Carbon dioxide

• 42,369 kt of end user CO₂ emissions came from the South West, accounting for 8% of the UK total and the 5th lowest recorded by a region.
• 39% of the South West's emissions came from the industrial & commercial sector, 31% from the domestic sector, 28% from road transport and 2% from land use, land use change and forestry
• Between 2005 and 2006, total end user CO2 emissions declined in 13 of the 45 local authorities in the South West, the most significant decline being in Exeter (-21%). This most significant increases were in South Gloucestershire (+14%), West Wiltshire (+8%) and Mendip (+8%)

• The average UK resident emitted 8.78 tonnes of CO2 in 2006 - the average South West resident emitted 8.27 tonnes.
• Total emissions increased in all of the South West's counties between 2005 and 2006, with the exception of Devon (-3%).  Wiltshire showed the largest increase (+3%)
• Between 2005 and 2006, per capita emissions declined in 21 of the 45 local authorities in the South West, the most significant decline being in Exeter (-22%).  The most significant increase in per capita emissions was in South Gloucestershire (+12%).

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the main greenhouse gas, accounting for about 85% of the total UK greenhouse gas emissions in 2007, the latest year for which final results are available.  In 2008, UK net emissions of CO₂ were provisionally estimated to be 531.8 million tonnes.  This was 2% lower than the 2007 figure of 542.6 million tonnes - resulting from fuel switching from coal to natural gas for electricity generation, combined with lower fossil fuel consumption by industry and in road transport (Defra, 2009).

There is an increasing need for local and regional data on emissions of (CO₂ ) because climate change mitigation needs to be tackled at a local level. In order to do this a consistent evidence base is required, to enable local authorities and other relevant organisations to prioritise and act effectively to reduce emissions.  Over the last 4 years AEA has developed a new dataset of CO2 emissions by local authority and Government Office region, building on the NAEI emissions maps and incorporating regional energy statistics.

The statistics show emissions allocated on an "end-user" basis - the general principle being that emissions are distributed according to the point of energy consumption (or point of emission if not energy related). Except for the energy industry, emissions from the production of goods are assigned to where the production takes place – thus as with the national inventories, emissions from the production of goods which are exported will be included, and emissions from the production of goods which are imported are excluded.

New data for local Authority areas in England has been released for 2006 (Defra, 2008). These estimates are an improvement on the previous datasets for 2003, 2004 and 2005 all of which were published as “experimental statistics”.  The experimental label was used to indicate that they were still under development, and were not comparable from year to year.  However, the 2006 dataset, together with revised 2005 dataset, which is being published at the same time, is now classified as full National Statistics owing to improvements in accuracy.  The 2005 and 2006 datasets are now comparable with each other, allowing meaningful comparisons for the first time.

Total emissions

A total of 531,736 kt of CO2 was emitted in the UK in 2006. The South East had the highest end user CO2 emissions, with 13% of the UK total, whilst Northern Ireland had the lowest with 3%.  42,369 kt of end user CO2 emissions came from the South West, accounting for 8% of the UK total and the 5th lowest recorded by a region.

Per capita, a total of 8.78 tonnes of CO2 was emitted per resident in the UK. Per capita emissions were highest in the North East with 12.73 tonnes and lowest in Greater London with 6.6 tonnes.  In the South West, a total of 8.27 tonnes were emitted per resident. This was almost 6% (0.51 tonnes) lower than the UK average and the 4th lowest recorded by a region.

Source of emissions

In the UK, 46% (245,076 kt) of end-user emissions assigned to local authority areas were attributed to the industrial and commercial sector, 29% (153,605 kt) to the domestic sector, and 25% (135,007 kt) to road transport. A further -1,953 kt of CO2 emissions were attributed to land use, land use change and forestry.

In the South West, 39% (16,691 kt) of end user emissions were attributed to the industrial & commercial sector, 31% (12,995 kt) to the domestic sector, 28% (11,791 kt) to road transport and 2% (892 kt) to land use, land use change and forestry.

County level summary

Total emissions

Devon had the highest proportion of the South West's total end user carbon dioxide emissions, with 20% (8,484 kt) of the region's total of 42,369kt. This was closely followed by the Former Avon area with just under 20% (8,317 kt).

Cornwall had the lowest proportion, with 10% (4,296 kt) of the regional total.

In comparison to 2005, total emissions increased in all counties within the region with the exception of Devon, which experienced a decrease of -1.9% (167 kt). Wiltshire had the largest increase in total emissions, with a 3.5% (218 kt) increase between 2005 and 2006.

