Carbon dioxide

•  A total of 513,216 kt of CO₂ was emitted in the UK in 2007. The South East had the highest end user CO₂ emissions, with almost 12% of the UK total, whilst Northern Ireland had the lowest with just over 3%.
• 40,766 kt of end user CO₂ emissions came from the South West, accounting for 8% of the UK total and the 6th lowest recorded by a region.
• Per capita, a total of 8.4 tonnes of CO₂ was emitted per resident in the UK. In the South West, a total of 7.9 tonnes were emitted per resident.
• In the South West, 38% (15,360 kt) of end user emissions were attributed to the industrial & commercial sector, 30% (12,238 kt) to the domestic sector, 30% (12,009 kt) to road transport and 3% (924 kt) to land use, land use change and forestry.
• Devon had the highest proportion of the South West's total end user carbon dioxide emissions, with 14.7% (5,921 kt) of the region's total of 40,094kt. This was closely followed by Somerset area with just under 12.4% ( 4,970 kt).
• Torbay had the lowest proportion of end user CO₂ emissions, with 1.67% ( 671kt) of the regional total.
• From 2005 -2007, total emissions decreased in all counties within the region with the exception of Wiltshire, which experienced a increase of 3.2% ( 195kt).
• The largest per capita emissions decrease between 2005 and 2007 was seen in Devon with an average reduction of just over 7%.

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 (DECC, 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 2007 (Decc, 2009). There have been amendments to the figures given in 2005 and 2006 so that the figures are directly comparable to 2007 figures. This has altered some of the previous figures available. The changes vary from negligible to significant (North Cornwall and Mendip Councils) 

Total emissions

A total of 513,216 kt of CO₂ was emitted in the UK in 2007. The South East had the highest end user CO₂ emissions, with almost 12% of the UK total, whilst Northern Ireland had the lowest with just over 3%. 40,766 kt of end user CO2 emissions came from the South West, accounting for 8% of the UK total and the 6th lowest recorded by a region.

Per capita, a total of 8.4 tonnes of CO₂ was emitted per resident in the UK. Per capita emissions were highest in the North East with 12.6 tonnes and lowest in Greater London with 6.0 tonnes. In the South West, a total of 7.9 tonnes were emitted per resident. This was almost 7% (0.5 tonnes) lower than the UK average and the 5th lowest recorded by a region.

Source of emissions

In the UK, 45% (232,945 kt) of end-user emissions assigned to local authority areas were attributed to the industrial and commercial sector, 28% (145,725 kt) to the domestic sector, and 27% (136,361 kt) to road transport. A further -1,815 kt of CO₂ emissions were attributed to land use, land use change and forestry.

In the South West, 38% (15,360 kt) of end user emissions were attributed to the industrial & commercial sector, 30% (12,238 kt) to the domestic sector, 30% (12,009 kt) to road transport and 3% (924 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 14.7% (5,921 kt) of the region's total of 40,094kt. This was closely followed by Somerset area with just under 12.4% ( 4,970 kt).

Torbay had the lowest proportion, with 1.67% ( 671kt) of the regional total.

From 2005 -2007, total emissions decreased in all counties within the region with the exception of Wiltshire, which experienced a increase of 3.2% ( 195kt).

A summary of end user CO₂ emissions in the South West by Counties and unitary authorities in 2007:

• Industrial & commercial CO₂ emissions were highest in Wiltshire, with 14.02 % (2,153 kt) of the regional total (15,360 kt) and lowest in Torbay with 1.44% (211kt)

• Domestic CO₂ emissions were highest in Devon, with 14.5 % (1,779 kt) of the regional total (12,237 kt) and lowest in Torbay with 2.38% (292 kt)

• Road transport CO₂ emissions were highest in Devon, with 15.7 % (1,907 kt) of the regional total (12,116 kt) and lowest in Torbay with just under 1.3% (155 kt)

• Land use, land use change and forestry CO₂ emissions were highest in Devon, with 28% (297 kt) of the regional total (1,052 kt) and lowest in Bournemouth with 28% (297 kt)

Per capita emissions

Per capita emissions in the South West were highest in Wiltshire, with 10.1 tonnes. This was 27% (2.2 tonnes) higher than the regional average of 7.9 tonnes and 27% (1.7 tonnes) higher than the UK average.

