21/02/2006

Emissions estimates map carbon creation

The Carbon Trust has revealed London as among the least energy efficient places in the UK.

London produces 9.46 million tones of carbon a year which is around 1.09 tonnes per capita, this compared with around 0.42 per capita in the lowest areas.

The estimates are based on "human activity" which encompasses emissions produced whilst at home or in the office, and those emitted through the use of transport, through heavy industry, or through general land use.

The map based on 2003 figures, the most recent figures available, revealed the volumes of carbon emitted by business in particular could be cut.

Simple measures such as turning off lights when they are not needed can cut lighting bills by up to 15%. One tonne of carbon is equivalent to leaving ten twin fluorescent lights on for eight hours a day. While reducing the heating temperature in an office by just 1°C could save up to 30 tonnes of carbon a year.

The mapping of carbon creation by AEA Environment (Netcen), 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, was used to calculate energy use per square kilometre.

(SP/GB)

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