A summary of end user CO2 emissions in the South West's counties by source in 2006:

• Industrial & commercial CO2 emissions were highest in the Former Avon area, with 22% (3,702 kt) of the regional total (16,691 kt) and lowest in Cornwall with 9% (1,543 kt)
• Domestic CO2 emissions were highest in Devon, with 21% (2,906 kt) of the regional total (12,995 kt) and lowest in Cornwall with 10% (1,343 kt)
• Road transport CO2 emissions were highest in Devon, with 22% (2,588 kt) of the regional total (11,791 kt) and lowest in Dorset with just under 10% (1,167 kt)
• Land use, land use change and forestry CO2 emissions were highest in Devon, with 28% (248 kt) of the regional total (892 kt) and lowest in Dorset with 3% (28 kt)

Per capita emissions

Per capita emissions in the South West were highest in Wiltshire, with 10.24 tonnes. This was 24% (1.97 tonnes) higher than the regional average of 8.27 tonnes and 17% (1.46 tonnes) higher than the UK average.

Per capita emissions were lowest in Dorset, with 6.82 tonnes. This was 18% (1.45 tonnes) lower than the South West average and 22% (1.96 tonnes) lower than the UK average.

Per capita emissions increased between 2005 and 2006 in all counties with the exception of Devon, which showed a decline of -3% (0.23 tonnes). Whilst the majority of the remaining counties in the region increased by just 1% or under, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire showed slightly more significant increases of 2.8% (0.28 tonnes) and 2.1% (0.18 tonnes) respectively.

South West local authorities

Total emissions

South Gloucestershire had the highest total end user CO2 emissions in 2006 with 3,383 kt or 8% of the South West total of 42,369 kt. This was the 15th highest emissions recorded by a local authority in the UK and was significantly higher than any other local authority, over 1000 kt more than the Bristol City which had the second highest emissions in the region.

The Isles of Scilly had the lowest total end user CO2 emissions in 2006, with just 12 kt this was the lowest recorded by a local authority in the UK.

Between 2005 and 2006, total end user CO2 emissions declined in 13 of the 45 local authorities in the South West, the most significant decline being in Exeter (-21%). Two local authorities (Penwith and Purbeck) showed no change. The remaining 30 local authorities in the region showed increases in emissions, the most significant being in South Gloucestershire (+14%), West Wiltshire (+8%) and Mendip (+8%).

Per capita emissions

West Wiltshire had the highest per capita emissions in the South West, with 14.13 tonnes. This was the 35th highest recorded by a local authority - significantly lower than the City of London which recorded 220.97 tonnes per capita.

Weymouth & Portland had the lowest per capita emissions in the South West, with 4.72 tonnes. This was the 5th lowest recorded by a local authority in the UK.

Between 2005 and 2006, per capita emissions declined in 21 of the 45 local authorities in the South West, the most significant decline being in Exeter (-22%). Weymouth and Portland was the only authority to show no change, whilst the remaining 23 local authorities in the region showed increases. The most significant per capita emissions were in South Gloucestershire (+12%), West Wiltshire (+8%) and Mendip (+7%).

Cornwall

4,296 kt of end user CO2 was released in Cornwall in 2006, 1.5% (64 kt) higher than the 4,232 kt released in 2005. Of these emissions:

• 36% (1,543 kt) came from industrial & commercial sources
• 31% (1,343 kt) came from domestic sources
• 29% (1,233 kt) came from road transport
• 4% (177 kt) came from land use, land use change & forestry

In 2006, total emissions were highest in Restormel, which accounted for 24% of all end user CO2 emissions in Cornwall, and were lowest in the Isles of Scilly, with 0.3% (12 kt) of the county total.

Emissions in all local authorities showed little change in total emissions between 2005 and 2006:

• Isles of Scilly - decrease of 1 kt
• Restormel - decrease of 1 kt
• Penwith - no change
• Caradon - increase by 2%
• Carrick - increase by 1%
• North Cornwall - increase by 4%

A total of 8.16 tonnes of CO2 were released per capita in Cornwall in 2006, a slight increase on the 8.15 kt for 2005 but still below the South West average of 8.27 tonnes.

With 10.88 tonnes per capita, emissions were highest in North Cornwall - 33% (2.72 tonnes) higher than the county average. The lowest per capita emissions were found in the Isles of Scilly, with 5.73 tonnes - 30% (2.43 tonnes) lower than the county average.

