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Air pollution
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Air pollution (196)
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To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many times the UK has breached European Union air quality (a) particulate, (b) sulphur dioxide, (c) lead and (d) carbon monoxide limits in each year since they were introduced; and what steps the European Commission has taken...
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many times the UK has breached European Union air quality (a) particulate, (b) sulphur dioxide, (c) lead and (d) carbon monoxide limits in each year since they were introduced; and what steps the European Commission has taken...
Asked by
Norman Baker
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Huw Irranca-Davies
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
21 April 2009
For answer on
23 April 2009
Answered on
5 May 2009
Under EU legislation, the UK is required to monitor the air for levels of particulate matter (PM10), and to report to the European Commission on an annual basis. The UK also reports modelled data, in accordance with the legislation.For the purposes of implementing EU legislation the UK is divided up into 43 agglomeration zones (areas with a contiguous population of over 250,000 as specified by the air quality directives) and non-agglomeration zones. There are 28 agglomeration zones and 15 non-agglomeration zones.The UK has not reported any breaches of EU limit values for lead or carbon monoxide since they were introduced. A breach of the sulphur dioxide limits was modelled and reported to the European Commission in 2005 and 2006, in the eastern zone close to a brick works in Stewartby. The European Commission requested information on action being taken to address the breaches, and, on the basis of the UK response, there has been no further correspondence. Breaches have not been reported subsequently and the brickworks has now closed.Like most other member states, the UK has reported a number of breaches of the limits for particulates (PM10) since they came into force in 2005. There has been correspondence between the Commission and many other member states on these breaches. Most recently the Commission wrote to the UK Government and a number of other member states in January in relation to breaches since 2006 in the absence of a Time Extension Notification seeking additional time to meet the limit value. The UK has since submitted a time extension notification for the relevant zones/agglomerations as provided for under the Ambient Air Quality Directive (2008/50/EC). Details of breaches reported since 2005 are set out in the PM10 Time Extension Notification application which can be accessed using the following link:"www.defra.gov.uk/environment/airquality/eu-int/eu-directives/airqual-directives/notification.htm"
Subjects
Air pollution
Date
5 May 2009
Reference
492 c1-2W; 270883
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which areas in England exceeded (a) national and (b) European air quality limit values for particulates at any time in the last 12 months.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which areas in England exceeded (a) national and (b) European air quality limit values for particulates at any time in the last 12 months.
Asked by
Norman Baker
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Huw Irranca-Davies
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
21 April 2009
For answer on
23 April 2009
Answered on
5 May 2009
Under EU legislation, the UK is required to monitor the air continuously for levels of particulate matter (PM10) and to report to the European Commission on an annual basis. The UK also reports modelled data, in accordance with the legislation.As a result of improvements over many years the limit values are met across more than 99 per cent. of the country, delivering significant health benefits. The few remaining areas where we have reported exceedences are small. The monitoring information for 2008 remains provisional and the fully ratified data are not yet available. However, on the basis of provisional data monitored breaches of EU limit values for particulate matter are only expected to occur in London. The modelling assessment is not due to be completed until the summer.
Subjects
Air pollution
Date
5 May 2009
Reference
492 c1W; 270881
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the average (a) nitrogen oxide and (b) carbon dioxide emissions per passenger mile (i) were and (ii) are predicted to be for average aircraft using Heathrow Airport in (A) 1990, (B) 1995, (C) 2000, (D) 2005, (E) 2010, (F) 2015, (G)...
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the average (a) nitrogen oxide and (b) carbon dioxide emissions per passenger mile (i) were and (ii) are predicted to be for average aircraft using Heathrow Airport in (A) 1990, (B) 1995, (C) 2000, (D) 2005, (E) 2010, (F) 2015, (G)...
