ZEMCH 2019 International Conference Proceedings April.2020 | Page 228
Reducing GHGs from UK Households ‐ An
Examination of Local Authority‐Level Data
Thomas Butt 1, Eugene Mohareb 1,* and Arman Hashemi 2
School of Construction Management & Engineering, University of Reading, Reading, UK, RG6 6DF
School of Environment and Technology, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK, BN2 4GJ
* Correspondence: [email protected]
1
2
Abstract: As the threat of irreversible climate change has increased over time, the UK has focused on reducing
its carbon emission levels. International treaties such as the Kyoto Protocol have informed national targets,
directing the UK in reducing its climate impact. In order to achieve this an understanding of the factors that affect
carbon emission reductions is vital. Identifying what dictates the success of UK local authorities in reducing their
carbon emissions addresses this problem. The research uses secondary data regarding local authorities’ carbon
emissions and regression analyses to explore the key factors affecting domestic emission levels over time. The
research goes into further detail than existing literature through exploring sources of emissions across different
sectors and analysing emissions reductions specifically between 2005‐2016. Substantial and relatively consistent
domestic emissions reductions were achieved in this time frame, exceeding the reductions provided by
decarbonisation of the electricity grid. Standard deviations of 3% were observed in this sector, compared with
12% from Industrial & Commercial emissions. While population density demonstrated a statistically significant
correlation with domestic GHG reductions, gross disposable household income was not found to be significant;
however, it is a relevant indicator of total emissions levels in 2016. Through identifying these factors, suggestions
to local government are made such as the implementation of region‐specific strategies, tailoring these to the exact
characteristics of a local authority. Furthermore, consideration of population density in conjunction with
domestic and urban planning will allow for future emissions reductions to occur across the UK
Keywords: Greenhouse Gas Mitigation; Low‐carbon Housing; Domestic Sector; United Kingdom;
Carbon Strategy; Local Authorities
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ZEMCH 2019 International Conference l Seoul, Korea