Local Government Association

Employers’ Secretary, Naomi Cooke

18 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3HZ

Telephone 020 7664 3000 

e-mail: [email protected]

Employees’ Secretary

The land use, land-use change and forestry (referred to as ‘land use’ for brevity), and agriculture sectors are a major contributor to UK greenhouse gas emissions. In 2018, emissions from land use were 12.8 MtCO2e, equating to two per cent of the total, due to playing a significant role in balancing emissions through carbon sequestration and carbon sinks.

We offer councils a wide range of support on children's services improvement on a free-of-charge or subsidised basis.

Waste accounted for five per cent of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, with significant reductions in emissions from waste being due to changing waste disposal practices.

Domestic transport was responsible for 22 per cent of UK greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, making it the highest emitting sector. The amount of road traffic increased by six per cent compared with 2008 figures, and ownership of sports utility vehicles (SUVs) rose to 25 per cent of the market share, increasing emissions from cars.

Direct emissions from buildings accounted for 17 per cent of UK greenhouse gas emissions in 2019. The sector needs to rapidly decarbonise both the construction and operation of buildings.

Electricity generation is responsible for 15 per cent of UK greenhouse gas emissions. Although emissions from electricity have fallen due to a larger proportion of the UK’s energy coming from renewables, further development of low-carbon energy infrastructure is required.

Take a look at the key findings of the Sustainability in Council Services Innovation Lab.