DEFRA Launch New CO2 Calculator

1 August, 2007

An online calculator that enables people to check their carbon footprints has been launched by Defra. The calculator uses government approved data, developed 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 ofaction, suggesting ways in which users can cut their CO2 emissions.

At its launch, then environment secretary David 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 becomethe 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.

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