Introduction and report context
This report provides a breakdown of Brighton & Hove City Council’s internal Carbon Emissions for the 2022/23 financial year.
Emissions were calculated using consumption figures taken from utility billing as well as automatic meter read data where available.
The scope of the report covers internal organisational emissions, which comprises electricity, gas, and oil use in corporate buildings (Including Offices, Social Care, Libraries, Park Property, Children’s Centres and Museums), schools and housing (Public Ways Lighting and Shared Gas Boilers).
Additionally, the report includes carbon emissions resulting from street lighting and vehicle fleet fuel consumption. Carbon emissions resulting from energy consumption in tenanted Commercial & Housing properties where occupants are solely responsible for usage, are excluded from the scope of this report.
Emissions figures are presented in CO2e (Carbon Dioxide Equivalent), the standard unit for measuring carbon footprints. The raw consumption data has been converted to CO2e using the annual Greenhouse gas reporting conversion factors, calculated by BEIS (Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy). The conversion factors for 2022/23 used in this report, are included in Appendix B.
The methodology applied in this report is defined in the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Standard (GHGP). The reported emissions totals include:
- Scope 1 (Direct emissions), relating to activities owned or controlled by your organisation that release emissions straight into the atmosphere for example combustion for heating purposes and fleet vehicles
- Scope 2 (Energy indirect) emissions being released into the atmosphere associated with the consumption of purchased electricity from the National Grid.
Emissions defined as Scope 3 under the GHGP relating to emissions from purchased goods and services, employee travel and leased assets are currently not included in this report.
A full list of the emissions areas included in this report are included in Appendix A.
From October 2020 all electricity procured by the council through its corporate contracts were determined to be 100% renewable by the supplier and backed by REGO Certificates (Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin). This has not directly impacted the emissions from electricity sources outlined in the report but does highlight the council’s support for the development of additional renewable generation capacity across the UK energy mix.
2.0 Total Annual CO²e Emissions 2022/23
Brighton & Hove City Council’s total internal carbon emissions for 2022/23 was 16,078 tonnes CO2e.
Figure 1 shows a breakdown of the total footprint by fuel type and area of the council. When compared to the council’s 2021/22 footprint of 18,448 tonnes CO2e represents a total overall annual reduction of 2,370 tonnes CO2e (12.85%).
A comparison of the Council’s emissions when compared to the previous year are outlined in Table 1 below.
Figure 1: Total Annual CO²e Emissions 2022/23 broken down by area of the council and fuel type CO²e

The graph shows that the council used a total of 16,078 Tonnes Co²e over 2022/2023. The data is in the table below.
Area of council and fuel type | Emissions (Tonnes Co²e) | Percentage of total |
---|---|---|
Schools Heating | 3,393 | 21% |
Schools Electricity | 1,502 | 9% |
Housing Heating | 2,819 | 17% |
Housing Electricity | 804 | 5% |
Corporate Heating | 2,097 | 13% |
Corporate Electricity | 1,862 | 12% |
Fleet Fuel | 2,541 | 16% |
Street Lighting | 1,059 | 7% |
Table 1: Total annual Co²e emissions comparison by area of the council
Report year | Corporate Emissions (Tonnes Co²e) | Housing Emissions (Tonnes Co²e) | Schools Emissions (Tonnes Co²e) | Street Lighting Emissions (Tonnes Co²e) | Fleet Fuel Emissions (Tonnes Co²e) | Total Annual Emissions (Tonnes Co²e ) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022/23 | 3,960 | 3,623 | 4,895 | 1,059 | 2,541 | 16,078 |
2021/22 | 4,826 | 4,070 | 5,737 | 1,313 | 2,503 | 18,448 |
Year On Year Emission Change | -866 | -447 | -842 | -253 | +38 | -2,370 |
Year On Year Emission Change (%) | 17.94% Reduction | 11.72% Reduction | 14.69% Reduction | 19.27% Reduction | 1.53% Increase | 12.85% Reduction |
Annual ‘Corporate’ Emissions 2022/23
Property categorised as ‘Corporate’ showed a total year-on-year carbon emission reduction across all fuels of 17.94% (866 tonnes CO2e).