Asked by
Norman Baker
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Jim Fitzpatrick
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
29 January 2009
For answer on
2 February 2009
Answered on
12 February 2009
The following information sets out what information is available for: (a) NOx emissions; (b) CO2 emissions, and (c) other greenhouse gas emissions:Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) EmissionsThe White Paper set out the following strict conditions from 2010, in line with the current European Union directive on nitrogen dioxide (NO2) related pollutants¹:"Hourly limit value for the protection of human health—200micro/m3 NO2, not to be exceeded more than 18 times in a calendar year; and""Annual limit value for the protection of human health—40micro/m3 NO2 annual average"The Department for Transport's 2007 'Adding Capacity at Heathrow Airport' consultation document concluded that these conditions could be met.Further information is available in the following documents:"Air Quality Studies for Heathrow: Base Case, Segregated Mode, Mixed Mode and Third Runway Scenarios modelled using ADMS-Airport, 15 November 2007, Cambridge Environmental Research Consultants, Table 4.5—4.7; Table 4.12—4.13""Heathrow Airport Emission Summaries, October 2007, AEA Energy and Environment, Table 4.1.4—Table 4.8.4 Annual emissions by source category, available at:""http://w\/vw.dft.gov.uk/consultations/closed/heathrowconsultation/technicalreports/emissionsummaries.pdf"Carbon Dioxide (CO2) EmissionsThere is limited data regarding past CO2 emissions at Heathrow airport specifically. Published emissions data from DECC are at the national level only. However, data based on fuel uplifted at Heathrow are reported—this is published in the Department for Transport's 2009 'Impact Assessment Adding Capacity at Heathrow Airport', where aviation carbon dioxide emissions attributable to flights departing from Heathrow in 2005 are estimated at 17.2MtCO2 or 2.9 per cent. of total UK CO2. emissions.Average CO2 emissions from aircraft at Heathrow airport in 2005 are estimated from DfT modelling to be around 114 grams of CO2 per passenger km. This is in line with the air transport conversion factors published by DEFRA in 2008 and reflects the mix of aircraft used and flights made from Heathrow in that year.For future years, the Government have announced a new target to get UK aviation carbon dioxide emissions in 2050 below 2005 levels for the UK as a whole.Once aviation joins the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) in 2012, CO2 emissions from all flights departing and arriving at airports in the EU will be capped at 97 per cent. of average 2004-06 levels, with the cap tightening to 95 per cent. of average 2004-06 levels from 2013 onwards (the cap applies at the EU level, and not at individual member state or airport levels). Any aviation emissions above this cap will need to be accounted for by airlines securing reductions from other sectors within the EU ETS. So any change in the capacity of Heathrow in future years will not lead to any net increase in CO2 emissions."¹ The revised directive provides for later compliance (up to 2015) in certain circumstances"
Subjects
Air pollution; Heathrow Airport; Greenhouse gas emissions
Date
12 February 2009
Reference
487 c2128-9W; 253935
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many schools within the boundaries of areas surrounding Heathrow airport currently have air quality with a nitrogen dioxide level of 40 micrograms/m3 or greater.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many schools within the boundaries of areas surrounding Heathrow airport currently have air quality with a nitrogen dioxide level of 40 micrograms/m3 or greater.
Asked by
Norman Baker
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Jim Fitzpatrick
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
29 January 2009
For answer on
2 February 2009
Answered on
10 February 2009
The technical report ““Population Exposure to Air Pollution””, published as part of the ““Adding Capacity at Heathrow Airport”” consultation in November 2007, shows (Table 3.4) 16 'sensitive receptors' (which includes schools) with nitrogen dioxide levels above the limit of 40 micrograms/m3 in 2002. Data for the current year is not available but no such exceedences are predicted in 2010 or future years, with or without airport expansion.
Subjects
Air pollution; Heathrow Airport; Greenhouse gas emissions
Date
10 February 2009
Reference
487 c1791W; 254120
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children under the age of 18 years have been admitted to hospital with (a) acute asthma, (b) acute emphysema, (c) acute bronchitis and (d) other acute respiratory disorders within (i) one mile, (ii) three miles, (iii) five miles and (iv)...
To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children under the age of 18 years have been admitted to hospital with (a) acute asthma, (b) acute emphysema, (c) acute bronchitis and (d) other acute respiratory disorders within (i) one mile, (ii) three miles, (iii) five miles and (iv)...
Asked by
Norman Baker
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Ann Keen
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Health
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
29 January 2009
For answer on
2 February 2009
Answered on
9 February 2009
The Department does not hold centrally information on hospital admissions in the format requested, and such information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.The Department is currently part-funding the Small Area Health Statistics Unit at Imperial College to study health effects in the vicinity of Heathrow airport associated with air pollution and noise using data on mortality, cancer incidence and hospital admissions. A report is due for publication in 2010.