Per capita emissions showed little change on 2005:

• Isles of Scilly - decrease by 5.6% (0.34 tonnes)
• Penwith - decrease by 0.7% (0.04 tonnes)
• Kerrier - decrease by 0.8% (0.05 tonnes)
• Restormel - decrease by 1.7% (0.18 tonnes)
• Carrick - increase by 0.4% (0.03 tonnes)
• Caradon - increase by 0.5% (0.04 tonnes)
• North Cornwall - increase by 3% (0.31 tonnes)

Devon

8,484 kt of end user CO2 emissions were released in Devon in 2008, 2% (167 kt) lower than the 8,651 kt released in 2005. Of these emissions:

• 34% (2,906 kt) came from industrial & commercial sources
• 32% (2,741 kt) came from domestic sources
• 31% (2,588 kt) came from road transport
• 3% (248 kt) came from land use, land use change & forestry

In 2006 total emissions were highest in Plymouth, which accounted for 17% (1,410 kt) of the county total, and were lowest in Torridge with 6% of the county total (486 kt).

Emissions in all of Devon's local authorities showed little change in total emissions between 2005 and 2006, with the exception of Exeter which showed a decrease of almost a quarter:

• Torridge - decrease by 0.8% (4 kt)
• Torbay - decrease by 1.3% (9 kt)
• Exeter - decrease by 21% (184 kt)
• Mid Devon - decrease by 1% (8 kt)
• East Devon - decrease by 0.1% (1 kt)
• West Devon - increase by 0.7% (4 kt)
• North Devon - increase by 0.6% (5 kt)
• South Hams - increase by 0.3% (3 kt)
• Teignbridge - increase by 0.5% (5 kt)
• Plymouth - increase by 1.5% (21 kt)

A total of 7.56 tonnes of CO2 was released per capita in Devon in 2006, a decline of 3% (0.23 kt) on the 7.79 tonnes for 2005 but still almost 9% (0.71 tonnes) lower than the South West average of 8.27 tonnes.

With 10.99 tonnes per capita, emissions were highest in Mid Devon - 45% (3.43 tonnes) higher than the county average. The lowest per capita emissions were found in Torbay, with 5.15 tonnes - 32% (2.41 tonnes) lower than the county average.

Per capita emissions showed little change on 2005, with all local authorities showing declines with the exception of Plymouth. Again, Exeter showed the only significant change, reducing by almost a quarter:

• Torbay - decrease by 1.7% (0.09 tonnes)
• Exeter - decrease by 22% (1.66 tonnes)
• Torridge - decrease by 3% (0.27 tonnes)
• East Devon - decrease by 1% (0.08 tonnes)
• Teignbridge - decrease by 0.3% (0.03 tonnes)
• North Devon - decrease by 0.9% (0.08 tonnes)
• West Devon - decrease by 0.6% (0.06 tonnes)
• South Hams - decrease by 0.2% (0.02 tonnes)
• Mid Devon - decrease by 3% (0.34 tonnes)
• Plymouth - increase by 0.7% (0.04 tonnes)

Somerset

4,909 kt of end user CO2 emissions were released in Somerset in 2006, a 1% (55 kt) increase on the 4,854 kt released in 2005. Of these emissions:

• 38% (1,879 kt) came from industrial & commercial sources
• 29% (1,440 kt) came from road transport
• 28% (1,364 kt) came from domestic sources
• 5% (227 kt) came from land use, land use change and forestry

In 2006 total emissions were highest in South Somerset, which accounted for 27% (1,337 kt) of the county total, and the lowest were in West Somerset with 8% (385 kt).

All local authorities in Somerset showed little change in their total emissions between 2005 and 2006, the most significant being in Mendip:

• Taunton Deane - decrease by 0.3% (3 kt)
• Sedgemoor - decrease by 2.5% (33 kt)
• West Somerset - increase by 0.5% (2 kt)
• Mendip - increase by 8% (75 kt)
• South Somerset - increase by 1% (15 kt)

A total of 9.46 tonnes of CO2 were released per capita in Somerset in 2006, an increase of 0.5% (0.05 tonnes) on the 9.41 tonnes for 2005. This was 14% (1.19 tonnes) higher than the South West average.

With 11.76 tonnes per capita, emissions were highest in Sedgemoor - 24% (2.3 tonnes) higher than the county average and 42% (3.49 tonnes) higher than the South West average. The lowest per capita emissions were found in Taunton Deane, with 8.13 tonnes - 14% (1.33 tonnes) lower than the county average and 1.7% (0.14 tonnes) lower than the South West average.

