DEFRA launches new CO2 calculator
Wed 20 June 2007
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An online calculator that enables people to check their carbon footprints has been launched by David Miliband, the Environment Secretary.
Defra has developed the calculator, which uses government approved data, in partnership with the Energy Saving Trust and with assistance from other Government bodies, including The Climate Group.
It allows people to calculate the carbon footprint that results from their use of home energy, appliances and transport, as either individuals or entire households. The calculator then constructs a personalised plan of action, suggesting ways in which users can cut their CO2 emissions.
The software that runs the ‘engine’ will be freely available under ‘open source’ licences, allowing others to power their own calculators with it, while keeping their own branding.
At its launch, Mr Miliband said:
"Around two thirds of people are already taking action to try to limit climate change – but there is a lot of confusion about what people can do and how effective those changes actually are.
“We want to cut through that confusion. This carbon calculator will help people decide what they can do – and be sure it will make a difference. Using it, people can work out the impact of their actions and, with the tailored recommendations provided by the calculator, identify the best way to reduce their footprint. This calculator is a real innovation ... I want it to become the gold standard for calculating CO2 emissions from individuals and families.”
These comments come after recent research commissioned by Defra revealed that 94% of people in Britain now believe that climate change is a real issue, while 57% believe that its impacts are already being felt. In turn, 66% of people surveyed said they were already taking personal action to reduce emissions.
The Act on CO2 calculator is currently a public ‘trial’ or beta version, and there are plans to use feedback and suggestions from users to develop it further. Updates will be released over the coming months, and it is hoped that this will include extra features to make it even easier to use.
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