Subjects
Children; Air pollution; Heathrow Airport; Respiratory system
Date
9 February 2009
Reference
487 c1759W; 253850
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the UK meets its targets for the reduction of nitrogen oxides by 2010 under the EU national emissions ceiling directive and the UN Gothenburg protocol.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the UK meets its targets for the reduction of nitrogen oxides by 2010 under the EU national emissions ceiling directive and the UN Gothenburg protocol.
Asked by
Norman Baker
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Jonathan Shaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
30 April 2008
For answer on
6 May 2008
Answered on
12 May 2008
The UK reported in December 2007 for the first time that the 2010 national emission ceiling for nitrogen oxides (NOx) was likely to be exceeded by some 10 per cent. Though there remain considerable uncertainties with the projections, the increase is a consequence of changes in projections of emissions from energy production, and an improved methodology for predicting emissions from non-road transport mobile sources and machinery. We have commissioned a study to examine options for improving the prospects of achieving compliance, which will be finalised early in May 2008.
Subjects
Air pollution; Nitrogen oxides
Date
12 May 2008
Reference
475 c1338W; 203915
House
House of Commons
The Secretary of State might be aware that, last month, a senior civil servant from his Department let the cat out of the bag by revealing that the Department intends to apply to the European Union for permission to delay compliance with its equality rules on nitrogen dioxide in relation to the capital city, London. We know that the Department for Transport wants to move the goalposts in a desperate effort to ensure that the third runway at Heathrow goes ahead, but why does his Department, which is responsible for protecting the environment, want to help it?
The Secretary of State might be aware that, last month, a senior civil servant from his Department let the cat out of the bag by revealing that the Department intends to apply to the European Union for permission to delay compliance with its equality rules on nitrogen dioxide in relation to the capital city, London. We know that the Department for Transport wants to move the goalposts in a desperate effort to ensure that the third runway at Heathrow goes ahead, but why does his Department, which is responsible for protecting the environment, want to help it?
Asked by
Norman Baker
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Hilary Benn
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Topical questions - Lead
Status
Answered
For answer on
1 May 2008
Answered on
1 May 2008
We do, indeed, need to look at how we phase in the new rules, but I assure the hon. Gentleman that that is not to do with any decisions that might be taken in the future about airport capacity. If one looks at the recent figures for air quality, one will see the improvements that have been gained in this country over several years as a result of domestic and European legislation.
Subjects
Aviation; Air pollution; Greater London; Exhaust emissions; Heathrow Airport; Standards; Nitrogen oxides
Date
1 May 2008
Reference
475 c443
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent consideration the Government have given to lowering the maximum permissible levels of air pollution; and what assessment the Government have made of the effects of increased use of diesel vehicles on levels of air pollution.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent consideration the Government have given to lowering the maximum permissible levels of air pollution; and what assessment the Government have made of the effects of increased use of diesel vehicles on levels of air pollution.
Asked by
Norman Baker
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Jonathan Shaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
21 April 2008
For answer on
23 April 2008
Answered on
29 April 2008
A new ambient air quality directive, due to come into force in May 2008, consolidates existing EU legislation and includes new controls over very fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), where the World Health Organisation (WHO) advises that there is no safe level of exposure. The main elements are a 'backstop' limit value, to be met everywhere by 2015, and an 'exposure concentration obligation' to be met across urban background locations (as an average), also by 2015. The directive must be transposed into UK law within two years of it coming into force.Estimates of future air pollution emissions from transport include assumptions modelling the increase in diesel car market share, with an assumption that this will stabilise at 42 per cent. in 2010. These estimates are used for assessing new vehicle emissions standards and the revised National Air Quality Strategy, published in 2007. Diesel cars currently emit significantly higher levels of both particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen than petrol cars. However, the recently agreed Euro 5 and 6 emissions standards will reduce particulate emissions from new diesel cars to comparable levels to petrol cars by 2011 and substantially reduce the difference between petrol and diesel NOx emissions by 2015.
Subjects
Air pollution; Exhaust emissions; Pollution control
Date
29 April 2008
Reference
475 c280W; 201275
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what she estimates the annual emissions of carbon dioxide arising from the third runway at Heathrow will be.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what she estimates the annual emissions of carbon dioxide arising from the third runway at Heathrow will be.
