Are you wondering what the average carbon footprint in the UK is? Here we breakdown the stats, how things have changed and what we can expect to reach net zero.
Are you curious to know what the average carbon footprint by household is in the UK?
Here we will break down the latest estimates, how things have changed over the last few decades and how things are projected to change as we make our way to the all-important net zero targets of 2050.
But first things first...
What is a Carbon Footprint?
A carbon footprint is simply defined as the amount of carbon dioxide emitted as a result of the consumption of fossil fuels by an individual, organisation or household.
Often, you will also see the term CO2e used, which means Carbon Dioxide equivalent and is a way of describing different greenhouse gases in an interchangeable way.
For example, CO2e describes the amount of carbon dioxide that would have a similar impact.
Average Carbon Footprint in the UK
Currently, the most recent data from 2014 suggests that the average carbon footprint per household in the UK, per year, is 8.1 tonnes of CO2.
While this is still a considerable way off from the net zero (carbon neutral) goal of 2050, the positive news is that our average consumption has decreased since 1990.
In fact, the average household has decreased its carbon emissions by around 4.7 tonnes of CO2 since 1990.
Next step towards low-carbon economy requires 57% emissions reduction by 2030.
Of course, the UK government agreed to become carbon neutral by 2050 and so over the next few decades, we can expect to see some big reforms to the way we heat our homes and travel.
Here is an infographic detailing the latest statistics, along with the predictions of how carbon emissions per household are targeted to drop by 2030 and beyond:
What is the Fifth Carbon Budget?
The Commission on Climate Change (CCC) is an independent, statutory body established under the Climate Change Act 2008.
The aim of the body is to advise the UK government on current greenhouse gas emissions targets and progress and to prepare and adapt to the impact of climate change.
The Fifth Carbon Budget was released in November 2015 and covers UK emissions reductions in the period 2028 to 2032.
In short, the report makes it clear that the government must endeavour to reduce emissions made by UK households by 3.7 metric tonnes by 2030, meaning that the average home would be producing 4.5 tonnes of CO2 annually instead of the current average of 8.1 tonnes.
The aim of this reduction is to help keep us on track to the 80% UK-wide reduction in emissions by 2050 required to help avoid a climate catastrophe.
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How will these carbon reductions by 2030 be made?
The fifth carbon budget makes a clear target that the UK government should aim to reduce carbon emissions in the UK to an average of 57% below 1990 levels.
Since UK households are responsible for around 40% of these annual emissions, major changes are set to be executed by the government, which will change how we live our lives.
These are just some of the major ways the report sets out on how households can help with achieving that 2030 target:
Home Heating
At present, around 87% of UK households use natural gas to heat their homes, typically with a gas boiler that is the current heat source in an estimated 22 million homes.
Therefore, in order to reach the carbon emission reduction of 2030, several recommendations have been made on how homes could adapt.
For example, the report suggests that 1 in 7 homes will need to adopt a low-carbon heating solution and provides a range of options.
This includes 1 in 20 homes with a gas boiler joining a heat network, which would result in saving 2 tonnes of CO2 per year.
It also proposes that 1 in 4 homes currently use oil heating, and 1 in 3 homes use electric heating by switching to a heat pump, saving 3.2 tonnes of CO2 per year and 0.8 tonnes of CO2 per year respectively.
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Domestic Electricity Generation
At present, electricity generation is not generated 100% cleanly and both renewables and fossil fuels are used.
However, the idea is that this will change over time and the majority of electricity generation in the UK will be provided by renewables like wind turbines.
When this transition is finally completed, it is estimated that Low-carbon generation could reduce emissions by 79%, saving 1.25 tonnes of CO2 per year for the average home.
Transport
It won't be a surprise to learn that our mode of transport is a significant contributor to the household carbon footprint.
The hope is that eventually, everyone will be using an electric vehicle, especially since recent changes to building regulations meant all new builds must now include an EV charger.
However, this transition will take many years, yet more efficient petrol or diesel cars could save the average household 0.9 tonnes of CO2 per year. A fully electric vehicle could save 2 tonnes per year.
The first carbon budget also makes clear that 1 in 6 homes will need to be using an electric vehicle if the UK is to stay on track to reach net zero.
Improving Home Efficiency
You may have read or seen the insulate Britain protests who actively campaign for the UK's housing stock to be upgraded to become more efficient.
The CCC also make similar recommendations, which include the likes of insulation (both roof and wall), double glazing, as well as smart heating systems.
If these improvements are made, the average household could reduce its emissions by
0.6 tonnes of CO2 per year.
These measures could also save the average gas-heated home £184 annually.
Waste Disposal & Recycling
The way we recycle and deal with waste from our households has also continued to change and improve.
By reducing and sorting waste, emissions from the average home could fall by 0.25 tonnes of CO2 per year.
Data sources:
https://www.theccc.org.uk/2015/11/26/next-step-towards-low-carbon-economy-requires-57-emissions-reduction-by-2030.
