The Act on CO2 calculator is designed to increase understanding of the link between individual action and climate change, through carbon dioxide emissions. It also raises awareness of the different actions people can take in their everyday lives to help tackle climate change.
The calculator enables people to reliably work out their carbon footprint from home energy, appliances and transport. They can also choose to calculate their own personal footprint or their household’s. The calculator then develops a personalised action plan for users, with steps they can take to cut their emissions.
The Act on CO2 calculator has a range of features, including:
· three areas of lifestyle brought together in one calculator – home, electrical appliances, and personal travel;
· advice tailored to the information people give the calculator, rather than generic CO2-saving tips; and
· recommendations on reducing and avoiding energy waste, not just offsetting it.
The software that runs the calculator, complete with the Government data, will be made freely available under general public licence. This will enable others wanting to use the software to power their own calculators, using their own branding.
Defra is encouraging everyone to use the calculator, to become more aware of their carbon dioxide emissions, and to take action on ways to reduce it. They are also keen to receive feedback about how the calculator can be improved.
Further updates of the calculator will be released over the next few months with the addition of more features following feedback from users.
