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This news follows a Highways report in March revealing that National Highways under-reported its emissions by using an out-of-date forecast of emissions from grid electricity, rather than ‘actual’ data.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

Electrical Design Engineer

Grade 9 £34,314 to £37,938 - Grade 10 £37,035 to £40,476 - Grade 11 £39,513 to £43,693 - Grade 12 £42,708 to £46,731 p.a.
The Construction Consultancy Services (CCS) team provide client-side construction consultancy services across a range of professional disciplines to d Durham
Recruiter: Durham County Council

Park Operations Assistant - Thorndon Country Park

Up to £12540.50 per annum
This is a permanent, part time position on an annualised hours contract. This means you will be contracted to work a minimum of 964.59 hours per yea England, Essex, Brentwood
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Principal Transport Planner (Strategy)

£46,731-£49,764
We are looking for an experienced professional to join North Northamptonshire Council as a Principal Transport Planner (Strategy). Sheerness House, 41 Meadow Road, Kettering moving to Haylock House, Kettering Parkway, Kettering NN15 6EY, United Kingdom
Recruiter: North Northamptonshire Council

Highways Capital Delivery Manager

£50,788 - £52,805
To be responsible for the implementation of Welsh Government’s Renewal and Upgrade programme. Baglan, Port Talbot
Recruiter: South Wales Trunk Road Agent

Senior Engineer x 2

£47,532 –£55,620 per annum
Our people are deeply committed to providing excellent services to our residents, doing all we can to make lives as good as they can be. Hounslow (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recruiter: Hounslow London Borough Council

Senior Highways Engineer

£50,754 – £53,607 per annum
Our people are deeply committed to providing excellent services to our residents, doing all we can to make lives as good as they can be. Hounslow (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recruiter: Hounslow London Borough Council

Highways Capital Lead

£47,754 - £50,788
To be responsible for management of the Regional Highway Capital Delivery Teams South Wales
Recruiter: South Wales Trunk Road Agent

Senior Development Management Engineer

£37,938 - £44,711
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

Head of Highways

£66,366 - £85,284 pa
Highway Operations is a large division within the Planning, Growth & Infrastructure. Enfield (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recruiter: Enfield London Borough Council

Circular Economy Officer - FTC till the 31st March 26

£26526.00 - £31208.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
... England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Director Highways, Transport & Waste Management

up to £120k
There for Nottinghamshire. There for each other. There for you. Nottinghamshire
Recruiter: Nottinghamshire County Council

Director of Highways and Transportation

£126,909
We’re seeking a dynamic and innovative leader to spearhead our Highways and Transportation services. Essex
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Senior Structures Technician

£32,654 - £36,124 plus circa £2000 - £4000 OT (variable
To lead on the planning, delivery and reporting of the highway structures General Inspection programme. Baglan, Port Talbot
Recruiter: South Wales Trunk Road Agent

Assistant Director of Place Operations

£85,962 to £93,267
Bury is a proud and prosperous borough Bury, Greater Manchester
Recruiter: Bury Council

Career Grade Transport Planner (Carer Grade 6-8)

Grade 06 (£29,093 - £32,654) TO Grade 08 (£37,938 - £41,511)
This is a fantastic opportunity to work for a forward thinking and dynamic transport authority located in the heart of the North West Warrington, Cheshire
Recruiter: Warrington Borough Council

Principal Performance and Assurance Manager

£Competitive
We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated Principal Performance and Assurance Manager to join our Senior Management Team SBIM Avonmouth, Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Principal Construction Manager

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Principal Construction Manager to join our dynamic Area 12 West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Amey

Electrician

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for two Permanent Electricians Tingley, Wakefield
Recruiter: Amey

Principal Engineer – Structures Capital Delivery

£43,693 - £47,754
To act as one of the Agent's technical experts for highway structures schemes and related issues South Wales
Recruiter: South Wales Trunk Road Agent

Senior Engineer Programme Management

£36,124 - £39,513
To support the Principal Engineer ensuring effective co-ordination, programming and contract administration. South Wales
Recruiter: South Wales Trunk Road Agent
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