Carbon Measurement

Carbon measurement can be carried out in a number of different ways, for example:

• Measuring the embodied carbon in products: The embodied carbon associated with a particular product, such as a vehicle or asphalt mix can be calculated using life cycle analysis principles. The results can be used to inform material selection decisions to maximise carbon reductions.
• Measuring the carbon associated with processes: The carbon emissions associated with a particular process or project can be calculated - for example the emissions associated with a specific construction project. The measurement of carbon can be aided by developing a tool or calculator which allows users to input data relating to their proposed approach and choose the most sustainable option.

It is also possible to measure carbon at different levels for example at either the scheme or network level:

• Scheme assessment: involves the calculation of the traffic emissions associated with implementing a new scheme, such as improving a junction, introducing urban traffic control systems such as SCOOT (http://www.trlsoftware.co.uk) or hard shoulder running.
• Network performance: involves the measurement traffic emissions associated with the network as a whole or for a specific area/contractor. A baseline is set against which to measure improvements or achievement of targets. For example the Highways Agency requires their Area Managing Agents to submit details of their carbon emissions on a quarterly basis.

TRL has extensive experience of helping to support organisations to develop a robust picture of their carbon footprint and accurately interpret data to inform the development of sustainable transport policy. We provide the technical consultancy to deliver impact assessments of products, processes and organisations in order to establish their 'footprints' and identify environmental impact 'hot-spots', both through the application of standard life cycle assessment processes or through the development of bespoke tools. For example TRL has:

• Developed the bespoke asPECT Carbon Tool for the Highways Agency, Minerals Product Association and Refined Bitumen Association which calculates the embodied carbon of different types of asphalt pavement to help the industry to choose the types of pavements with the lowest carbon footprint.
• Developed a tool for the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) to help those working in theconstruction industry to identify areas where GHG emission savings can be made.
• Undertaken research for the Highways Agency to determine how feasible it is to carry out life cycle analysis on highway products.

TRL's key capabilities in the field if carbon measurement include:

• full and streamlined life-cycle assessment,
• carbon footprinting,
• resource flow analysis including mass balance,
• bespoke tool development,
• policy guidance through evidence gathering,
• compliance reviews (for EU and international directives/targets).

For further information on TRL's carbon measurement capabilities simply click here to visit the LCA and Carbon Footprinting page.