Moving clocks forward could slash CO2 emissions

June 22nd 2010

Moving the clocks forward one hour could significantly reduce the UK's carbon emissions, it has been claimed.

According to research carried out at Cambridge University for the 10:10 Lighter Later initiative, demand for peak-time electricity would fall substantially due to the lighter evenings.

The researchers claim that moving the nation's clocks to hour ahead of GMT could cut CO2 by almost 500,000 tonnes – roughly equivalent to having 200,000 less cars on the road.

Dr Elizabeth Garnsey, who led the research, said: "The carbon savings associated with this clock change are significant, equivalent to the carbon footprint of the production of 1,800 plastic bags for every home in Britain every year, or taking around 200,000 cars off the road."

The 10:10 group is asking for the one hour change to be implemented permanently, which would result in the clocks being two hours ahead of GMT in British Summer Time.

Eugenie Harvey, director of the 10:10 campaign, said: "Lighter evenings make us happier, healthier and safe. After today the nights will start drawing in again."

The 10:10 scheme is aiming to reduce the UK's carbon emissions by ten per cent during 2010.