Asked by
Norman Baker
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Jim Fitzpatrick
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
19 February 2008
For answer on
21 February 2008
Answered on
21 April 2008
The consultation document ““Adding Capacity at Heathrow Airport”” published in November 2007 by the Department for Transport includes information on the climate change impacts of the three options which involve an additional runway at Heathrow. The consultation closed on 27 February 2008.The latest UK air passenger demand and CO2 forecasts are reported in DFT's ““UK Air Passenger Demand and CO2 Forecasts””, November 2007, available at:"http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/aviation/environmentalissues/ukairdemandandco2forecasts/airpassdemandfullreport.pdf."In line with the Air Transport White Paper commitment, these forecasts assume that aviation meets its external climate change costs.Table 17 on page 178 of the consultation document set out the carbon dioxide emissions under each option in total, on an annual basis, and the total climate change cost:
The UK is continuing to press for the inclusion of aviation in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS). As the Heathrow consultation document states, under current proposals aviation emissions would effectively be capped at the average level over the period 2004 to 2006. This means that when the trading scheme is established, any additional aviation emissions above that level would lead to no increase in total emissions, since airlines would have to pay for the equivalent emissions reductions in other sectors.
| Total CO2 (million tonnes) | Average CO2 per year (million tonnes) | Total climate change costs (£ billion) | |
| Option 1—Heathrow third runway around 2020 | 180.8 | ¹2.6 | 4.8 |
| Option 2—Mixed mode at 480,000 ATMs around 2010, Heathrow third run way 2020 | 179.1 | 2.6 | 4.8 |
| Option 3 —MM at 480,000 ATMs around 2010, MM at 540,000 ATMs around 2015, Heathrow third runway around 2020 | 181.1 | 2.6 | 5.0 |
| ¹ For appraisal consistency this is expressed over 70 years, although the additional total emissions occur over 60 years. The equivalent figure over 60 years is 3.01 million. |
Subjects
Air pollution; Exhaust emissions; Heathrow Airport
Date
21 April 2008
Reference
188485; 474 c1443-4W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport for what reasons the Adding Capacity at Heathrow Airport consultation document did not refer to the effects of incoming international flights in estimating the likely impact of a third runway on carbon dioxide emissions.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport for what reasons the Adding Capacity at Heathrow Airport consultation document did not refer to the effects of incoming international flights in estimating the likely impact of a third runway on carbon dioxide emissions.
Asked by
Norman Baker
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Jim Fitzpatrick
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
25 March 2008
For answer on
31 March 2008
Answered on
1 April 2008
[holding answer 31 March 2008]: The method used to estimate the impact of additional capacity at Heathrow on UK aviation CO2 emissions in the 'Adding Capacity at Heathrow Airport' consultation document is referenced at paragraph 2.23 of the impact assessment (annex B). Full details of the forecasting method can be found in chapter 3 of 'UK Air Passenger Demand and CO2 Forecasts', available at:"http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/aviation/environmentalissues/ukairdemandandco2forecasts/"There is no internationally agreed way to allocate to individual countries the CO2 emissions from international flights. For reporting purposes, the UN framework convention on climate change requires each nation to report emissions based on aviation bunker fuel consumption, which is closely related to fuel used on departing flights. To ensure consistency with historic reported totals, and to avoid double-counting CO2 emissions, our forecasts include international aviation emissions on a departing flight only basis.
Subjects
Air pollution; Exhaust emissions; Heathrow Airport
Date
1 April 2008
Reference
197539; 474 c742-3W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to monitor the possible health implications of the emission of PM2.5 particles from (a) incinerators and (b) other industrial processes.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to monitor the possible health implications of the emission of PM2.5 particles from (a) incinerators and (b) other industrial processes.
Asked by
Norman Baker
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Baroness Primarolo
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Health
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
10 October 2007
For answer on
15 October 2007
Answered on
23 October 2007
The Department does not monitor the possible health implications of the emission of PM2.5 particles from incinerators or industrial processes directly on an ongoing basis. This is not possible as any health effects of PM2.5 particles cannot be diagnosed as specific to PM2.5.The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) currently monitors ambient concentrations of PM2.5 in a small number of locations around the United Kingdom. Monitoring has also taken place until recently at the steel works at Port Talbot. This data is available from the National Air Quality Information Archive website at www.airquality.co.ukDEFRA does undertake more extensive monitoring of PM10 with which PM2.5 is closely correlated. PM10 is part of the Air Quality Information System. This system classifies air pollution concentrations according to the likely short-term effects on health.
Subjects
Air pollution; Health hazards
Date
23 October 2007
Reference
158238; 465 c259-60W
House
House of Commons
To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission what the annual absolute carbon emissions of the parliamentary estate were in each of the last five years.