Per capita emissions were lowest in Dorset, with 6.82 tonnes. This was 12% (0.9 tonnes) lower than the South West average and 12% (1.4 tonnes) lower than the UK average.

Per capita emissions decreased between 2005 and 2007. Devon showed the biggest average reduction of just over 7%.

South West local authorities

Total emissions

South Gloucestershire had the highest total end user CO₂ emissions in 2007 with 2,667 kt or 6.5% of the South West total of 40,766 kt. This was the 16th highest emissions recorded by a local authority in the UK and only slightly higher than  the City of Bristol with 2,318 kt which had the second highest emissions in the region.

The Isles of Scilly had the lowest total end user CO₂ emissions in 2007, with just 13 kt this was the lowest recorded by a local authority in the UK.

Between 2005 and 2007, total end user CO₂ emissions increased in 6 of the 45 local authorities in the South West, the most significant increase being in West Wiltshire (12%). The remaining 39 local authorities in the region showed decreases in emissions, the most significant being in Exeter (22.4%).

Per capita emissions

West Wiltshire had the highest per capita emissions in the South West, with 14.4 tonnes. This was the 62^nd highest recorded by a local authority - significantly lower than the City of London which recorded 201.1 tonnes per capita.

Weymouth & Portland had the lowest per capita emissions in the South West, with 4.6 tonnes. This was the joint 14^th lowest recorded by a local authority in the UK.

Between 2005 and 2007, per capita emissions increased in 3 of the 45 local authorities in the South West, the most significant increase being in West Wiltshire (-11%). The remaining 42 local authorities in the region showed to be in decline. The most significant per capita emission reduction was in Exeter (+26.1%).

Cornwall

3,964 kt of end user CO₂ was released in Cornwall in 2007, 3% (118 kt) lower than the 4,232 kt released in 2005. Of these emissions:

• 36% (1,445 kt) came from industrial & commercial sources

• 32% (1,264 kt) came from domestic sources

• 27% (1,069 kt) came from road transport

• 4% (184 kt) came from land use, land use change & forestry

In 2007, 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% (13 kt) of the county total.

Emissions in all local authorities showed little change in total emissions between 2005 and 2007:

• Isles of Scilly - decrease of 0.46 kt

• Restormel - decrease of 65.32 kt

• Penwith – decrease of 8.71 kt

• Caradon - decrease of 4.94 kt

• Carrick - decrease of 13.08 kt

• Kerrier – decrease of 5.87 kt

• North Cornwall - decrease of 20.15 kt

An average total of 7.2 tonnes of CO₂ were released per capita in Cornwall in 2007, a slight decrease on the 7.54 tonnes for 2005 but still below the South West average of 7.9 tonnes.

With 9.8 tonnes per capita, emissions were highest in North Cornwall, 36% (2.6 tonnes) higher than the county average. The lowest per capita emissions were found in Penwith, with 5.5 tonnes, 24% (1.7 tonnes) lower than the county average.

Per capita emissions showed little change on 2005:

• Isles of Scilly - decrease by 3.3% (0.22 tonnes)

• Penwith - decrease by 3.6% (0.21 tonnes)

• Kerrier - decrease by 3.1% (0.19 tonnes)

• Restormel - decrease by 8.1% (0.82 tonnes)

• Carrick - decrease by 4.1% (0.28 tonnes)

• Caradon - decrease by 2.7% (0.2 tonnes)

• North Cornwall - decrease by 4.3% (0.44 tonnes)

Devon

8,062 kt of end user CO₂ emissions were released in Devon in 2007, 5% (419 kt) lower than the 8,481.37 kt released in 2005. Of these emissions:

• 34% (2,786 kt) came from industrial & commercial sources

• 32% (2,569 kt) came from domestic sources

• 30% (2,403 kt) came from road transport

• 4% (302 kt) came from land use, land use change & forestry

In 2007 total emissions were highest in Plymouth, which accounted for 18% (1,470 kt) of the county total, and were lowest in Torridge with 5% of the county total (430 kt).

