Carbon emissions
Data from the previous two years is included since COVID-19 has meant that emissions in 2020-21 were unusual and in most instances, it is more meaningful to compare Q3 in 2021-22 to Q3 in 2019-20 than to the previous year.
Total emissions in Q3 2021-22 are 4% lower than Q3 in the previous year and 20% lower than Q3 in 2019-20 (pre COVID-19).
- Emissions from energy use in Council buildings in Q3 2021-22 are 2% lower than Q3 in the previous year and 17% lower than in Q3 2019-20. This reduction has been driven by the installation of energy efficiency measures and renewable energy technology (e.g. LED lighting, heat pumps, solar PV), and by the decarbonisation of the national grid.
- Emissions from streetlights are on a downward trend as a result of LED installations. Even though emissions in Q3 2021-22 are higher than the previous quarter due to a seasonal variation, they are 10% lower than Q3 in the previous year and 34% lower than Q3 in 2019-20.
- Emissions from fuel used by the waste fleet fell in Q3 2021-22 and were 14% lower than in Q3 the previous year. Emissions have fallen in Q3 2021-22 due to the further deployment of electric refuse collection vehicles (eRCVs) replacing diesel vehicles, therefore consuming less fuel.
- Emissions from the Council’s operational fleet in Q3 2021-22 are 7% lower than Q3 in the previous year and 25% lower than Q3 in 2019-20. There is a decrease of 12% in Q3 2021-22, compared to the previous quarter. As part of the rolling replacement programme of petrol and diesel vehicles, two additional fully electric vans have been acquired for Pest Control and two mopeds have replaced cars, which use less fuel.
- Business travel emissions remain lower than pre COVID-19 levels. Since the easing of restrictions in Q1 2020-21, we have seen a small increase in business travel as office working patterns resume. Emissions from business travel in Q3 of 2021-22 are 40% higher than Q3 in the previous year but 49% lower than Q3 in 2019-20. Sixteen flights were taken in Q3 2021-22 by Children’s Services to fulfil statutory responsibilities. No other alternative modes of transport were appropriate. Compared to the previous quarter, travel by rail, taxis and car clubs were slightly higher, whereas staff business travel by car (grey fleet) reduced by 10% from Q2 to Q3. 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.