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 Frequently Asked Questions
Who compiled the data for the map?
Where is the data taken from?
What year is the data based upon?
How have you defined "business" - what sources have been included and excluded?
What can businesses do to reduce carbon?
How can my business save one tonne of carbon?
How does the Carbon Trust help businesses to reduce their carbon emissions?
Where can I go for more information? |
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Who compiled the data for the map?
The Carbon Map was created by AEA Energy & Environment, which compiles annual
emission estimates from a large number of sources and fuels as part of the
National Atmospheric Emission Inventory (NAEI) programme of work for Defra.
These estimates are available down to the square kilometre level, which is
the detail shown in the national and regional CO2 emission maps.Where is the data taken from?
The information underlying the map was compiled as part of the National Air
Emissions Inventory (NAEI), and is based upon the tonnes of CO2 emitted by
human activity across various sectors per square kilometre. "Human activity"
encompasses anything from emissions produced while at home or in the office,
to those emitted through the use of transport, through heavy industry, or
through general land use.
The NAEI methodology therefore uses a wide range of spatial data, including but not limited to:
- The Environment Agency's pollution inventory
- Department for Transport information on traffic flow data
- Ordnance Survey data
- 2001 Population census data
- Office of National Statistics Interdepartmental Business Register.
The 1km resolution map represents emissions at the locations where the
emissions actually occur, called 'emissions at source'. For example power
stations are included as large sources of emissions rather than emissions
distributed to the locations where electricity is used.
The city emissions have been estimated using "end-user" emissions dataset
compiled by AEA Energy & Environment for Defra at the Local Authority level.
These emissions also include emissions associated with the production of
electricity and other fuels (road fuels, other oils and solid fuels) used in
the given locations. For example emissions from power stations are
redistributed to the locations of electricity consumption.
In summary, the colours on the map show CO2 emissions at source while the CO2
estimates for each city (as shown on the labels) represent 'end user'
emissions.
A detailed report describing the methodology and outputs of the NAEI is
published each year and can be found on the NAEI website at
www.naei.org.uk/reports.php (Dore et al, 2006). The detailed methodology
used to map emissions in the UK (King et al, 2006) can also be found from the
link above and the emissions at Local Authority are reported on the Defra
website
here
What year is the data based upon?
The year of the data is 2004, the most recent figures that are available.
The 18-month time lag is as a result of the time needed to collect all the
statistical data and to undertake the compilation process.
How have you defined "business" - what sources have been included and excluded?
Broadly, we have divided all possible CO2 emissions sources into three
general categories: domestic, transport or business sources.
Within the business category we have included all emissions produced by:
- Combustion in commercial, institutions, and agricultural sectors
- Combustion in industry
- Production processes
What can businesses do to reduce carbon?
There are many different things that businesses can to do cut carbon and they don't have to be expensive or time-consuming. For example, simple measures such as turning off lights when they are not needed can cut lighting bills by up to 15 per cent. Or you can take a more strategic approach to the carbon emitted by your business and look at all elements of what you do – from operations to supply chain. Call our free helpline on 0800 085 2005 to find out more, or click here.
How can my business save one tonne of carbon?
Leaving ten twin fluorescent light fittings on for eight hours a day will produce one tonne of carbon a year. All you have to do to save that tonne of carbon is switch off these ten lights when there is sufficient daylight. Also, reducing the heating temperature in an office by just 1°C can save 30 tonnes of carbon a year.
How does the Carbon Trust help businesses to reduce their carbon emissions?
We offer a wide range of services to business and the public sector in order to help them cut their carbon emissions. This is done through providing both practical solutions that organisations can implement today and supporting innovation in the low carbon technologies of the future.
These services include:
- free general advice for all businesses and organisations – via resources such as the Carbon Trust energy helpline, websites and publications. Call 0800 085 2005 for more information, or visit the main part of the website by clicking here.
- tailored business advice on carbon management and energy efficiency for large energy users, on-site surveys for a wide range of businesses, and a specialised design advice service for new buildings or refurbishments
- financial incentives – products which help turn carbon emission reduction proposals into action, such as:
- interest-free loans available for small and medium enterprises in the UK that are investing in energy efficient equipment
- the Energy Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme, which promotes investment in energy-saving equipment by offering businesses a tax break against their investment in approved technologies, a list of which can be found at www.eca.gov.uk/etl
Where can I go for more information?
If you are a journalist, please call the Carbon Trust press office on 020 7544 3100 for more information on the map. If you are a business looking for expert advice on how you can cut carbon and help to tackle climate change, please call the Carbon Trust's free helpline on 0800 085 2005. |
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