Carbon Footprints for Households

Recently posted household Carbon Footprint Reports submitted by WinACC members are shown below.

Jon Cranfield, Mar 10

4 person household footprint: 5.5 tonnes

Measured using the Act On CO2 carbon calculator.
Based on the household size, this carbon footprint equates to 1.38 tonnes per person

Measures taken in the last 12 months to reduce footprint
Cavity Wall insulation, cutting down on car travel, committing not to fly unless I really have to (including switching to trains to travel in Europe and going on staycations) broken down my reef fish tank, and losing my dog last year, going meat free on at least one day a week and eventually the majority of meals to be vegetatrian.

Measures to be taken in the next 12 months to reduce footprint
Install wind power/solar power, further insulation in the roof, using reusable nappies for my two boys, grow more homegrown foods in the garden, compost more waste

Any other comments
From the last footprint I have had a significant reduction!!! but the people in the house are two under two babies does that count as a person?

Daniel Foulds, Feb 10

2 person household footprint: 5.8 tonnes

Measured using the Act On CO2 carbon calculator.
Based on the household size, this carbon footprint equates to 2.90 tonnes per person

Measures taken in the last 12 months to reduce footprint
Less dependency on transport both personal and public

Measures to be taken in the next 12 months to reduce footprint
Replacing old light bulbs with energy saving versions Looking at replacing old white goods with higher rated Looking at the introduction of double glazing

Camilla Warren, Feb 10

4 person household footprint: 4.3 tonnes

Measured using the Act On CO2 carbon calculator.
Based on the household size, this carbon footprint equates to 1.08 tonnes per person

Measures taken in the last 12 months to reduce footprint
Compost bin acquired. Changed all light bulbs to energy efficient. Kept thermostat at 15' during winter.

Measures to be taken in the next 12 months to reduce footprint
Use eco print on printer. Look into switching energy tariff to green one. Make sure members of household don't leave chargers plugged in unnecessarily. Hang clothes outside to dry.

Paul Montgomery, Feb 10

2 person household footprint: 26.7 tonnes

Measured using the Act On CO2 carbon calculator.
Based on the household size, this carbon footprint equates to 13.35 tonnes per person

Measures taken in the last 12 months to reduce footprint
Reduced local travel by car, switched to cycle, public transport. Started lighting replacement but low energy spotlights are still expensive. However two long distance air journeys and european air journeys to visit family blow everything else away.

Measures to be taken in the next 12 months to reduce footprint
Cut air travel. Drive less - reduce long distance car journeys too, use public transport more (plan better?) Continue replacement of lamps (and other electrical applicances) as appropriate

Any other comments
I was shocked to see the carbon cost of our (untypical) air travel in 2009.

Roy Broadhead, Nov 09

2 person household footprint: 4.2 tonnes

Measured using the Act On CO2 carbon calculator.
Based on the household size, this carbon footprint equates to 2.10 tonnes per person

Measures taken in the last 12 months to reduce footprint
Changed 30 light bulbs to low energy. Used train for longer journeys.

Measures to be taken in the next 12 months to reduce footprint
Walk and cycle more. Eat less meat

Barnaby Stonier, Oct 09

4 person household footprint: 19.3 tonnes

Measured using the Act On CO2 carbon calculator.
Based on the household size, this carbon footprint equates to 4.83 tonnes per person

Measures taken in the last 12 months to reduce footprint
We have replaced many of our lightbulbs with energy saving lightbulbs.

Measures to be taken in the next 12 months to reduce footprint
We will walk or cycle instead of using the car for short journeys and will try to use less electricity at home, especially for lighting.

Any other comments
Our home carbon footprint is below the national average but due to flights and car use our overall carbon footprint is way above average.

ROBERT PARKER, Sep 09

2 person household footprint: 4.2 tonnes

Measured using the Act On CO2 carbon calculator.
Based on the household size, this carbon footprint equates to 2.10 tonnes per person

Measures taken in the last 12 months to reduce footprint
Increased vegetable production and reduced meat consumption.

Measures to be taken in the next 12 months to reduce footprint
Fit water meter

Ian Redway, Oct 09

2 person household footprint: 9.4 tonnes

Measured using the Act On CO2 carbon calculator.
Based on the household size, this carbon footprint equates to 4.70 tonnes per person

Measures taken in the last 12 months to reduce footprint
Not flown. Walked. LE light bulbs.

Measures to be taken in the next 12 months to reduce footprint
More LE light bulbs. No flying. Ring bells

Adrian Loram, Sep 09

3 person household footprint: 4.6 tonnes

Measured using the Act On CO2 carbon calculator.
Based on the household size, this carbon footprint equates to 1.53 tonnes per person

Measures taken in the last 12 months to reduce footprint
Increased cycling/walking, reduced boiler usage, less things on standby, light-bulbs, washing temperature

Measures to be taken in the next 12 months to reduce footprint
Pressurise rest of family, more light-bulbs, less meat, more local food.

Any other comments
Food and other purchases should really be included in calculator.

Eleanor Bell, Aug 09

2 person household footprint: 12.4 tonnes

Measured using the Act On CO2 carbon calculator.
Based on the household size, this carbon footprint equates to 6.20 tonnes per person

Measures taken in the last 12 months to reduce footprint
Draft proofing. Energy lightbulbs. Replaced washing machine with AA rated model - using 30 degree cycle.

Measures to be taken in the next 12 months to reduce footprint
Replace conventional oil boiler with condensing boiler (possibly gas)

Any other comments
Did major energy saving measures 20 years ago (cavity wall insulation, additional loft insulation, part double glazing) but some more to do. Not keen to scrap older appliances that are still working well (fridge freezer and dishwasher). CO2 calculator didn't let me enter part double glazing or 2 people instead of 1 on long haul flight!