Corporate emissions related to electricity consumption reduced by 19.72 % (458 tonnes CO2e) this was due to a reduction in consumption of 1300mWh (11.85% of total consumption) and improvements to the grid emissions factor for 2022/23.
Corporate Emissions from heating fuels reduced by 16.30% (408 tonnes CO2e) due to a reduction in heating consumption of 2200mWh (15.95% of total consumption).
Annual ‘Housing’ Emissions 2022/23
Housing sites showed a total year-on-year carbon emission reduction of 11.72% (447 tonnes CO2e).
Housing emissions related to electricity consumption reduced by 11.28% (102 tonnes CO2e) and were realised by an improvement in the grid electricity emission factor for 2022/23 and a small reduction in consumption of 100mWh (2.6% of total consumption).
Heating emissions reduced by 10.89% in 2022/23(344 tonnes CO2e), due to a reduction in communal gas consumption of around 1800mWh (10.59% of total consumption).
Annual ‘School’ Emissions 2022/23
School sites showed a total year-on-year carbon emission reduction across all fuels of 14.69% (842 tonnes CO²e).
School electricity emissions reduced by 10.7% (181 tonnes CO²e) due to a small reduction in consumption of 160mWh (2% of total consumption), and improvements to grid emission factors. Emissions from heating fuels reduced 10.89% (344 tonnes CO²e) due to a reduction of heating consumption of 1800mWh.
Annual ‘Street Lighting’ Emissions 2022/23
Street Lighting supplies showed a total year-on-year carbon emission reduction of 19.30% (253 tonnes CO²e). This is due to reductions in annual consumption of 700mWh (11.4% of total consumption) and improvements to grid electricity Carbon Emissions Factors for 2022/23.
Annual ‘Fleet Fuel’ Emissions 2022/23
Fleet Fuel emissions have increased by 1.53% (38 tonnes CO²e) in 2022/23 due to a small increase in consumption of 19,600 litres of diesel/petrol
2.1: CO²e Emissions by Utility - Electricity
Table 2- Total Annual CO²e Emissions from Electricity Consumption 2022/23
Area of council | Consumption (kWh) | Consumption change (kWh) | Annual % change | Emissions (Tonnes CO²e) | Emissions change (Tonnes CO²e) | Annual % change |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Corporate | 9,630,167 | -1,295,189 | -11.85% | 1862.3 | -458 | -19.72% |
Housing | 4,156,506 | -110,327 | -2.59% | 803.8 | -102 | -11.28% |
Schools | 7,764,970 | -160,559 | -2.03% | 1501.6 | -181 | -10.77% |
Street lighting | 5,478,257 | -704,363 | -11.39% | 1059.4 | -253 | -19.30% |
Total | 27,029,900 | -2,270,438 | -7.75% | 5227.0 | -994.3 | -15.98% |
Total CO²e emissions from electricity consumption in 2022/23 reduced by 15.98% when compared to 2021/22.
Electricity consumption reduced by 7.75% on the previous year but further emissions reductions were realised by improvements to the carbon intensity of grid electricity.
Figure 2 - Total CO²e emissions from electricity consumption over last 10 years of operation

Total CO²e emissions from council electricity usage have reduced by over 76% in the last ten reporting years. In real terms electricity consumption has fallen by 35% over the same period and with emissions reductions boosted by vastly improved emissions factors from the national electricity.
If the trend in reductions continue, it is likely that the total contribution to council’s carbon footprint from electricity emissions will be minimal by 2030 target date (<15%). However continued efficiency measures and commissioning of renewable technologies will be required to free electrical capacity for the implementation of Low Carbon Heating alternatives to existing gas heating.
