The government should put more pressure on the companies it works with if it wants to cut its carbon emissions, a report on the government has advised.

On Wednesday, independent charity the Carbon Disclosure Project published a 44-page study “CDP Public Procurement Report for the UK Government”. It said government suppliers were not doing enough to understand their carbon dioxide emissions, and those that had set targets fell short of the government aims to cut carbon emissions 34% by 2020 compared to 1990 levels.

It also reported that suppliers in the property sector were among the worst to tackle carbon emissions. Energy consultant AEA carried out the study.

It said that while 80% of the 164 supplier companies that took part in the reoprt did disclose their own emissions, few understand the impact of carbon emissions from companies in their supply chain.

It also said that although 66% of organisations had carbon reduction targets, most were too short term and not in line with central government aims.

Speaking at the launch of the report, business secretary Lord Mandelson said the report gave government and suppliers the opportunity to work together to share best practice on carbon emissions.

“I would like to thank all participants in this initiative and would commend future involvement to all those concerned with affecting change in this important area,” he said.

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