Emissions in all of Devon's local authorities showed little change in total emissions between 2005 and 2007, with the exception of Exeter which showed a decrease of over a quarter:

• Torridge - decrease by 4.42% (19 kt)

• Torbay - decrease by 6.77% (45 kt)

• Exeter - decrease by 28.92% (195 kt)

• Mid Devon - decrease by 2.22% (17 kt)

• East Devon - decrease by 2.27% (21 kt)

• West Devon – decrease by 2.45% (12 kt)

• North Devon - decrease by 1.63% (13 kt)

• South Hams - decrease by 5.39% (45 kt)

• Teignbridge - decrease by 3.08% (31 kt)

• Plymouth - decrease by 1.42% (21 kt)

A total of 7.6 tonnes of CO₂ was released per capita in Devon in 2007, a decline of 8% (0.6 kt) on the 8.2 tonnes for 2005 but still 4% (0.3 tonnes) lower than the South West average of 7.9 tonnes.

With 10.1 tonnes per capita, emissions were highest in Mid Devon - 27% (2.2 tonnes) higher than the county average (7.9t). The lowest per capita emissions were found in Torbay, with 5.0 tonnes - 36% (2.9 tonnes) lower than the county average.

Per capita emissions showed little change on 2005 to 2007, with all local authorities showing declines. Again, Exeter showed the only significant change, reducing by almost a quarter:

• Torbay - decrease by 7.3% (0.4 tonnes)

• Exeter - decrease by 26.1% (1.9 tonnes)

• Torridge - decrease by 6.9% (0.5 tonnes)

• East Devon - decrease by 3.8% (0.03 tonnes)

• Teignbridge - decrease by 4.5% (0.4 tonnes)

• North Devon - decrease by 2.9% (0.3 tonnes)

• West Devon - decrease by 4.8% (0.5 tonnes)

• South Hams - decrease by 6.0% (0.6 tonnes)

• Mid Devon - decrease by 5.3% (0.6 tonnes)

• Plymouth - decrease by 3.3% (0.2 tonnes)

Somerset

4,970 kt of end user CO₂ emissions were released in Somerset in 2007, a 1% (74 kt) decrease on the 5,044 kt released in 2005. Of these emissions:

• 39% (1,933 kt) came from industrial & commercial sources

• 30% (1,505 kt) came from road transport

• 26% (1,281 kt) came from domestic sources

• 5% (251 kt) came from land use, land use change and forestry

In 2007 total emissions were highest in Sedgemoor, which accounted for 27% (1,365 kt) of the county total, and the lowest were in West Somerset with 9% (449 kt).

All local authorities in Somerset showed little change in their total emissions between 2005 and 2007, the increases were seen in Sedgemoor and West Somerset:

• Taunton Deane - decrease by 2.9% (26 kt)

• Sedgemoor - increase by 1% (13.6 kt)

• West Somerset - increase by 1.3% (5.9 kt)

• Mendip - decrease by 2.6% (26.7 kt)

• South Somerset - decrease by 3.1% (40.8 kt)

A total of 10 tonnes of CO₂ were released per capita in Somerset in 2007, a decrease of 2% (0.05 tonnes) on the 10.2 tonnes for 2005. This was 21% (2.1 tonnes) higher than the South West average.

With 12.7 tonnes per capita, emissions were highest in West Somerset - 27% (2.7 tonnes) higher than the county average and 60% (4.8 tonnes) higher than the South West average. The lowest per capita emissions were found in Taunton Deane, with 8.0 tonnes - 20% (2.0 tonnes) lower than the county average and 1.2% (0.1 tonnes) higher than the South West average.

All local authorities showed little change in their per capita emissions between 2005 and 2007, the only increase being in West Somerset:

• Taunton Deane - decrease by 4.2% (0.3 tonnes)

• Sedgemoor - decrease by 0.9% (0.1 tonnes)

• South Somerset - decrease by 4.1% (0.4 tonnes)

• Mendip - decrease by 4% (0.4 tonnes)

• West Somerset - increase by 1.0% (0.1 tonnes)

Dorset

4,713 kt of end user CO₂ emissions were released in Dorset in 2007, a 2.5 % (120 kt) decrease on the 4,833 kt released in 2005. Of these emissions:

• 37% (1,750 kt) came from domestic sources

• 35% (1,628 kt) came from industrial and commercial sources

• 27% (1,1267 kt) came from road transport

• 1% (67 kt) came from land use, land use change and forestry

In 2007, total emissions were highest in Poole, which accounted for 20% (951 kt) of the county total, and the lowest emissions were in Christchurch with 6% (307 kt).

