Department of Energy and Climate Change
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Local carbon footprints released

Local carbon footprints released

News Release issued by the COI News Distribution Service on 17 September 2009

Regional CO2 Emissions Results Released Today

New climate change stats revealing the carbon footprint of every single part of the UK are published today.

The statistics calculate the climate impact of the energy used by homes, businesses and road transport in each local authority area throughout England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

- The UK has already reduced its emissions by 21% on 1990 levels and is committed to a reduction of at least 34% by 2020

- In today’s results the UK’s overall CO2 emissions dropped by2% between 2005 and 2007

- Emissions have fallen in 335 out of the 434 local authorities in the UK

- The North East had the highest emissions per person at 12.5million tonnes in 2007 but had the largest reduction between 2005 and 2007

- Greater London had the least CO2 emissions per person at 6million tonnes in 2007

You can find a breakdown of the results for your own area at; http://decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/statistics/climate_change/climate_change.aspx

Energy and Climate Change Minister, David Kidney said:

“I am very encouraged by the results published today. Every community in the country is working to cut their carbon footprint. Local Authorities are at the heart of the community and as such can help in setting an example on tackling climate change through their own actions.

“With only 80 days left to secure a global deal at the crucial climate talks in Copenhagen, action here at home has never been more important to show the world what we can do.

“We are helping people and businesses to save energy, cut emissions and save money. Amongst our plans, every home will have a smart meter to monitor energy use by 2020, millions more homes will be insulated, we’ll provide incentives for businesses to go green and we’ll be targeting support to vulnerable people who need it most.”

Local Authorities are continuing to rise to the very real challenge of climate change as demonstrated by the widespread commitment to include climate change targets in their Local Area Agreements (LAAs).

Government support

Helping householders to make a tackle climate change

- A new Community Energy Saving Programme starts today. Around £350 million will be spent by energy companies over the next three years to deliver whole house, whole street energy makeovers concentrating on some of the most vulnerable people in the UK.

- The Carbon Emission Reduction Target (CERT), an obligation on energy suppliers to promote household carbon reductions is operating at a higher level than ever before, with the target recently increased. In 2010 topping up a loft could contribute around 2% to a 10% saving.

- In 2010, we’ll start trialling “Pay As You Save”. This is a new way of paying for whole house energy retrofits as part of our commitment to treat 7 million homes by 2020.

- From today the EU will be phasing out old fashioned 100W and all pearl light bulbs. Money saving energy efficient ones will replace them.

- The government’s ACT ON CO2 website has lots more energy saving advice and top tips to help save 10% in 2010, including a carbon calculator to work out carbon footprints – www.direct.gov.uk/ActOnCO2

Helping businesses to make a contribution to cutting 10% in 2010

- The Carbon Reduction Commitment will come in to force in 2010 which will affect around 5,000 businesses – including all government departments. It will not only deliver massive carbon savings but businesses taking action will also benefit from lower fuel bills and will yield a benefit to businesses of around £1billion.

- Interest free loans of up to £400,000 are currently available from the Carbon Trust for small and medium size businesses to improve on energy efficiency.

Notes to Editors

1. The official estimates of carbon dioxide emissions for the UK are produced on behalf of DECC and the Devolved Administrations by AEA as part of the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory. The full inventory estimates for the UK were published in February 2009, while separate figures for the Devolved Administrations, covering emissions by source rather than end-user, are due to be published later in September. The approach used to estimate local CO2 emissions is designed to be as consistent as possible with the national inventories, but does not supersede any of the official national estimates previously published.

2. The statistics show emissions allocated on an “end-user” basis. This means that emissions are allocated according to where energy is actually consumed by householders and businesses, rather than where the source of the energy is located.

3. The purpose of these estimates is to assist those using local emissions accounting as a tool in developing emissions reduction strategies and for raising awareness of greenhouse gas emissions as a global issue. Although there are limitations on the exactness of this data, used with care they can provide necessary help in setting priorities for Local Authorities in tackling climate change.

4. The estimates and methodological report will aid those who are already working on local action, and encourage others to do more by providing a useful starting point for further work.

Contacts:

Department of Energy and Climate Change
nds.decc@coi.gsi.gov.uk

Sophie Knight
Phone: 0300 068 5217
sophie.knight@decc.gsi.gov.uk

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