Carbon emissions
Note: where emissions data for the latest quarter has to include some element of a best estimate, for example where accurate billing or monitoring data will become available in future periods, figures are marked as (p) for provisional; where emissions data for the past quarter is revised, on the basis of more accurate data becoming available, figures are marked as (r) for revised. As data is being verified for the whole year at the time of writing this report, figures are marked as (r) for multiple quarters.
Summary #1 Council building emissions
Emissions from energy use in Council buildings in Q2 2021-22 are 5% lower than Q2 in the previous year and 27% lower than in Q2 2019-20. This reduction has been driven by the installation of energy efficiency measures (e.g., LED lighting, heat pumps), renewable energy generation capacity (solar PV), and by the decarbonisation of the national grid. In Q2 2021/22, 3,338 tonnes of carbon were produced compared to 3,504 tonnes produced in Q2 2020/2021.
Summary #2 Streetlights emissions
Emissions from streetlights are on a downward trend as a result of LED installation. In Q2 of 2021-22 are 10% lower than Q2 in the previous year and 43% lower than Q2 in 2019-20.
The streetlights replacement programme is now complete and future changes in emissions will be due to seasonal influences. In Q2 2021/2022, streetlights produced 450 tonnes of carbon emissions, compared to 498 tonnes in Q2 the previous year.
Summary #3 Biffa waste fleet emissions
Emissions from the waste fleet remained relatively consistent between Q1 2019-20 and Q1 2021-22. Emissions fell in Q2 2021-22 and were 11% lower than in Q2 the previous year.
Emissions have fallen in Q2 2021-22 due to the ongoing deployment of electric refuse collection vehicles (eRCVs). In Q2 in 2021/2022, the Biffa waste fleet produced 685 tonnes of carbon, compared to 771 tonnes in Q2 in 2020/21.
Summary #4 Operational fleet emissions
At 171 tonnes of CO2 in Q2 2021/22, emissions from the Council’s operational fleet in Q2 2021-22 are 1% lower than Q2 in the previous year and 19% lower than Q2 in 2019-20. There is a small increase of 4% in Q2 2021-22, when compared to the previous quarter. The fleet includes short term hires to address operational needs. During the summer months there was an increase in activity particularly around events, for example the Thank You Manchester Weekender, Manchester Pride Festival, Parklife and the Great Manchester Run. Emissions from business travel by council officers and elected members reduced significantly throughout 2020-21 due to COVID-19 and the changes it created to working patterns, eg online meetings.
Summary #5 Business travel emissions
Business travel emissions remain lower than pre COVID-19 levels. There is a small increase over the last 18 months as office working patterns resume.
Emissions from business travel in Q2 of 2021-22 (90 tonnes) are 24% higher than Q2 in the previous year but 55% lower than Q2 in 2019-20 (202 tonnes). No flights were taken in Q2 2021-22, however travel by rail and by car (staff mileage in their own vehicles, taxis and car clubs) is slightly higher than last quarter.
Whilst staff continue to utilise virtual meetings, there has been an increase in the number of face-to-face meetings and events attended by staff and members. The Council’s new Sustainable Staff Travel Policy, which was approved by Personnel Committee on the 15 December 2021, will encourage staff to choose more sustainable transport options for business travel, such as walking and cycling for short journey’s and utilising public transport where possible as opposed to using taxis and own vehicles.
Total emissions
The Council’s total emissions reflect a downwards trend, alongside expected seasonal trends. Total emissions in Q2 2021-22 are 6% lower than Q2 in the previous year and 28% lower than Q2 in 2019-20 (pre COVID-19). In Q2 2021/22, 4,734 tonnes of carbon emissions were produced, compared to the 5,018 tonnes produced the previous year.