National Highways says adjusted carbon target 'no easier' to achieve

03/08/2023 | CHRIS AMES

National Highways’ target of a 75% cut in its corporate carbon emissions by 2025 has been reduced to 67% by agreement with ministers. 

Despite this the government-owned company has insisted that the change ‘does not make the target easier to achieve’.

The revised target reflects a change in the way National Highways reports the carbon emissions from its electricity usage.

This news follows a Highways report in March revealing that National Highways under-reported its emissions by using an out-of-date forecast of emissions from grid electricity, rather than ‘actual’ data.

National Highways’ recently published Performance Report to Parliament 2022/23 states that in 2022/23, its corporate emissions were 44,809 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e), representing a 50% reduction from 2017/18. This compares with 37,178 in the company’s 2021/22 annual report.

However, the company's 2022/23 Annual Report and Accounts states: ‘In March 2023, we agreed with DfT a change in our KPI reporting methodology to calculate electricity emissions based on the latest (and more carbon intensive) grid decarbonisation factors. This aligns our KPI reporting with Greening Government Commitments.’

The new annual report adds: ‘Our updated target is to achieve a 67% reduction in emissions. This will mean reducing emissions from 90,286 tCO2e (2017–18) to 30,148 tCO2e.’

The Performance Report also notes the change, stating: ‘The carbon intensity of electricity generated by the National Grid is higher than originally modelled at the start of the road period. Therefore, the Department has agreed to adjust the target to 67% against the baseline, reflecting that this is outside of National Highways' control.’

It adds: ‘This does not make the target easier to achieve and National Highways will still need to reduce overall electricity use by the same amount (22%) to meet the target.’

As Highways reported in March, National Highways claimed that a behind-the-scenes deal with the Government allowed it to use adjusted 2019 forecasts to calculate carbon emissions from grid electricity.

However, Highways’ investigation suggested that Department for Transport (DfT) was unaware that National Highways was doing this.

Asked which document set out the methodology, to be used, the DfT cited the company’s Operational Metrics Manual. However, that document does not state what carbon factor should be used for the operational carbon KPI.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Project Lead - Bridges and Structures WMF3037e

£45,718 to £46,731
We are currently seeking to recruit a Project Lead to join our Bridges and Structures team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Traffic Management Technician - WMF3040e

£27,711 - £28,624
Are you an organised and motivated individual who wants to make a difference to how our roads are managed? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Transport Planner

£47,532 - £50,574
Royal Greenwich is a borough synonymous with first class modern services Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recruiter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Technician - Highway Inspector

Grade 8 £28,797 - £30,708 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
Within the Highways Maintenance Team we are looking for an enthusiastic, customer focused and experienced person to join the Service Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Delivery Senior Team Leader

£74,480 - £85,964
Are you an experienced Chartered Civil Engineer (or equivalent professional qualification) Glasgow City
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2104e

£25,584 - £25,992
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking an organised and enthusiastic individual to join our South Lakeland team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Bulky Operative

£25,584.00 - £27,269.00, Grade 5, 37 hours, Permanent.
An opportunity exists in the Council’s Street Scene Services for a Bulky Operative Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Project Delivery Team Leader

£57,710 - £71,842
Are you an experienced Chartered Civil Engineer (or equivalent professional qualification). Glasgow City
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2102e

£37,035 - £37,938
This is a key role supporting the delivery a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Shared Service Manager (Waste) North Herts Council

£52000 - £61000 per annum
Shared Service Manager (Waste) North Herts CouncilNorth Herts CouncilPermanent, Full Time£52,866 - £61,866 per annum, plus car allowance (pay award pe England, Hertfordshire, Letchworth Garden City
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2102e

£37,035 - £37,938
This is a key role supporting the delivery a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2104e

£25,584 - £25,992
This is a key support role, helping to deliver a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes across South Lakeland. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Flood Risk Engineering and Strategy Officer

£49,764 - £55,623
In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce Coventry, West Midlands
Recruiter: Coventry City Council

Senior Integrated Transport Officer

£34,324 - £37,529
Are you an experienced transport planning professional ready to influence strategic policy and drive real change Matlock, Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Roadworker Trainee LGV Driver (3 Posts)

Grade 6 £25,183 - £25,638 per annum (Pay award pending)
We’re looking for Roadworker/trainee LGV drivers to be part of our team undertaking major highway, bridge and related construction and reconstruction Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Engineer

£44,430 - £51,663
This post is within the Highways Design and Delivery Team. London (Greater)
Recruiter: Tower Hamlets London Borough Council

Civil Enforcement Officer - WMF3013e

£27,711 -£28,624
Are you seeking an active and challenging role, part of a friendly and welcoming team? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

UGO Bus Driver

Up to £25081.00 per annum
UGO Bus DriverPermanent, Part TimeUp to £25,081 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Head of Highways Operations

Salary
Somerset Council
Recruiter: Somerset Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW