Guidance for the Application of GHG Scope 1 & 2 in Local Highways Authorities

Project Description

The UK highways sector has faced challenges due to a lack of standardisation in measuring and reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, leading to fragmented approaches across Local Highways Authorities (LHAs). To address this, the Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning & Transport (ADEPT) and the Future Highways Research Group (FHRG) initiated a project to develop comprehensive yet pragmatic guidance tailored for LHAs. The project was a collaborative effort involving, The Driven Company Associates Ltd, PYE-Management Ltd, and Proving Services Ltd. The guidance focuses on Scope 1 and 2 emissions, laying the foundation for consistent carbon accounting across the sector.

Work Undertaken

  • Assessment of Existing Practices: A thorough review of current carbon recording, conversion, and reporting methods used by LHAs to identify inconsistencies and gaps.
  • Development of Standardised Guidance: Using insights leveraged from the assessment, the team crafted a step-by-step guidance document. The guidance provides LHAs with a consistent methodology to measure and report Scope 1 and 2 emissions, focusing on areas such as fuel combustion, electricity usage, and emissions from vehicles and equipment.
  • Collaboration with Stakeholders: Engagement with various stakeholders, including 19 commercial and supply chain partners, ensured the guidance was comprehensive and applicable across different LHA contexts.

Benefits to the Client

  • Enhanced Consistency: The guidance offers a uniform approach for LHAs to measure and report Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions, facilitating comparability across different authorities.
  • Improved Decision-Making: With accurate and standardised data, LHAs can make informed decisions regarding carbon reduction strategies and investments.
  • Support for Net Zero Goals: By enabling precise tracking of emissions, the guidance aids LHAs in aligning with national and local net-zero targets regarding Scope 1 and 2 emissions.

For more detailed information, you can access the full guidance document on ADEPT’s website: Guidance for the Application of GHG Scope 1 & 2 in Local Highways Authorities.