UK greenhouse-gases fall 2.4% in 2013

Greenhouse-gas emissions (GHGs) in the UK were 2.4% lower in 2013 than in 2012, according to government statistics published today. The largest fall in emissions in 2013 was in the energy sector. Its emitted 6.8% (13.8 MtCO2e) less GHGs in 2013 compared with 2012, the energy and climate department (Decc) reports.
The reduction in the energy sector was largely due to a change in the fuel mix at power stations for electricity generation, with less coal and gas being used. Total fuel used for electricity generation has also decreased, Decc says. It reports that GHGs from power stations accounted for just over a quarter (147.9 MtCO2e) of the UK’s total emissions in 2013.
The waste management sector also saw it emissions fall significantly in 2013. Its emissions were down by 14.1% (3.7 MtCO2e) due to a reduction in emissions from landfill waste, says Decc. Carbon dioxide emissions were 1.8% lower in 2013 than the previous year, but were still the predominant GHG, accounting for 82% of all UK emissions.
CRS’s Head of Environment Richard Ball commented’ These new figures show that growing GHG emissions are not evitable, sectors are looking at their practices and findings ways to save money and reduce their environmental impact. Fifteen years ago Carbon Reduction and Waste Minimisation where on the fringes of good business practices, now they are part of main stream thinking, highlighting what can be achieved’  Corporate Risk Systems offer environmental courses at all levels and our unique IEMA Associate  Certificate in Environmental Management includes how to develop Carbon reduction and adaption within an organisation.
Further statistics on the UK’s progress against its emissions reduction targets will be published once details are finalised, Decc added.