Development of an Embedded Carbon Emissions Indicator - Producing a Time Series of Input-Output Tables and Embedded Carbon Dioxide Emissions for the UK by Using a MRIO Data Optimisation System: Final Report

Abstract:

This document is the final report for the project titled 'Producing a Time Series of Input-Output Tables and Embedded Carbon Dioxide Emissions for the UK by Using a MRIO Data Optimisation System'.

For this stage of the project (UK-MRIO 1), the aim was to develop and implement an initial, relatively small, data and model framework that is easily expandable without major adaptations. A data optimisation procedure is to allow the flexible adaptation of national input-output and environmental databases for use in a multi-region environmental input-output model in the future. Thus the work was to set the basis for multi-country analyses of environmental impacts associated with UK trade flows, including detailed accounts of embedded in trade flows to and from the UK over a period of time.

In order to achieve this aim, initial data estimates have been made, data constraints have been defined and specific optimisation algorithms have been developed and implemented. As a tangible outcome of the current project we have constructed a time series of annual input-output tables for the UK from 1992 to 2004 by using a modified RAS7 procedure for balancing (referred to as 'Conflicting RAS' or 'CRAS'). These tables are similar to the "Analytical IO Tables 1995" published by ONS, including symmetric input-output tables (SIOT) for domestic transactions and imports for each year from 1992 to 2004 (see Appendix C: Data Sources and Data Preparation on page 41). In addition to the original project aim, we have also calculated a time series of direct and indirect carbon dioxide emissions associated with UK economic activities, in particular emissions that are embedded in imports to and exports from the UK.

1. Project Context
2. Methodological Approach
3. Results
4. Discussion of Assumptions and Limitations of the Current UK-MRIO Model
5. Recommendations for Further Research
6. Conclusions
7. Acknowledgements
8. Appendix A: Research Contacts
9. Appendix B: Review of Literature on EET models
10. Appendix C: Data Sources and Data Preparation
11. Appendix D: Matrix Balancing with CRAS
12. Appendix E: Production of Symmetric Input-Output Tables
13. Appendix F: Detailed Results for CO₂ Emissions Embedded in UK Trade
14. Appendix G: References

Publication Year:

2008

Publisher:

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

DOI:

No DOI minted

Author(s):

Wiedmann, T., Wood, R., Lenzen, M., Minx, J., Guan, D. and Barrett, J.