To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission what the annual absolute carbon emissions of the parliamentary estate were in each of the last five years.
Asked by
Norman Baker
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Nick Harvey
(Liberal Democrat)
Answering body
House of Commons Commission
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
6 February 2007
For answer on
8 February 2007
Answered on
26 March 2007
The annual absolute carbon emissions of the House of Commons estate in each of the last three years from gas and electricity are in the following table.
Gas consumption reduced in 2004-05 and then increased in 2005-06; due to fluctuations in heating energy consumption caused by variations in outside temperatures measured in degree days. The following table shows the degree days for the Thames Valley region which includes London. From these figures a higher emission would have been expected in 2005-06. That it was not so is due to the installation of more efficient Palace boilers in 2004.
The steady increase in carbon emissions from electricity was due to an increase in electricity consumption in the Palace and 7 Millbank. This was due mainly to the installation and usage of more air conditioning units.The figures have been calculated from gas and electricity invoices and not meter readings taken by estate staff, but estimated invoices were amended using actual meter readings where possible. Natural gas invoices list several multiplying factors used to calculate each month's consumption and the existing monitoring and targeting system used on the parliamentary estate, based on staff meter readings, is not as sophisticated and therefore not as accurate.The figures for the years 2001-02 and 2002-03 have not been calculated since the energy invoices for those two years are not readily available.
| Absolute carbon emissions in tonnes | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | Electricity | Total | |
| 2003-04 | 1,158.9 | 2,257.6 | 3,416.5 |
| 2004-05 | 1,078.8 | 2,270.3 | 3,349.0 |
| 2005-06 | 1,163.1 | 2,302.7 | 3,465.8 |
| Degree Days | |
|---|---|
| Number | |
| 2003-04 | 1,740 |
| 2004-05 | 1,703 |
| 2005-06 | 1,869 |
Subjects
Air pollution; Carbon emissions; Parliamentary estate
Date
26 March 2007
Reference
120553; 458 c1229-30W
House
House of Commons
To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission what estimate the House authorities have made of the volume of (a) carbon dioxide, (b) methane, (c) perfluorocarbons, (d) nitrous oxide and (e) carbon equivalent released by the incineration of waste from the House of Commons...
To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission what estimate the House authorities have made of the volume of (a) carbon dioxide, (b) methane, (c) perfluorocarbons, (d) nitrous oxide and (e) carbon equivalent released by the incineration of waste from the House of Commons...
Asked by
Norman Baker
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Nick Harvey
(Liberal Democrat)
Answering body
House of Commons Commission
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
6 February 2007
For answer on
8 February 2007
Answered on
21 March 2007
Nick Harvey [pursuant to the reply, 21 March 2007, Official Report, c. 907W]: I regret that my previous answer was not published in full. The complete answer is set out as follows:
Only residual waste after recycling has taken place is sent for incineration with energy recovery. In 2006 residual waste collected from the parliamentary estate amounted to 1,299 tonnes. This material was combusted at an energy recovery facility regulated by the Environment Agency, generating 725,000 kilowatt hours of electricity. The recovered energy is classed as renewable energy by the UK Government, in line with directive 2001/77/EC on the promotion of electricity produced from renewable energy sources in the internal electricity market.
Recovering energy from waste is acknowledged in the Stern Review as an effective weapon in combating climate change, displacing carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel power generation sources.
The carbon footprint associated with the combustion of this waste is made up of a number of components:"(1) Direct emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG), expressed as carbon equivalents""(2) "Avoided" emissions of GHG (that is, emissions displaced from an equivalent amount of fossil fuel power generating capacity)""(3) GHG emissions (additional or saved) from waste transportation""(4) Net GHG emissions, taking account of direct, avoided and transport-related emissions."
Direct emissions of GHG
GHG emissions from waste combustion are calculated in two steps. First, an estimate is made of the percentage of fossil and non-fossil carbon in the waste. Second, the emissions from the combustion of the fossil carbon within the waste are calculated. Emissions of non-fossil carbon do not contribute to global warming and are therefore not taken into account.
Methane is not produced in combustion plants. The remaining greenhouse gases are released in trace quantities relative to emissions of carbon dioxide. Because their concentrations in the emission gases vary according to the composition of the waste, the total GHG effect expressed in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (Teq) is estimated using emission factors developed by Defra, based on measured emissions averaged across UK energy recovery facilities.
