Rethinking Residual Emissions of Local Authorities in England: Utilising Green Assets

'Rethinking Residual Emissions of Local Authorities in England: Utilising Green Assets' recommends policy related to the use of biodiversity and green infrastructure as carbon offsets for local authorities in England. 

This research critically examines the concept of additionality – a fundamental principle in carbon markets - and identifies blurriness in how the concept is understood. In pinning down the concept as legal additionality, the research assesses whether local authorities in the UK have legal duties towards a variety of carbon sinks, collectively referred to in this report as “green assets”. With the exception of wetlands, which are legally protected, other green assets assessed, i.e. managed trees, ancient woodlands, soil, and grass verges exist at the discretion of their landowners, i.e. local authorities, and are not mandated by law.  By maintaining them, local authorities can derive carbon accounting benefit from them by counting them as high-quality carbon offsets to offset local authority residual emissions.

To stimulate a wider policy discussion on green assets and their role in local authorities’ carbon offset strategy, this report recommends the following: -

 1.    Stratify additionality

a.    Establish different degrees of additionality tailored to the public sector

b.    Differentiate the value of offsets based on asset types and management practices

2.    Quantify and certify Green Asset Offsets

a.    Review and agree upon the carbon sequestration potential capacity of managed trees, woodlands, soil, grass verges and pitches.

b.    Align standards with recognised certification schemes

3.    Develop a clear carbon offset strategy

a.    Define principles appropriate for the public sector

b.    Enhance transparency to avoid greenwashing concerns.

4.   Consider the climate finance potential of increasing green assets

a.    Explore funding mechanisms to increase green asset portfolio 

This research project is a collaboration between Centre for Climate Change Research (C3R), Hertfordshire Law School (University of Hertfordshire), Hertfordshire Climate Change and Sustainability Partnership (HCCSP) and East Hertfordshire District Council (EHDC). The first phase of this research was funded by C3R, the second phase was indirectly funded through resources from the Environmental Policy Clinic of the Law Clinic of the Hertfordshire Law School. This report informs the the Carbon reduction action plan of the HCCSP, of which UH is a non-voting member. The HCCSP is a partnership of 10 local authorities in Hertfordshire.