Buildings & Industry

Homes, non-residential buildings (commercial and public) and industry are responsible for around two-thirds of total UK carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. Improving energy efficiency in buildings and industry is crucial if we are to reduce emissions substantially and meet carbon budgets.

Emissions from buildings and industry accounted for 69% of total UK greenhouse gas emissions in 2009 (Figure 3.1). They comprise direct emissions (i.e. from burning fossil fuels for heat) and (electricity related) indirect emissions. On a sector basis, industry emissions accounted for the largest share of the total UK CO₂ emissions in 2009 (32%), followed by residential (28%), commercial sector (10%) and public sector emissions (4%). The split between direct and indirect emissions varies between sectors, with the commercial sector having the highest proportion of indirect emissions, while direct emissions make up the highest share in industry.

There are significant opportunities to reduce emissions from homes, non-residential buildings and industry by:

Improving energy efficiency
Using efficient lights and appliances
Changing behaviour (e.g. turning off lights and appliances)
Using more energy from renewable sources
CCS and other options within carbon intensive industry
Decarbonising electricity supply

The Committee’s advice on these sectors

The Committee’s most recent analysis of emission trends and policy developments relating to buildings and industry is in:

Progress reports to Parliament

Chapter 3 of the CCC's 2011 progress report to parliament
Chapter 3 of the CCC's 2010 progress report to parliament
Chapter 5 of “Meeting carbon budgets – the need for a step change”

Carbon budget advice

Chapter 5 of the CCC's fourth budget report
Chapter 6 of the CCC's first report “Building a low-carbon economy – the UK’s contribution to tackling climate change”

Other advisory reports