“Grid carbon intensity” refers to how much CO2 is released from the generation of electricity supplied to the national grid. The emissions from electricity generation changes based on how much of that electricity is produced from low carbon sources (e.g. solar, wind or nuclear) versus other methods (e.g. gas-fired power stations). This means the emissions will vary at different times of the day and year.
By using data from the national grid we are able to provide a more accurate estimate of your emissions for each half-hourly period of the day.
The emissions only include those directly associated with the generation of electricity and do not include emissions from transmission, distribution, or other related processes.
When we are benchmarking your school to assess whether you are an exemplar or well-managed school, we use an average of the grid carbon intensity for the relevant period. For example if we’re assessing the emissions savings you have achieved by reducing your electricity use over the last 12 months to become a “well managed” school, then we take an average of the grid carbon intensity for the same period.