J1: Carbon footprint and consumer buying choices
Short Description
This indicator tracks the carbon footprint of England’s residents, by showing changes in the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with final demand for goods and services in England. Unlike indicator A2 which measures emissions on a territorial basis, this indicator includes GHG emissions embedded within goods and services consumed in England wherever these emissions arise across the globe. The indicator will show how consumer preferences and behaviour are impacting on the overall national carbon footprint.
Readiness and links to data
This indicator is not available for reporting in 2024 in a finalised form. An interim indicator is presented here that shows consumption-based GHG emissions in England. Data underpinning this metric, as well as methodology and accompanying data are available in the UK and England's carbon footprint statistical notice.
This interim indicator, together with additional supporting methodology is also included within the Resources and waste strategy: Monitoring Progress report. Further data may be available in the future tracking an index of carbon emissions impacts due to consumer buying choices.
Indicator components
Figure J1: Consumption based greenhouse gas emissions in England, 2001 to 2020
Table J1: Consumption based greenhouse gas emissions in England, 2001 to 2020
| Year | Direct household emissions of GHGs | GHGs embedded in imported goods and services to England | GHGs from England produced goods and services consumed by England's residents |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 132.79 | 274.46 | 307.28 |
| 2002 | 132.08 | 316.98 | 300.18 |
| 2003 | 131.67 | 313.43 | 305.42 |
| 2004 | 134.51 | 363.48 | 305.28 |
| 2005 | 130.51 | 356.10 | 303.78 |
| 2006 | 127.85 | 363.40 | 299.80 |
| 2007 | 125.46 | 377.94 | 298.61 |
| 2008 | 123.33 | 334.01 | 283.05 |
| 2009 | 122.23 | 286.96 | 258.38 |
| 2010 | 129.44 | 285.04 | 260.63 |
| 2011 | 113.83 | 292.12 | 244.85 |
| 2012 | 119.01 | 304.01 | 257.22 |
| 2013 | 121.61 | 301.33 | 249.16 |
| 2014 | 110.54 | 309.19 | 240.74 |
| 2015 | 113.64 | 305.17 | 232.74 |
| 2016 | 116.76 | 250.33 | 215.81 |
| 2017 | 116.30 | 249.15 | 200.24 |
| 2018 | 118.25 | 260.86 | 199.21 |
| 2019 | 115.03 | 255.57 | 193.32 |
| 2020 | 102.99 | 229.83 | 157.24 |
Trend description for J1
England’s carbon footprint (carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxides) was estimated to be equivalent to 490 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (MtCO2e) in 2020, a 31% reduction on levels in 2001 (714 MtCO2e). GHGs emitted directly by households (making up 21% of the footprint in 2020) were 22% lower in 2020 than in 2001. Total consumption-based emissions have been on a downward trajectory since 2004: the greatest contribution to this trend has come from the goods and services produced in England and consumed here; but emissions embedded in imports have also reduced substantially (48% and 37% respectively from the 2004 peak). As a proportion of total emissions in 2020, GHGs emitted overseas in the production of goods and services consumed in England made up 47% of the total footprint.
Assessment of change
The interim indicator for J1 ‘Consumption based greenhouse gas emissions in England’ was assessed. This showed an improvement in the total emissions of consumption-based GHGs over the short, medium and long-term time periods. This assessment does not consider whether any improvement is on a sufficient scale for meeting targets.
Change since 2018 has also been assessed, showing an improvement. However, this is based on only 3 data points so should be considered as indicative and not evidence of a clear trend.
Further information on this assessment, along with details on the methodology, is provided in the Assessment background page. Summaries by 25 Year Environment Plan goal and information on indicator links are presented in the Assessment results pages.
Table J1: Assessment of change
| Component | Subcomponent | Period | Date range | Percentage change | Smoothing function | Assessment of change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J1 | Total | Short term | 2014 to 2019 | -4.33 | Loess | Improvement |
| J1 | Total | Medium term | 2009 to 2019 | -9.84 | Loess | Improvement |
| J1 | Total | Long term | 2001 to 2019 | -16.65 | Loess | Improvement |
Note that assessment categories were assigned based on smoothed data, so percentage change figures in Table J1 may differ from unsmoothed values quoted elsewhere. Percentage change refers to the difference seen between the first and last years in the specified date range.