Direct GHG emissions following the combustion of residual waste from parliamentary estates amounts to 415 Teq, of which 295 Teq is carbon dioxide.
““Avoided”” emissions of GHG
Combustion of parliamentary estates waste in an energy recovery facility also results in avoided carbon dioxide emissions. The electricity produced by the facility displaces electricity that would otherwise be provided by an electricity utility power plant. Because most utility power plants burn fossil fuels and thus emit carbon dioxide, the electricity produced by waste combustion reduces utility carbon dioxide emissions. These avoided GHG emissions must be subtracted from the GHG emissions associated with combustion of the waste.
The convention is to assume that the electricity displaced arises from so-called ““marginal”” power generators, which in the UK is assumed to be gas-fired power stations. As with direct GHG emissions, emission factors are used to estimate the tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents avoided when waste is combusted.
GHG emissions avoided following the combustion of residual waste from parliamentary estates amounts to 435 Teq, of which 405 Teq is carbon dioxide.
GHG emissions from waste transportation
A saving in GHG emissions is realized when residual waste from the parliamentary estates is combusted, since the energy recovery facility is just 12 miles from the House. Previously the waste was being transported to landfill further away from the estate.
The GHG emission factor developed by Defra for waste transportation varies between 0.37 and 0.49 kg carbon dioxide equivalents per tonne of waste transported, depending on distance travelled. For transportation of 1,299 tonnes of parliamentary estates waste, this amounts to a GHG emission of between 0.48-0.65 Teq. Since this is less than 1 per cent. of the emissions of direct or avoided emissions, the GHG saving in transporting the waste a shorter distance will be omitted when presenting net emissions.
Net GHG emissions
The carbon footprint associated with the combustion of waste from the parliamentary estates is obtained by subtracting avoided emissions from direct emissions.
This equates to a net GHG saving of 20 Teq. Therefore 20 Teq should be subtracted when determining the total carbon footprint of parliamentary estates.
Subjects
Air pollution; Carbon emissions; Parliamentary estate
Date
21 March 2007
Reference
458 c1230-1W; 120729
House
House of Commons
To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission what estimate the House authorities have made of the volume of (a) carbon dioxide, (b) methane, (c) perfluorocarbons, (d) nitrous oxide and (e) carbon equivalent released by the incineration of waste from the House of Commons...
To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission what estimate the House authorities have made of the volume of (a) carbon dioxide, (b) methane, (c) perfluorocarbons, (d) nitrous oxide and (e) carbon equivalent released by the incineration of waste from the House of Commons...
Asked by
Norman Baker
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Nick Harvey
(Liberal Democrat)
Answering body
House of Commons Commission
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
6 February 2007
For answer on
8 February 2007
Answered on
21 March 2007
Only residual waste after recycling has taken place is sent for incineration with energy recovery. In 2006 residual waste collected from the parliamentary estate amounted to 1,299 tonnes. This material was combusted at an energy recovery facility regulated by the Environment Agency, generating 725,000 kilowatt hours of electricity. The recovered energy is classed as renewable energy by the UK Government, in line with Directive 2001/77/EC on the promotion of electricity produced from renewable energy sources in the internal electricity market.Recovering energy from waste is acknowledged in the stern review as an effective weapon in combating climate change, displacing carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel power generation sources.The carbon footprint associated with the combustion of this waste is made up of a number of components:"(1) Direct emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG), expressed as carbon equivalents""(2) "Avoided" emissions of GHG (that is, emissions displaced from an equivalent amount of fossil fuel power generating capacity)""(3) GHG emissions (additional or saved) from waste transportation""(4) Net GHG emissions, taking account of direct, avoided and transport-related emissions"Direct emissions of GHGGHG emissions from waste combustion are calculated in two steps. First, an estimate is made of the percentage of fossil and non-fossil carbon in the waste. Second, the emissions from the combustion of the fossil carbon within the waste are calculated. Emissions of non-fossil carbon do not contribute to global warming and are therefore not taken into account.Methane is not produced in combustion plants. The remaining greenhouse gases are released in trace quantities relative to emissions of carbon dioxide. Because their concentrations in the emission gases vary according to the composition of the waste, the total GHG effect expressed in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (Teq) is estimated using emission factors developed by DEFRA, based on measured emissions averaged across UK energy recovery facilities.Direct GHG emissions following the combustion of residual waste from parliamentary estates amounts to 415 Teq, of which 295 Teq is carbon dioxide.GHG emissions from waste transportationA saving in GHG emissions is realized when residual waste from the parliamentary estates is combusted, since the energy recovery facility is just 12 miles from the House. Previously the waste was being transported to landfill further away from the Estate.The GHG emission factor developed by DEFRA for waste transportation varies between 0.37 and 0.49 kg carbon dioxide equivalents per tonne of waste transported, depending on distance travelled. For transportation of 1,299 tonnes of parliamentary estates waste, this amounts to a GHG emission of between 0.48-0.65 Teq. Since this is less than 1 per cent. of the emissions of direct or avoided emissions, the GHG saving in transporting the waste a shorter distance will be omitted when presenting net emissions.Net GHG emissionsThe carbon footprint associated with the combustion of waste from the parliamentary estates is obtained by subtracting avoided emissions from direct emissions.This equates to a net GHG saving of 20 Teq. Therefore 20 Teq should be subtracted when determining the total carbon footprint of parliamentary estates.
