Headline emissions
In 2022, Powys’ total consumption-based carbon footprint was around 3.5 million tonnes of CO₂e. Of this, emissions associated with residents account for approximately 1.86 million tonnes. That’s about 13.9 tonnes per person — around 17% higher than the UK average (11.8 tonnes per person).
Powys’ rural geography helps explain why. Many homes are off the gas grid and rely on oil and solid fuels for heating. People also depend more on cars because distances are longer and public transport is harder to provide in a sparsely populated county. Powys is over ten times less densely populated than the UK average, and more than five times less dense than Wales overall.
Why this report matters
To take effective action on climate change, we first need a clear understanding of:
- where Powys is starting from
- what is driving emissions
- what risks we face
- what changes would make the biggest difference
Powys Public Services Board partners have been working together to build a strong evidence base to support informed, long-term and preventative decision-making across public services, communities and the wider county.
This report provides a foundation for future action.
Carbon in everyday life
The technical report uses a consumption-based carbon footprint, which captures the emissions linked to everyday life in Powys — including emissions that happen outside the county but are driven by what we buy and use, for example imported food, clothes and gadgets.
Powys' Carbon footprint
- Food is the largest share (almost half), because it includes emissions linked to agriculture and food consumption.
- Economy and resource use is the next largest, covering emissions linked to a wide range of goods and services used by people living in the county.
- Travel is also significant, making up around one fifth of the total footprint.
- Energy covers the remaining share within the baseline boundary, including electricity and heating across homes, businesses and other buildings.
- Nature is different: it relates to carbon that is removed from the atmosphere rather than emitted. In 2022, Powys’ natural environment absorbed around 215 kilotonnes of CO₂e.
Strengthening nature recovery — through restoring and expanding healthy habitats — supports biodiversity and helps Powys reach climate targets across the other shifts.
What "Net Zero" means for Powys
Net zero means finding a balance between:
- greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere, and
- greenhouse gases removed from it (for example through healthy peatlands, woodlands and soils).
The report sets out a fair-share, science-based trajectory with two linked parts:
- reducing emissions, and
- increasing carbon sequestration (removal).
The analysis shows that a fair-share pathway aligned with the Paris Agreement goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C would mean Powys reaching net zero by 2045.
Evidence-led action
Evidence is helping public services, businesses and communities focus effort where it will make the most difference.
Public bodies in Powys reduce emissions by integrating carbon considerations into procurement, estates management, transport planning, commissioning and long-term financial decisions.
Powys’ carbon footprint
You can explore the full detail of Powys’ carbon footprint in the Powys County: Carbon Baseline and Climate Transition.
Small World Consulting Report
Welsh Government climate change targets
How Wales is tackling the climate emergency with a framework of targets and carbon budgets.
Climate change targets and carbon budgets | GOV.WALES (External Link)
Public sector net zero reports
This dashboard brings together data about public sector carbon emissions in Wales.
Welsh public sector net zero reporting: interactive dashboard | GOV.WALES (External Link)
Headline emissions
In 2022, Powys’ total consumption-based carbon footprint was around 3.5 million tonnes of CO₂e. Of this, emissions associated with residents account for approximately 1.86 million tonnes. That’s about 13.9 tonnes per person — around 17% higher than the UK average (11.8 tonnes per person).
Powys’ rural geography helps explain why. Many homes are off the gas grid and rely on oil and solid fuels for heating. People also depend more on cars because distances are longer and public transport is harder to provide in a sparsely populated county. Powys is over ten times less densely populated than the UK average, and more than five times less dense than Wales overall.
Why this report matters
To take effective action on climate change, we first need a clear understanding of:
- where Powys is starting from
- what is driving emissions
- what risks we face
- what changes would make the biggest difference
Powys Public Services Board partners have been working together to build a strong evidence base to support informed, long-term and preventative decision-making across public services, communities and the wider county.
This report provides a foundation for future action.
Carbon in everyday life
The technical report uses a consumption-based carbon footprint, which captures the emissions linked to everyday life in Powys — including emissions that happen outside the county but are driven by what we buy and use, for example imported food, clothes and gadgets.
Powys' Carbon footprint
- Food is the largest share (almost half), because it includes emissions linked to agriculture and food consumption.
- Economy and resource use is the next largest, covering emissions linked to a wide range of goods and services used by people living in the county.
- Travel is also significant, making up around one fifth of the total footprint.
- Energy covers the remaining share within the baseline boundary, including electricity and heating across homes, businesses and other buildings.
- Nature is different: it relates to carbon that is removed from the atmosphere rather than emitted. In 2022, Powys’ natural environment absorbed around 215 kilotonnes of CO₂e.
Strengthening nature recovery — through restoring and expanding healthy habitats — supports biodiversity and helps Powys reach climate targets across the other shifts.
What "Net Zero" means for Powys
Net zero means finding a balance between:
- greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere, and
- greenhouse gases removed from it (for example through healthy peatlands, woodlands and soils).
The report sets out a fair-share, science-based trajectory with two linked parts:
- reducing emissions, and
- increasing carbon sequestration (removal).
The analysis shows that a fair-share pathway aligned with the Paris Agreement goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C would mean Powys reaching net zero by 2045.
Evidence-led action
Evidence is helping public services, businesses and communities focus effort where it will make the most difference.
Public bodies in Powys reduce emissions by integrating carbon considerations into procurement, estates management, transport planning, commissioning and long-term financial decisions.
Powys’ carbon footprint
You can explore the full detail of Powys’ carbon footprint in the Powys County: Carbon Baseline and Climate Transition.
Small World Consulting Report
Welsh Government climate change targets
How Wales is tackling the climate emergency with a framework of targets and carbon budgets.
Climate change targets and carbon budgets | GOV.WALES (External Link)
Public sector net zero reports
This dashboard brings together data about public sector carbon emissions in Wales.
Welsh public sector net zero reporting: interactive dashboard | GOV.WALES (External Link)