2.2: CO²e Emissions by Utility - Gas
Table 3 - Total Annual CO²e Emissions from Gas Consumption 2022/23
Area of council | Consumption (kWh) | Consumption change (kWh) | % change | Emissions (Tonnes CO²e) | Emissions change (Tonnes CO²e) | % change |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Corporate | 11,478,273 | -2,178,945 | -15.95% | 2097.4 | -408 | -16.30% |
Housing | 15,445,407 | -1,828,537 | -10.59% | 2819.4 | -344 | -10.89% |
Schools | 18,306,315 | -3,492,934 | -16.02% | 3393.0 | -661 | -16.31% |
Total | 45,229,995 | -7,500,416 | -14.22% | 8309.8 | -1,414 | -14.54% |
Total CO²e emissions from gas consumption in 2022/23 reduced by around 14.54% when compared to 2021/22 figures. This was realised by a reduction in fuel consumption of 7500mWh.
It is likely that increased requirement for natural ventilation due to Covid-19 mitigations may have resulted in an increased demand of heating systems in across the winter period of 2021/22 and it may be difficult to replicate similar levels of reduction in future reporting years.
Figure 3- Total CO²e emissions from gas consumption over last 10 years of operation.

The graph shows a general decrease in emissions from gas consumption with only slight fluctuations.
Whilst total CO²e emissions from council gas usage have reduced by around 33% in the last ten reporting years, reductions in emissions over the last seven reporting years have been more modest. Improvements to the carbon intensity of natural gas are unlikely to materialise on the supply side, and therefore any efficiencies will have to be driven by reductions in consumption.
The council are currently in the process of carrying our ‘Decarbonisation’ studies across the operational portfolio to identify opportunities for replacing existing fossil fuel heating systems with ‘low carbon’ alternatives to help address emissions from gas consumption.
2.3: CO²e Emissions by Utility – Fleet Fuel (Diesel & Petrol)
Table 4 - Total Annual CO²e Emissions from Fleet Fuel Consumption 2022/23
Area of Council | Consumption (Litres) | Emissions (Tonnes CO²e) | Emissions Change (Tonnes CO²e) | % Change |
---|---|---|---|---|
Vehicle Fleet | 948,925 | 2541.1 | 38 | 1.53% |
Fleet Fuel emissions have increased by 2.11% (45 tonnes CO2e) in 2022/23.

Reported CO²e emissions from Fleet fuel usage have remained relatively consistent since the reporting baseline year (2009/10), with only slight fluctuations showing historically.
A Fleet Strategy has now been developed with the aim of replacing council-owned diesel and petrol vehicles with electrical equivalents. Plans are currently underway to phase in electric vehicles and fast charging points to replace refuse collection vehicles at Hollingdean Depot.
3.0: Working Towards Carbon Neutral 2030
Figure 5 and Table 5 below show the council’s total annual emissions reduction since the baseline reporting year of 2009/10. CO²e emissions within the operational scope have reduced by a total of 59% in that period, with an average annual reduction of 8.3%.
Historically a 4% annual reduction target was applied. In the 2020/21 reporting year Internal reduction targets were adjusted to align with the Council’s Citywide Carbon Neutral aims.
The Tyndall Centre for Climate Change calculated that Brighton & Hove City Council needs to cut its carbon emissions by 12.7% per year starting from 2020.
Table 5 - Annual Co²e Emissions (Tonnes) & percentage change since baseline Year 2009/10
Baseline Year 2009/10 | 2022/23 | % Change since Baseline | |
---|---|---|---|
Scope 1 | 2,181 (oil) | 184 (oil) | -92% |
Scope 1 | 11,674 (natural gas) | 8,125 (natural gas) | -30% |
Scope 1 | 2,366 (transport fuel) | 2,541 (transport fuel) | +7% |
Scope 2 | 17,896 (electricity - buildings) | 4,168 ( (electricity - buildings) | -77% |
Scope 2 | 5,527 (electricity - street lighting and traffic signals) | 1,059 (electricity - street lighting and traffic signals) | -81% |
Total emissions | 39,644 | 16,078 | -59% |
Figure 5- Annual Co²e Emissions (Tonnes) Vs Reduction Targets

The graph shows total emissions alongside the annual reduction target. Both have declined consistently since 2009. 2022/23 indicates the emissions are slightly higher than the target.