Subjects
Air pollution; Carbon emissions; Parliamentary estate
Date
21 March 2007
Reference
120729; 458 c907-8W
House
House of Commons
I hope that the Minister agrees that if any target is to be meaningful, it must include aviation, which, as he will know, presents a major threat. If that continues at the same rate, it will cancel out all the gains made in other sectors. Does the Minister accept that while emissions trading is a useful tool which represents a step forward, it is not enough in itself to halt the inexorable rise of aviation? Does he accept that when one of my constituents goes to Spain and back by air solely to buy fags and beer cheaply, the price of aviation must increase?
I hope that the Minister agrees that if any target is to be meaningful, it must include aviation, which, as he will know, presents a major threat. If that continues at the same rate, it will cancel out all the gains made in other sectors. Does the Minister accept that while emissions trading is a useful tool which represents a step forward, it is not enough in itself to halt the inexorable rise of aviation? Does he accept that when one of my constituents goes to Spain and back by air solely to buy fags and beer cheaply, the price of aviation must increase?
Asked by
Norman Baker
(Liberal Democrat)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
22 June 2006
The hon. Gentleman may be confusing the question of whether we have an emissions trading scheme with the question of what the scheme includes. At present aviation is not included, but the Government are committed to ensuring that it is. If there are rising levels of air travel, they must be offset elsewhere. That strikes me as a more sensible way of putting a cap on emissions and tackling the problems. If the hon. Gentleman wants to tell his constituents that they are not allowed to fly he can do so, but I think it is better to say that if more people are flying, emissions must be offset and reduced elsewhere.
Subjects
Aviation; Air pollution; Climate change; Carbon dioxide; Pollution control; Carbon emissions; Carbon
Date
22 June 2006
Reference
447 c1450
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
What progress has been made against the Government's carbon reduction targets; and if he will make a statement.
What progress has been made against the Government's carbon reduction targets; and if he will make a statement.
Asked by
Norman Baker
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
David Miliband
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
19 June 2006
For answer on
22 June 2006
Answered on
22 June 2006
In March the Government announced a climate change programme setting out measures that will affect all major sectors and sources of UK emissions. The review predicts that the measures will reduce the UK's carbon dioxide emissions to 15 to18 per cent. below 1990 levels and the emission of greenhouse gases to 23 to 25 per cent. below 1990 levels, which is double the Kyoto target. Progress will be monitored and assessed regularly and frequently by an inter-departmental board, and there will be an annual report to Parliament every year, starting next year.
Subjects
Air pollution; Climate change; Carbon dioxide; Carbon; Pollution control
Date
22 June 2006
Reference
447 c1450; 79345
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to her Answer to the hon. Member for Morley and Rothwell (Collin Challen) of 28 March 2006, Official Report, column 843W, on pollution, what the levels for(a) international aviation and (b) international shipping were in (i) 1990...
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to her Answer to the hon. Member for Morley and Rothwell (Collin Challen) of 28 March 2006, Official Report, column 843W, on pollution, what the levels for(a) international aviation and (b) international shipping were in (i) 1990...
