Estimating greenhouse gas emissions
UK emissions estimates are derived from the UK Greenhouse Gas Inventory (UK GHG Inventory), where all GHG emissions from anthropogenic sources in the UK are individually estimated by sector and fuel type.
The UK GHG Inventory National Statistics User Guide provides a simple guide to the origins and use of data in the compilation of the UK GHG Inventory, which underpins both the National Statistics publication and the UK's other international and national reporting requirements for greenhouse gases.
Factsheets for each National Communication sector, reported on within the UK’s 1990-2009 GHG Inventory, provide a snapshot of historic emissions, sources of emissions and datasets, methodology, uncertainties, improvements and projections.
These UK emissions statistics are labelled as “estimates” so as to make it clear that there are still certain levels of uncertainties associated with them. However, it is important to note that trends over time are likely to be much more reliable.
Emissions reporting
GHG statistical publications are prepared in accordance with the rules of the UK Statistics Authority: Code of Practice for Official Statistics, and carry the National Statistics logo. More information on the implications of this label is provided on the Statistics governance page.
The revisions policy for DECC’s UK emissions statistics is set out in this document: UK Greenhouse Gas Emissions Statistics: Revisions Policy.
The UK has both international (Kyoto Protocol) and domestic (UK Climate Change Act) targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Details of the UK’s performance against these emissions targets can be found on the Emissions targets page.
The Related statistics published by other government bodies page provides information on different approaches for reporting UK greenhouse gas emissions.
Greenhouse Gases
The inventory covers the basket of six greenhouse gases of which Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most widely known gas contributing to global warming. The other gases included as defined by the Kyoto Protocol are methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulphur hexafluoride.
In reporting greenhouse gas emissions, the emission units are presented as ‘carbon dioxide equivalent’. This is in line with international reporting and carbon trading protocols. This is the equivalent amount (or weight) of carbon dioxide that would be emitted into the atmosphere to produce the same estimated radiative forcing (the extent to which a given concentration of a greenhouse gas raises global average temperature) of another gas. This warming influence of gases is known as global warming potential (GWP).
List of greenhouse gases with corresponding GWP
Frequently Asked Questions
A Frequently Asked Questions document on UK emissions statistics covers the National Statistics publications, emissions statistics inventory sectors and methodology:
UK emissions statistics: Frequently Asked Questions
Further information
Please email the Climate Change Statistics Inbox if you have any questions or comments about the information on this page.
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