Member Article

'Carbon map' reveals impact of business

A new UK “carbon map” has revealed that businesses account for more than half of carbon emissions in some urban areas. The Carbon Trust has today published a map illustrating the CO2 emissions released by businesses in 33 towns and cities across the UK.

The new figures also include the percentage of carbon dioxide emissions generated by business activity in each town or city. According to the Carbon Trust, business in the UK is responsible for approximately 40 per cent of carbon emissions. Of the areas surveyed, Greater London emerged as the city with the highest overall volume of CO2 emissions (50,754,000 tonnes) with Aberystwyth the lowest at 696,000 tonnes.

The towns where businesses had the most impact were Leicester, Norwich and Sheffield, with businesses responsible for 55% of carbon emissions. The lowest proportion was Newry in Northern Ireland, with businesses only producing 26% of the emissions. Of the towns and cities in the North East, only Newcastle is detailed on the map, and follows the national average of 40%.

Tom Delay, Chief Executive of the Carbon Trust, said: “Business has a critical role to play in tackling climate change as it is responsible for approximately 40 per cent of CO2 emissions in the UK and poor energy efficiency costs business an estimated £2 billion annually. Implementing straightforward energy saving measures in the workplace could reduce energy bills by up to 20 per cent, enhance their reputation and drastically cut their carbon footprint.”

The carbon map was designed so cities could better analyse their overall carbon footprint and identify areas where more efforts can be made. To see the map, which has detailed regional information, visit the Carbon Trust microsite at www.carbonmap.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .