Measuring and Reducing Carbon Emissions from Consumption of Goods and Services: The City of Leicester

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that arise from the consumption of goods and services in cities can act as a significant contributor to climate change. A study conducted by the global C40 cities network found that in 80% of the cities examined, consumption-based emissions exceeded 50% of the city’s total emissions.

Despite this, climate change governance and reporting typically follows a territorial-based approach, focussing upon emissions generated within a location. The UK follows this pattern, and for the City of Leicester, the quantified emissions in the city’s climate change strategy reflect scopes 1 and 2 (emissions directly produced in Leicester or arising from grid electricity used in the city).

This report responds to a request from Leicester City Council to conduct desk-based research and modelling to help reduce ‘scope 3’ emissions from consumption of goods and services in Leicester by:

1. Calculating the consumption-based carbon emissions of the City of Leicester.
2. Proposing high-priority actions to reduce those emissions.