Asked by
Norman Baker
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Ian Pearson
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
2 May 2006
For answer on
4 May 2006
Answered on
10 May 2006
Emissions from international aviation and shipping can be estimated from refuelling from bunkers at UK airports and ports (whether by UK or non-UK operators).Between 1990 and 2004, emissions from aviation fuel use more than doubled whilst emissions from UK shipping bunker fuel use fell by about an eighth, although UK operators purchase most of their fuel outside the UK.
| Mt | International aviation | International shipping | |
| 1990 | 4.3 | 1.8 | |
| 2004 | 9.0 | 1.6 | |
| Source:Greenhouse gas inventory for aviation and shipping bunkers |
Subjects
Air pollution; Carbon dioxide
Date
10 May 2006
Reference
446 c245-6W; 68512
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the (a) frequency and (b) potential health consequences of the emission from municipal incinerators of PM2.5 particles.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the (a) frequency and (b) potential health consequences of the emission from municipal incinerators of PM2.5 particles.
Asked by
Norman Baker
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
26 April 2006
For answer on
2 May 2006
Answered on
8 May 2006
[holding answer 2 May 2006]: Following the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit report Waste not, Want not, published in 2002, Defra commissioned an independent body to bring together information on waste management facilities, including municipal incinerators, currently used in the UK and Europe, and the currently available scientific evidence on their environmental and health effects.The resulting Review of Environmental and Health Effects of Waste Management: Municipal Solid Waste and Similar Wastes report; was peer reviewed by the Royal Society and published in May 2004. Among the other conclusions drawn, the report showed that risks to human health from incineration are small in comparison with other known risks to health.Emissions from municipal incinerators of PM2.5 particles (estimated at 0.029 thousand tonnes in 2004) are proportionally lower than the contribution from other sectors, at around 0.03 per cent. of the national total of 104 thousand tonnes. The major sources of PM2.5 are thought to be road transport (27 per cent.), domestic combustion (14 per cent.), agriculture, (8 per cent.) industrial off road machinery (7 per cent.) power stations (4 per cent.) and small scale waste burning (4 per cent.). However, this fraction of national emissions will not represent the level of human exposure arising from each source sector as a result of the different heights and conditions of release.Defra recently launched a consultation on measures to review the Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This consultation suggests a much more wide ranging approach for pollutants such as fine particles (PM 2.5), which is cost effective, geared towards improving public health in the UK and will lead to further improvements in air quality. Further details on this consultation can be found on the Defra website: http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/airqualstrat-review/index.htm
Subjects
Air pollution; Incinerators
Date
8 May 2006
Reference
67172; 446 c11-2W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the carbon emissions resulting from (a) the generation of heating for buildings and (b) the powering of air conditioning in buildings in a town of average size.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the carbon emissions resulting from (a) the generation of heating for buildings and (b) the powering of air conditioning in buildings in a town of average size.
Asked by
Norman Baker
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Elliot Morley
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
13 February 2006
For answer on
15 February 2006
Answered on
1 March 2006
An estimate of annual carbon emissions for the town of Swindon in 2003 due to the generation of heating for buildings is 81 thousand tonnes of carbon (ktC/yr). For powering of air conditioning in buildings the corresponding estimate is 3.6 ktC/yr.These estimates are based on national models of energy use in the non-domestic building stock developed by the Building Research Establishment under contract to Defra.
Subjects
Air pollution; Buildings; Carbon dioxide; Heating; Air conditioning
Date
1 March 2006
Reference
443 c716W;443 c716W; 52582
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the quantification of the relationship between global dimming and the measureable effect of climate change; and if she will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the quantification of the relationship between global dimming and the measureable effect of climate change; and if she will make a statement.
Asked by
Norman Baker
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Elliot Morley
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
13 February 2006
For answer on
15 February 2006
Answered on
1 March 2006
It is not possible at this stage to quantify with accuracy the relationship between global dimming and climate change because of the large uncertainty in the magnitude of the cooling effect of sulphate aerosols, the main contributor to global dimming.A recent study funded by the Department, which was published in the journal Nature last December, suggested that the cooling effect of anthropogenic aerosols could be larger than previously estimated. If confirmed, these results suggest the likelihood of a larger impact of increasing CO2 emissions on the climate system, adding urgency to our need to cut greenhouse gas emissions.Estimating the size of the cooling resulting from aerosols is an ongoing and crucial research activity. The Department continues to fund research in order to determine the size of the aerosols' cooling effect and what overall implications there are for forecasts of future global warming.
Subjects
Air pollution; Climate change
Date
1 March 2006
Reference
443 c717W;443 c717W; 52580
House
House of Commons