Introduction
The aims of this project were:
- to estimate the carbon footprint of the M6 Toll for a range of scenarios,
- to compare the carbon footprint of the M6 Toll with the carbon footprint of an equivalent section of the M6, and;
- to identify and cost a range of policy options for a carbon-neutral M6 Toll.
Background and context
Construction work for the M6 Toll began in November 2000 and the road was first opened to public traffic on 9th December 2003. The total length of the motorway is 43.45km (27 miles), although some of the motorway was built on existing roads.
The road will be operated by Midland Express Limited 2054, and in line with this time factor, the report estimated the carbon footprint of the M6 Toll for a 50-year operating horizon.
Summary of project research
i. Carbon footprint of the M6 Toll
The carbon footprint of the M6 Toll arises from its construction, operation and use. The construction stage of the M6 Toll had a total carbon footprint of between 121,670 to 186,920 tonnes of CO2.
Although this component of the carbon footprint of the M6 Toll is fixed, it is estimated that over 50 years, existing on-site planting may offset between 10% and 15% of the carbon footprint of the construction phase.
However, the carbon footprint of the M6 Toll is dominated by traffic flow. The project’s best estimate of vehicle emissions for the year 2006-07 is 191,403 tonnes of CO2 or around 50,000 tonnes of carbon. In comparison, emissions arising from operation and maintenance are minor (2,221 tonnes of CO2 in 2006-07).
Estimates of the cumulative carbon footprint of the M6 Toll over its 50-year operating horizon under Midland Expressway are particularly sensitive to assumptions regarding future traffic flow and future EU and domestic policy on vehicle emissions. However, according to the various assumptions investigated in the final report, the total carbon footprint of the M6 Toll is likely to fall within a range of between 4.5 and 12.5 million tones of CO2.
The annual carbon footprint of the M6 Toll for 2006-07 can be summarised as follows:
| CO2 (tonnes) | |
|---|---|
| Construction: Annual contribution (mid-point over 50 years) | 3,086 |
| Operation and maintenance (annual, based on 2006-07) | 2,221 |
| Traffic (annual, based on 2006-07) | 191,403 |
| Total | 196,710 |
ii. Comparing carbon footprint of M6 Toll and M6
Based on the estimate that M6 carries 150,000 vehicles a day (30% HGVs) and the assumption of traffic travelling the entire length of the road, the annual carbon footprint of M6 was estimated as follows;
| Cars | HGVs | |
|---|---|---|
Traffic levels (total: 150,000) |
105,000 |
45,000 |
| Conversion Factors: |
0.2095 |
0.9059 |
For 1km: kg/ CO 2 |
21,998 |
40,766 |
For 1km and 1 year: kg/ CO2 |
8,029,088 |
14,879,408 |
Tonnes CO2 : 1km and 1 year |
8,029 |
14,879 |
Whole comparison stretch of M6 (43.50 Km) |
349,265 |
647,254 |
Total |
996,520 tonnes of CO2 |
|
Figure 2: Annual carbon footprint for traffic levels on M6
The value for the M6 motorway of just under one million tonnes of CO2 per year compares with a value of just under 200,000 tonnes for an equivalent stretch of the M6 Toll. This is a reflection of both higher levels of traffic on the M6 and the different mix of traffic on the two roads.
iii. Possible policy options for a carbon-neutral M6 Toll
A number of different options for reducing the carbon footprint of the M6 Toll were presented and evaluated in the report. These included:
- Reducing direct emissions (through appropriate energy management and changing behaviour of M6 Toll users)
- Managing sources of electricity supply
- Offsetting
- Creating green areas and landscaping
Project impact
The parent company of Midland Express Limited, Macquarie Bank has invested in an offsetting company.
Project reports and publications
Full report: 'An Assessment of the Carbon Footprint of the M6 Toll Motorway in the UK'
Pugh, Geoff and Fairburn, Jon (2008) Evaluating the effects of the M6 Toll
Road on industrial land development and employment. Regional Studies,
42: 977-990.
Contact: Tom Fanning, CEO Midland Express Limited, Tel. 01543 267090