ZEMCH 2019 International Conference Proceedings April.2020 | Page 230
However, there were limitations to the use of the [2] data source. The technical report
accompanying the data sets also produced figures identifying the national and geographical estimated
error in each sector. The majority of data sets were found to have an estimated error below 15% in each
of these categories (Ricardo Energy and Environment for BEIS, 2018).
Grid intensity data were also explored from reports published by BEIS. Data was collected from
numerous years in order to identify how grid emissions intensity has changed. This enabled analysis
to be completed in regard to the domestic sector and changes in efficiency of the grid over time.
Furthermore, it enabled exploration of whether emissions reductions are attributable to absolute
reductions in electricity use or broader reductions in grid emissions intensity.
Further sources were explored to enable analysis in regard to population and population density
within local authorities. The office of national statistics (ONS) which also provided this in the form of
census data. The Office of National Statistics have the “Guidelines for Measuring Statistical Quality,”
which ensures the data are reliable and accurate [4]. However, the limitations of census data include
the frequency of data collection. This is especially an issue within changing (growing/shrinking) cities
such as London where the population is particularly dynamic [5]. Further data collected included gross
disposable household income (GDHI) in UK local authorities. This refers to the property income,
primary and secondary income and social benefits available to a household after taxes (ONS, 2018).
Regression analysis was completed using Microsoft Excel version 16.16.6. This allowed for analysis
of CO 2 emission reductions and potential emissions drivers through identifying the statistical significance
of variables (p values) which outlined whether the relationships found are down to chance or whether
the event is likely to occur again. A confidence interval was chosen of 95% (p value < 0.05) to identify
correlation between variables that is statistically significant.
3. Results
Examining domestic emissions reductions in UK local authorities, the North West region showed
the greatest emissions reduction of 35%. All regions (except Northern Ireland) across the UK showed
average emissions reductions across local authorities between 30‐36%. The only region to not show this
level of reductions was Northern Ireland which only achieved an average of 23% domestic emissions
reduction in its local authorities.
Table 2. Emission levels and reductions across major UK region Local Authorities 1 , Population 2 , Average 3 ,
Standard Deviation 4
Region
# of Pop 2 Total Emissions Avg 3 total Std Dev 4 2016 Sectoral Emission across LAs (ktCO2 2 )
LAs (000’s) Emissions Reductions Emissions of 2016 with average changes between 2005‐2016 in
2016 2005‐2016 across local total parentheses
authorities emissions in 2016 across UK
1
(ktCO 2 )
(ktCO 2 )
England
329
Wales
Scotland
N. Ireland
292249
30.7%
894
537
22 3313 24,866 24.5% 1130 1432.89
32 5405 25,196 39.3% 787 848.799
11
55288
1862
0-10%
12,427
22.8%
10- 20%
1130
20-30%
338.917
30-40%
Industrial &
Domestic Transport
107,653 84,285 106,528
(‐41.6%) (‐32.9%) (‐7.3%)
14,054.6 5,178.1 6,387.6
(‐38.8%) (‐34.0%) (‐3.6%)
13,280.9 9,322.8 10,872.2
(‐36.6%) (‐35.3%) (‐3.4%)
4,680 3,413.3 4135.2
(‐34.3%) (‐22.7%) (‐8.2%)
Commercial
<40% - blue
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