Most local authorities in Dorset showed little change in their total emissions between 2005 and 2007, the only increase seen in Purbeck:

• East Dorset - decrease by 4.6% (28 kt)

• Purbeck – increase by 1.7% (7 kt)

• Christchurch - decrease by 2.9% (9 kt)

• Weymouth & Portland - decrease by 4.6% (14 kt)

• North Dorset - decrease by 1.7% (8 kt)

• West Dorset - decrease by 2.2% (19 kt)

• Bournemouth - decrease by 3.3% (30 kt)

• Poole - decrease by 2% (20 kt)

A total of 6.8 tonnes of CO₂ were released per capita in Dorset in 2007, 1% higher than the 7.1  tonnes for 2005. However, this was still 14% (1.1 tonnes) lower than the South West average.

With 9.5 tonnes per capita, emissions were highest in Purbeck - 39% (2.7 tonnes) higher than the Dorset average and 25% (1.7 tonnes) higher than the South West average. The lowest per capita emissions were found in Weymouth and Portland with 4.9 tonnes - 28% (1.9 tonnes) lower than the Dorset average and 38% (3.55 tonnes) lower than the Regional figure.

All local authorities showed little change in their per capita emissions between 2005 and 2007:

• East Dorset - decrease 5.4% (0.38 tonnes)

• Purbeck - decrease 0.8% (0.07 tonnes)

• Weymouth & Portland - decrease 5.0% (0.24 tonnes)

• Bournemouth - decrease 4.6% (0.26 tonnes)

• Christchurch - decrease 3.9% (0.27 tonnes)

• North Dorset - decrease 4.3% (0.3 tonnes)

• Poole - decrease 3.0% (0.21 tonnes)

• West Dorset - decrease 3.6% (0.32 tonnes)

Wiltshire

6,519 kt of end user CO₂ emissions were released in Wiltshire in 2007, a 2% (114 kt) increase on the 6,405 kt released in 2005. Of these emissions:

• 46% (2,989 kt) came from industrial & commercial sources

• 25% (1,618 kt) came from domestic sources

• 28% (1,813 kt) came from road transport

• 2% (99 kt) came from land use, land use change and forestry

In 2007, total emissions were highest in West Wiltshire, which accounted for 27% (1,814 kt) of the county total, and the lowest emissions were in Kennet with 10% (679 kt).

Most local authorities in Wiltshire showed little change in their total emissions between 2005 and 2007, the most significant being in West Wiltshire:

• North Wiltshire - decrease 2.5% (35 kt)

• Kennet - increase 1% (7 kt)

• Salisbury - decrease 2.1% (20 kt)

• Swindon - decrease 1.9% (33 kt)

• West Wiltshire - increase 12.0% (195 kt)

A total of 10.1 tonnes of CO₂ were released per capita in Wiltshire in 2007, 1% (0.1 tonnes) higher than the 10.0 tonnes for 2005. This was 22% (2.2 tonnes) higher than the South West average.

With 14.4 tonnes per capita, emissions were highest in West Wiltshire - 42% (4.3 tonnes) higher than the Wiltshire average and 82% (6.5 tonnes) higher than the South West average. The lowest per capita emissions were found in Kennet with 8.6 tonnes - 15% (1.5 tonnes) lower than the Wiltshire average and 8% (0.7 tonnes) higher than the South West average.