All local authorities showed little change in their per capita emissions between 2005 and 2006, the most significant again being in Mendip:

• Taunton Deane - decrease by 0.9% (0.07 tonnes)
• Sedgemoor - decrease by 3.4% (0.42 tonnes)
• South Somerset - increase by 0.7% (0.06 tonnes)
• Mendip - increase by 7% (0.6 tonnes)
• West Somerset - increase by 1% (0.13 tonnes)

Dorset

4,783 kt of end user CO2 emissions were released in Dorset in 2006, a 0.9% (42 kt) increase on the 4,741 kt released in 2005. Of these emissions:

• 39% (1,878 kt) came from domestic sources
• 36% (1,710 kt) came from industrial and commercial sources
• 24% (1,167 kt) came from road transport
• 1% (28 kt) came from land use, land use change and forestry

In 2006, total emissions were highest in Poole, which accounted for 20% (959 kt) of the county total, and the lowest emissions were in East Dorset with 6% (290 kt).

Most local authorities in Dorset showed little change in their total emissions between 2005 and 2006, with the exception of East Dorset which almost halved and Christchurch which almost doubled:

• East Dorset - decrease by 50% (295 kt)
• Purbeck - no change
• Christchurch - increase by 101% (291 kt)
• Weymouth & Portland - increase by 0.3% (1 kt)
• North Dorset - increase by 2% (10 kt)
• West Dorset - increase by 1% (9 kt)
• Bournemouth - increase by 0.8% (7 kt)
• Poole - increase by 2% (17 kt)

A total of 6.82 tonnes of CO2 were released per capita in Dorset in 2006, 1% higher than the 6.75 tonnes for 2005. However, this was still 18% (1.45 tonnes) lower than the South West average.

With 9.53 tonnes per capita, emissions were highest in Purbeck - 40% (2.71 tonnes) higher than the Dorset average and 15% (1.26 tonnes) higher than the South West average. The lowest per capita emissions were found in Weymouth and Portland with 4.72 tonnes - 31% (2.1 tonnes) lower than the Dorset average and 43% (3.55 tonnes) lower than the South West average.

All local authorities showed little change in their per capita emissions between 2005 and 2006, the most significant increase being in Christchurch and the largest decrease in East Dorset:

• East Dorset - decrease 6% (0.42 tonnes)
• Purbeck - decrease 0.2% (0.02 tonnes)
• Weymouth & Portland - no change
• Bournemouth - increase 2% (0.13 tonnes)
• Christchurch - increase 7% (0.42 tonnes)
• North Dorset - increase 0.4% (0.03 tonnes)
• Poole - increase 2% (0.13 tonnes)
• West Dorset - increase 0.7% (0.06 tonnes)

Wiltshire

6,503 kt of end user CO2 emissions were released in Wiltshire in 2006, a 3% (218 kt) increase on the 6,285 kt released in 2005. Of these emissions:

• 47% (3,058 kt) came from industrial & commercial sources
• 26% (1,704 kt) came from domestic sources
• 25% (1,650 kt) came from road transport
• 2% (91 kt) came from land use, land use change and forestry

In 2006, total emissions were highest in West Wiltshire, which accounted for 27% (1,763 kt) of the county total, and the lowest emissions were in Kennet with 10% (649 kt).

Most local authorities in Wiltshire showed little change in their total emissions between 2005 and 2006, the most significant being in West Wiltshire:

• North Wiltshire - decrease 0.3% (4 kt)
• Kennet - increase 2% (13 kt)
• Salisbury - increase 2% (23 kt)
• Swindon - increase 3% (51 kt)
• West Wiltshire - increase 8% (137 kt)

A total of 10.24 tonnes of CO2 were released per capita in Wiltshire in 2006, 3% (0.28 tonnes) higher than the 9.96 tonnes for 2005. This was 24% (2 tonnes) higher than the South West average.

With 14.13 tonnes per capita, emissions were highest in West Wiltshire - 38% (3.89 tonnes) higher than the Wiltshire average and 71% (5.9 tonnes) higher than the South West average. The lowest per capita emissions were found in Kennet with 8.3 tonnes - 19% (1.94 tonnes) lower than the Wiltshire average and 0.7% (0.06 tonnes) lower than the South West average.

