums. It also helps host high‑profile visits that showcase Manx hospitality and cultural identity. Work is under way to explore extending the UNESCO Convention to the Island and to further recognise Manx intangible cultural heritage. Planning policies additionally safeguard the built environment through the designation of Conservation Areas.
Public Health acknowledges the Island’s natural and cultural assets as essential to wellbeing, while CABO’s communications functions promote open dialogue through the Consultation Hub - dramatically reducing paper use - and island‑wide engagement events.
