About this study

We are measuring the carbon footprint of a city.

The residents of Leicester are helping us to record how much energy they use in their homes and at work, how they travel around and if they look after a green space.

The information will be used to produce a carbon 'map' of the city, which will show how it compares with the national average and what steps will make the city greener.

The project began in April 2008 and finishes in March 2012.

How we are working
This study is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. NatCen is responsible for collecting data, which is being analysed by scientists from De Montfort University, Loughborough University, Newcastle University, the University of Leeds and the University of Sheffield.

Potential policy impact

The efforts made to measure - and ultimately reduce - Leicester’s carbon footprint may inform the idea of a ‘model city’ for future use by town planners and policy makers.

Methods

We carried out face-to-face surveys with 575 households in Leicester, collecting information about people’s home energy use, travel choices and gardens.

We also took simple measurements that included gas and electricity meter readings and room temperatures.

Many participants have agreed to take part in follow-up studies to provide more detail about their travel habits, soil samples from their gardens, or readings from their gas and electricity meter readings.

Alongside the residents survey, the research will also involve schools, workplaces, service providers, and organisations such as the council.

Find out more
Findings from this study will be published over the next few years by De Montfort, Loughborough, Newcastle, Leeds and Sheffield Universities. More details are available at 4M: An Evidence Based Methodology for Understanding and Shrinking the Urban Carbon Footprint.