A considerable proportion of achieved reductions are due to improved emissions factors in the grid. This is a result of an increase of renewable energy in the fuel mix and the closure of power stations using ‘dirtier’ fuels such as coal. Published BEIS emissions factors for 2023 indicate that the carbon intensity has actually increased by 7% in the previous year and BHCC will be required to reduce consumption more considerably in 2023/24 in order to reach its annual emissions target.
Whilst emissions from gas sources showed a good year-on-year reduction in 2022/23 (14.5%), this was in the context of heavy gas consumption in the previous year, due to the need for increased natural ventilation during the winter months due to Covid mitigations. Replicating this level of reduction may be more difficult going forward and the only way to realise permanent carbon reductions in this area is to increase the replacement of existing fossil fuel heating systems with low carbon alternatives such as heat pumps.
Emission from fleet fuel consumption have been consistent in the last 10 years of operation. Work is underway to start electrifying the council’s fleet and the hope is that this is has a more notable impact on liquid fuel consumption in the 2023/24 reporting year
4.0: Current Solar Photovoltaic Capacity on Council Buildings
The table below shows a breakdown of currently commissioned Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panel installations across council buildings as of April 2022. An estimate of the total yield has been provided, including the amount annual Carbon emissions avoided and a percentage of the total electricity consumption covered by the generation.
PV installations on school buildings encompass arrays that are owned outright by the schools, and panels that are owned by a third-party provider (‘Rent-a-Roof’ arrangement). The arrays in the latter category still impact directly on our Carbon footprint, however the schools buy the electricity produced by the panels at a discounted rate via a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
PV arrays on housing property are also split into two sections; installations that provide electricity to communal areas and ones that are connected to the tenant’s personal supply. In the latter category the panels produce the same carbon saving, but this does not directly impact the council’s internal Carbon footprint as tenanted supplies are outside of reported scope.
Table 6 - Estimate Annual Impact of Solar PV Installs on Emissions within Scope of report 2022/23
Area | Est Annual Solar Yield (kWh) | As % of Annual Electricity Consumption 2022/23 | Total Estimate Carbon Savings 2022/23 (Tonnes CO²e) | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Corporate | 275,499 | 3% | 53 | |
Schools | 847,992 | 11% | 164 | |
Housing (Communal) | 278,624 | 7% | 54 |
Table 7 - Estimated generation of Solar PV on tenanted housing stock
Area | Est Annual Solar Yield (kWh) | Total Estimate Carbon Savings (Tonnes) 2022/2023 |
---|---|---|
Housing (Tenanted Property) | 690,318 | 133.5 |
Conclusions
The Council exceeded its 12.7% emissions reduction target for 2022/23, although outcomes should probably be considered in the context of a relatively poor performance in the preceding reporting year. Emissions figures in 2021/22 may have been artificially high due to the increase heating demand required in periods where Covid-19 ventilation mitigations were in place. Additionally, Carbon conversion factors for 2023/24 have an increased year-on-year weighting for the first time since 2014 and the council will need to deliver a higher proportion of consumption savings in order to meet its next annual target.
Good progress was made in the reduction of Carbon Emissions relating to electrical equipment and street lighting, with reductions of around 16% year-on-year, and a total 77% reduction over the last decade of operations. These is most notable in emissions relating to Street Lighting which have reduced by 81% over the last ten years due to an extensive LED retrofit programme.
