The UK Government's Dept. of Energy and Climate Change (DECC)
Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) for energy rating dwellings,
includes a facility to calculate carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions in
kilograms or tonnes per year. The established carbon index method
allows for adjustment to dwelling floor area to obtain a carbon
factor (CF):
CF = CO 2 ...(total floor area+45)
The carbon index (CI) = 17„7 † (9 log. CF)Note: log. = logarithm to the base 10.e.g. A dwelling of total floor area 125m^2 , with CO 2 emissions of
2000 kg/yr.
CF = 2000...(125+45) = 11„76
CI = 17„7 † (9 log. 11„76) = 8„06The carbon index (CI) is expressed on a scale of 0 to 10. The higher
the number the better. Every new dwelling should have a CI value
of a least 8.
Approved Document L to the Building Regulations refers to the
Dwelling Carbon Emissions Rate (DER) as another means for
assessing carbon discharge. The DER is compared by calculation to
a Target Carbon Emissions Rate (TER), based on data for type of
lighting, floor area, building shape and choice of fuel.
The DER is derived primarily by appraising the potential CO 2
emission from a dwelling relative to the consumption of fuel
(directly or indirectly) in hot water, heating, lighting, cooling (if
fitted), fans and pumps.
DER <† TER
Buildings account for about half of the UK's carbon emissions.
Therefore, there are considerable possibilities for energy savings
and reductions in atmospheric pollution.
Thermal Insulation, Carbon Emissions