All local authorities showed little change in their per capita emissions between 2005 and 2007, with all except West Wiltshire recording slight increases:

• North Wiltshire - decrease 4.4% (0.46 tonnes)

• Kennet - decrease 0.9% (0.08 tonnes)

• Salisbury - decrease 2.4% (0.20 tonnes)

• Swindon – decrease 4.4% (0.44 tonnes)

• West Wiltshire - increase 11% (1.43 tonnes)

Gloucestershire

4,926 kt of end user CO₂ emissions were released in Gloucestershire in 2007, a 0.5% (28 kt) decrease on the 4,954 kt released in 2005. Of these emissions:

• 36% (1,783 kt) came from industrial & commercial sources

• 33% (1,627 kt) came from road transport

• 30% (1,463 kt) came from domestic sources

• 1% (54 kt) came from land use, land use change and forestry

In 2007, total emissions were highest in Stroud, which accounted for 21% (1,079 kt) of the county total, and the lowest emissions were in Cheltenham with 13% (634 kt).

Most local authorities in Gloucestershire showed little change in their total emissions between 2005 and 2007, all recording small increases the most significant being in Tewkesbury:

• Cheltenham - decrease 0.8% (5 kt)

• Forest of Dean - decrease 0.8% (5 kt)

• Gloucester - decrease 1.8% (12 kt)

• Cotswold - decrease 2.8% (24 kt)

• Tewkesbury - increase 1.1% (11 kt)

• Stroud - increase 0.8% (9 kt)

A total of 6.8 tonnes of CO₂ were released per capita in Gloucestershire in 2007, 4% (0.3 tonnes) lower than the 7.1 tonnes for 2005. This was 14% (1.1 tonnes) lower than the South West average of 7.9 tonnes.

With 12.8 tonnes per capita, emissions were highest in Tewkesbury - 53% (6 tonnes) higher than the Gloucestershire average and 62% (5.6 tonnes) higher than the South West average. The lowest per capita emissions were found in Cheltenham with 5.87 tonnes - 15% (1.2 tonnes) lower than the Gloucestershire average and 14% (0.93 tonnes) lower than the South West average.

All local authorities showed little change in their per capita emissions between 2005 and 2007, with all except Stroud increasing:

• Cheltenham - decrease by 2.2% (0.1 tonnes)

• Gloucester - decrease by 3.7% (0.2 tonnes)

• Forest of Dean - decrease by 1.0% (0.1 tonnes)

• Stroud - increase by  0.2% (0.1 tonnes)

• Cotswold - decrease by  4.2% (0.4 tonnes)

• Tewkesbury –  decrease by 4.2% (0.4 tonnes)

Former Avon

7,611 kt of end user CO₂ emissions were released in the Former Avon in 2007, a 2.7% (213 kt) decrease on the 7.824 kt released in 2005. Of these emissions:

• 46% (2,794 kt) came from industrial & commercial sources

• 30% (2,293 kt) came from domestic sources

• 31% (2,431 kt) came from road transport

• 1% (94 kt) came from land use, land use change and forestry

In 2007, total emissions were highest in South Gloucestershire, which accounted for 35% (2,667 kt) of the county total, and the lowest emissions were in Bath & North East Somerset with 13% (1,048 kt).

Most local authorities in the Former Avon area showed little change in their total emissions between 2005 and 2007, the largest difference was seen in Bristol City’s:

• Bath & North East Somerset - decrease 5.5% (61 kt)

• Bristol City - decrease 4.5% (110 kt)

• North Somerset - decrease 1.3% (20 kt)

• South Gloucestershire - decrease 0.8% (21 kt)

An average of 7.4 tonnes of CO₂ were released per capita in the Former Avon area in 2007, 6% (0.4 tonnes) lower than the 7.8 tonnes for 2005. This was almost 7% (0.5 tonnes) lower than the South West average.

With 10.4 tonnes per capita, emissions were highest in South Gloucestershire - 40% (3 tonnes) higher than the Former Avon average and 31% (2.5 tonnes) higher than the South West average. The lowest per capita emissions were found in Bristol City with 5.6 tonnes - 32% (1.8 tonnes) lower than the Former Avon average, and 41% (2.3 tonnes) lower than the South West average.

All local authorities showed little change in their per capita emissions between 2005 and 2007:

• Bristol City - decrease 7% (0.46 tonnes)

• Bath & North East Somerset - decrease 7% (0.42 tonnes)

• North Somerset - decrease 4% (0.34 tonnes)

• South Gloucestershire - decrease 2% (0.22 tonnes)

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