The following ongoing carbon reduction activities will assist the council in meeting its Carbon reduction aims going forwards.
An extension to the programme of installing Solar PV and LED lighting retrofits to ease existing electricity demand. This will drive additional Carbon and revenue savings in the short team, but also free capacity in the electricity network to enable implementation of Low Carbon Heating alternatives.
A decarbonisation plan covering 70 operational and school buildings was developed in 2021/22 & 2022/23. Energy efficiency audits were carried out across these sites to identify opportunities for Low Carbon Heating (Air Source Heat Pumps), improvements to building fabric, lighting upgrades and feasibility of renewable technologies. The pipeline of identified projects can be used to focus available capital funding and be used to bid for any external grant subsidies.
Electrification of the council’s vehicle fleet to reduce reliance on diesel engines. Work is currently underway to install 10 rapid electric vehicle chargers at Hollingdean depot and a programme for replacing waste collection vehicles with electric alternatives has been developed
Appendix A
Detailed Breakdown of Scope of Emissions Included/Excluded in this report
Scope 1 (Direct)
Gas consumption: in buildings we fully own and control
Emissions included in our reporting are:
- civic buildings
- schools
- council housing communal areas
- all other buildings owned by the council
Emissions excluded from our reporting:
- Council Housing (Tenant level - household energy bills)
Gas consumption: in buildings we own and lease out to others
Most emissions are excluded, but some sites where a council appointed managing agent has been appointed are included.
Emissions excluded from our reporting:
- Commercial property portfolio, unless included on corporate utility contracts
Gas consumption: in buildings we lease in from others
Emissions included in our reporting are:
- all leased-in properties.
Emissions excluded from our reporting:
- none
Other fuel consumption (in owned transport – diesel, petrol, LPG)
Emissions included in our reporting are:
- vehicle fleet
Emissions excluded from our reporting:
- none
Process emissions (e.g., waste processing)
Emissions are not included in our reporting as this is contracted out.
Fugitive emissions (e.g., air conditioning and refrigeration leaks)
Emissions are not included in our reporting - due to the nature of data collection – we will be looking to improve data collection going forward.
Scope 2 (Direct)
Purchased electricity: in buildings we fully own and control
Emissions included in our reporting are:
- civic buildings
- schools
- council housing communal areas
- all other buildings owned by the council
Emissions excluded from our reporting:
- Social Housing (Tenant level - household energy bills)
Purchased electricity: in buildings we own and lease out to others
Most emissions are excluded, but some sites where a council appointed managing agent has been appointed are included.
Emissions excluded from our reporting:
- Commercial property portfolio, unless included on corporate utility contracts
Purchased electricity: in buildings we lease from others
Emissions included in our reporting are:
- all leased-in properties.
Emissions excluded from our reporting:
- none
Purchased electricity: street lighting and illuminated bollards
Emissions included in our reporting are:
- street lighting
- traffic signals
Emissions excluded from our reporting:
- none
Other fixed power sources
Emissions included in our reporting are:
- electric vehicle charging points
Emissions excluded from our reporting:
- none
Scope 3 (Other indirect)
The following operational scopes are not included in the reporting as we do not have the monitoring systems in place:
- indirect emissions from purchased energy and fuels
- procured goods and services
- sold goods and services e.g., emissions related to local people’s use of local authority services
- business travel
- commuter travel
- waste disposal
- water usage
- leased assets and franchising, outsourced activities e.g., Leisure and swimming pools
Appendix B
Annual Carbon Emissions Factors for 2022/23 published by Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
Fuel | Conversion Factor 2022/23 (KG CO | Unit |
---|---|---|
Electricity | 0.19338 | Per kWh |
Natural Gas | 0.18254 | Per kWh |
Gas oil | 0.25679 | Per kWh |
Diesel (100% mineral) | 2.6988 | Per Litre |
Unleaded petrol (Biofuel Blend) | 2.16185 | Per litre |