All local authorities showed little change in their per capita emissions between 2005 and 2006, with all but North Wiltshire recording slight increases:

• North Wiltshire - decrease 1% (0.11 tonnes)
• Kennet - increase 1% (0.08 tonnes)
• Salisbury - increase 3% (0.22 tonnes)
• Swindon - increase 1% (0.14 tonnes)
• West Wiltshire - increase 8% (1.02 tonnes)

Gloucestershire

5,077 kt of end user CO2 emissions were released in Gloucestershire in 2006, a 3% (135 kt) increase on the 4,942 kt released in 2005. Of these emissions:

• 37% (1,892 kt) came from industrial & commercial sources
• 32% (1,615 kt) came from road transport
• 30% (1,536 kt) came from domestic sources
• 1% (34 kt) came from land use, land use change and forestry

In 2006, total emissions were highest in Stroud, which accounted for 21% (1,089 kt) of the county total, and the lowest emissions were in Cheltenham with 13% (654 kt).

Most local authorities in Gloucestershire showed little change in their total emissions between 2005 and 2006, all recording small increases the most significant being in Tewksbury:

• Cheltenham - increase 3% (18 kt)
• Forest of Dean - increase 2% (14 kt)
• Gloucester - increase 2% (13 kt)
• Cotswold - increase 0.3% (3 kt)
• Tewksbury - increase 5% (46 kt)
• Stroud - increase 4% (40 kt)

A total of 8.77 tonnes of CO2 were released per capita in Gloucestershire in 2006, 2% (0.18 tonnes) higher than the 8.59 tonnes for 2005. This was 6% (0.5 tonnes) higher than the South West average.

With 13.20 tonnes per capita, emissions were highest in Tewksbury - 51% (4.43 tonnes) higher than the Gloucestershire average and 60% (4.93 tonnes) higher than the South West average. The lowest per capita emissions were found in Cheltenham with 5.87 tonnes - 33% (2.9 tonnes) lower than the Gloucestershire average and 29% (2.4 tonnes) lower than the South West average.

All local authorities showed little change in their per capita emissions between 2005 and 2006, with all recording slight increases:

• Cheltenham - increase 3% (0.17 tonnes)
• Gloucester - increase 0.2% (0.01 tonnes)
• Forest of Dean - increase 1% (0.1 tonnes)
• Stroud - increase 4% (0.34 tonnes)
• Cotswold - increase 0.2% (0.02 tonnes)
• Tewksbury - increase 4% (0.53 tonnes)

Former Avon

8,317 kt of end user CO2 emissions were released in the Former Avonin 2006, a 3% (263 kt) increase on the 8,054 kt released in 2005. Of these emissions:

• 45% (3,702 kt) came from industrial & commercial sources
• 29% (2,429 kt) came from domestic sources
• 25% (2,099 kt) came from road transport
• 1% (87 kt) came from land use, land use change and forestry

In 2006, total emissions were highest in South Gloucestershire, which accounted for 41% (3,383 kt) of the county total, and the lowest emissions were in Bath & North East Somerset with 13% (1,072 kt).

Most local authorities in the Former Avon area showed little change in their total emissions between 2005 and 2006, with the exception of South Gloucestershire:

• Bath & North East Somerset - decrease 2% (20 kt)
• Bristol City - decrease 6% (154 kt)
• North Somerset - increase 0.8% (13 kt)
• South Gloucestershire - increase 14% (422 kt)

A total of 7.98 tonnes of CO2 were released per capita in the Former Avon area in 2006, 0.6% (0.05 tonnes) higher than the 7.93 tonnes for 2005. This was almost 4% (0.29 tonnes) lower than the South West average.

With 13.30 tonnes per capita, emissions were highest in South Gloucestershire - 67% (5.32 tonnes) higher than the Former Avon average and 61% (5.03 tonnes) higher than the South West average. The lowest per capita emissions were found in Bristol City with 5.62 tonnes - 30% (2.36 tonnes) lower than the Former Avon average and 32% (2.65 tonnes) lower than the South West average.

All local authorities showed little change in their per capita emissions between 2005 and 2006, with all but South Gloucestershire recording slight decreases:

• Bristol City - decrease 9% (0.55 tonnes)
• Bath & North East Somerset - decrease 3% (0.18 tonnes)
• North Somerset - decrease 2% (0.18 tonnes)
• South Gloucestershire - increase 11% (1.37 tonnes)

• Defra greenhouse gas emissions 2008
• Emissions of carbon dioxide for local authority areas