Devon’s carbon emissions fell four per cent between 2022 and 2023 and by 29 per cent since 2010 according to the latest figures.
It follows the release of figures showing the county’s latest carbon footprint, covering Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay, by The Devon Climate Emergency (DCE) partnership.
DCE is a partnership of businesses, public bodies, and voluntary groups, including Devon’s 11 principal councils.
The data reveals that encouraging progress is being made in reducing emissions and it highlights the collective efforts of communities, businesses, and local authorities.
The largest sources of emissions remain buildings and transport, but according to the data both sectors are showing signs of improvement.
There was a one per cent reduction in transport emissions and an eight per cent reduction in emissions from the built environment (2022-2023), predominantly due to increased renewable energy generation.
The figures are from 2023 as the calculation relies on national datasets that are published after the emissions have occurred and are usually released two years later.
It shows that local initiatives, ranging from the reopening of the Dartmoor Line between Exeter and Okehampton rail stations to the Energy Saving Devon free advice phone line, are making a tangible impact, with more projects in the pipeline including zero emission buses across Devon.
While Devon exceeded its carbon budget by 9 per cent * for the past five years (2018 – 2022), the overall trend is moving in the right direction.
The findings reinforce the importance of continued collaboration to meet the ambitious goals of the Devon Carbon Plan: halving emissions by 2030 (from 2010), and achieving net-zero by 2050.
The partnership has recently set out priorities to accelerate emissions reduction towards the seven per cent annual drop required to meet the 2030 target, starting with a focus on supporting people to retrofit their homes, encouraging the uptake of electric vehicles and ensuring the local planning system enables renewable energy generation in the right locations.
DCE remains committed to supporting local action and innovation. With growing momentum and community engagement, Devon is well-positioned to lead the way in climate resilience and sustainability.
Claire Pearce, Chair of the Devon Climate Taskforce said:
“The four per cent reduction in Devon’s carbon footprint between 2022 and 2023 is an encouraging step forward and a testament to the collective efforts across the county. The establishment of clear priorities for action this year is a welcome recognition of the need to stay in Devon’s carbon budget, and that to do so, the pace of change still needs to accelerate. The Devon Carbon Plan provides a clear roadmap for action, and we now have an opportunity to build on this momentum. By continuing to prioritise sustainable transport, renewable energy, home retrofit and community-led climate solutions, we can drive deeper emissions cuts and ensure Devon remains a leader in tackling the climate emergency.”
Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, our cabinet member for Climate Change, Biodiversity & Transport, said:
“Devon County Council is proud to host the secretariat of the Devon Climate Emergency partnership, working alongside Devon’s other local authorities and organisations to drive down emissions and build a more sustainable future. This latest reduction in Devon’s carbon footprint is a clear sign that change is happening—but we know we must go further and faster. As a council, we are embedding climate action into our own operations, supporting communities to make low-carbon choices, and enabling the infrastructure needed for a net-zero Devon.
“Together, through collaboration and ambition, we can meet the goals of the Devon Carbon Plan – indeed we must, to ensure a thriving, climate-resilient county for generations to come.”
*Carbon Budget: The total amount of carbon dioxide emissions permitted over a period of time to keep within a certain temperature threshold. Other greenhouse gases are included by converting them to an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide. The carbon budgets are described in the Devon Carbon Plan, for five year periods up to 2050 calculated from 2016 emissions data, based on the Climate Change Committee’s Further Ambition Scenario in the Six the Carbon Budget.
The University of Exeter apportioned Devon’s share of England’s Carbon Budget as set out by the Climate Change Committee. The Carbon Budget was revised upwards in 2022 to reflect the slightly lower baseline position resulting from the updated emissions methodology. The current budget period covers 2023 – 2027. The 2022 emissions exceeded the budget cap of the previous period for 2018 – 2022 by about 9%. This exceedance has been carried forward into the next budget period, this is likely to make it harder it to meet the five-year carbon budgets, highlighting the need for urgent action on emissions.