Exmoor more than halves its emissions

Exmoor National Park has more than halved its carbon emissions since declaring a climate emergency five years ago.

Just over two-thirds of its emissions come from buildings, while more than a quarter (27 per cent) are from business mileage by staff.

In 2019 when the park acknowledged a climate emergency, it produced roughly 200,000 kilograms of CO2, but that has fallen to around 80,000 now.

Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA), which oversees the park, said decarbonisation at its Pinkery Outdoor Education Centre had helped produce a significant drop in overall emissions in the last financial year.

“The vast majority of emissions from buildings are from electricity usage, particularly for heating,” the ENPA said.

“Overall usage of electricity has fallen, which is positive, including reductions at Exmoor House following investment in secondary glazing there, and replacement of lighting with LEDs.

“There has also been a fall in electricity usage at other premises including the three National Park Centres. Electricity usage at Exford Depot has increased, which could be partly due to increased electric equipment and the EV charger.”

It added that overall carbon emissions from electricity had not fallen as much as hoped because of the amount of gas used in electricity generation and a fall in renewable generation.

Mileage by its staff had fallen around 9,000 miles, saving 5,60 kg of CO2, and two new electric vehicles covered around 12,000 miles in the year. It plans to buy more soon.

While staff commuting isn’t included, the park noted that following the covid pandemic, some staff still partially work from home, thus leading to fewer emissions.

Home-based working had not reduced emissions from its buildings though, as they remain open.

Nevertheless, the ENPA believes it has made “good progress” towards meeting its 2030 carbon neutral target.