Cost and benefits of greenhouse gas reporting

Discussions are underway in the UK as to whether large companies should be required to publish their greenhouse gas emissions each year. Measuring and publishing emissions is viewed as an important step towards a low-carbon economy. There are, however, certain costs involved in implementing the measures required to achieve this goal.

In light of this debate, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) produced a detailed cost-benefit analysis on the impact of introducing such regulations. WWF UK, the Aldersgate Group, the Co-operative Group and Christian Aid commissioned adelphi to review Defra's analysis and to produce an alternative cost-benefit calculation on the mandatory reporting scheme. The findings of adelphi’s analysis were incorporated into subsequent decision-making in the UK.