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Consumption-based emissions reporting
New Energy and Climate Change Committee inquiry on the potential for a consumption-based approach to emissions reporting.
13 September 2011
A new inquiry launched by the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee will examine the case for a consumption based approach to emissions reporting. At present emissions are reported using a production-based approach, which only takes account of emissions physically produced within a given territory. Whilst under the current approach UK green house gas emission have decreased since 1990, in line with commitments under the Kyoto protocol, it is expected that a consumption-based approach would show emissions to have increased.
A consumption based approach to reporting would take into account embedded carbon, taking greater account of the UK’s role in emissions production through outsourcing of manufacturing and the importing of goods. The inquiry will examine whether there is a case for consumption-based emissions reporting in the UK, the feasibility of this and the international implications. Interested parties are invited to submit evidence to the Committee on the following points:
- How do assessments of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions differ when measured on a consumption rather than a production basis?
- Is it possible to develop a robust methodology for measuring emissions on a consumption rather than production basis and what are the challenges that need to be overcome to deliver this?
- What are the benefits and disadvantages associated with taking a consumption-based rather than production-based approach to greenhouse gas emissions accounting?
- Is there any evidence of industry relocating from the UK to other countries as a result of UK climate change policy?
- Would it be (a) desirable and (b) practicable for the UK to adopt emissions reduction targets on a consumption rather than production basis?
- What are the potential implications at the international level of the UK adopting a consumption- rather than production-based approach to greenhouse gas emissions accounting?
- Are there any other issues relating to consumption-based emissions reporting that you think the Committee should be aware of?
