Greenhouse Gases

In recent years, commentators have argued that the most pressing potential global environmental issue is climate change. Changes to the climate are occurring due to an increase in atmospheric concentrations of 'Greenhouse Gases', particularly carbon dioxide (CO2). Burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas to produce heat and electricity have been identified as one of the causes.

Many governments are taking steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and all businesses have a responsibility to manage their own impact. Using less energy means we will reduce our contribution to climate change. Also, saving energy will help us to save money by reducing our energy costs.

Pearson's direct emissions originate from two areas, property management and business travel, each comprising a number of sources:

Property management:

• Electricity drawn from the grid
• Natural gas use
• Heavy oil use

Business travel:

• Air
• Road
• Rail

Taking the performance data from the property management and business travel sections it is possible to calculate headline greenhouse gas emissions expressed in tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2), the main greenhouse gas.

CO2 Emissions

CO2 Emissions	2003	2004	2005
	tonnes	tonnes	tonnes	% change 05-04	% change 05-03
Electricity	89,835	83,688	86,404	3.25%	-3.82%
Gas	13,002	13,545	13,241	-2.25%	1.84%
Oil	1,270	1,416	1,111	-21.56%	-12.52%
Air	42,078	49,919	51,983	4.14%	23.54%
Rail	54	93	425	356.16%	687.04%
Road	17,961	17,648	13,033	-26.15%	-27.44%
(Road - UK and US)	15,044	15,024	9,812	-34.69%	-34.78%
Total	164,200	166,309	166,197	-0.07%	1.22%
Per Sq M	0.16	0.16	0.16	-2.42%	-2.53%
Per employee	6.32	5.93	5.38	-9.28%	-14.88%

Carbon dioxide emissions per square metre of occupied space have reduced by 0.90% and per employee by 7.87%. Absolute levels of carbon dioxide emissions rose reflecting the increased scope of the survey process. Electricity use and air travel remain the most significant sources of CO2 emissions for Pearson. For this reason we have established a number of targets to help us reduce these emissions.

In addition, we have estimated the environmental impact of buildings below the reporting threshold of 50 people or 10,000 square feet for US buildings owned or leased by Pearson Education.

CO2 Emissions (Small buildings)

CO2 Emissions (Small buildings)	2005
Electricity	13,037
Gas	1,532
Total	14,569

This takes our carbon reporting to in excess of 95% of all company impacts: