A lack of standardisation in the UK highways sector has led to highly fragmented approaches to carbon measurement, accounting and reduction. 

In order to tackle the issue, a consistent, rigorous and detailed method of
measuring carbon emissions must be established by all local highway authorities (LHA’s). This will allow them to accurately measure – and benchmark – their current emissions and develop effective, and appropriate strategies.

The work undertaken

PYE-Management Ltd co-authored the ‘Guidance for the Application of GHG Scope 1 & 2 in Local Highways Authorities’, working with The Driven Company Associates Ltd and Proving Services Ltd. Current standards such as the GHG protocol were studied and applied to the LHA’s services, looking at activities that produced Scope 1 and 2 emissions. A standardised approach was then agreed on that would meet the LHA’s abilities as well as meeting the GHG protocol for each of the emissions under Scope 1 and 2.

The outcome

A document was produced that provides standardised, highway-specific guidance for applying the GHG standards for scope 1 and 2 within LHAs. The guidance will assist LHAs in determining their carbon footprint and how to monitor and measure the applicable data. This will enable LHAs to calculate their carbon emissions and carbon footprint on a comparable basis.