location-based analysis. This geographic analysis is particularly critical when a scheme needs to rely upon prevailing environmental resources, such as the sun or wind, or understand potential constraints such as the visual impact of an investment upon neighbouring communities. Traditional spreadsheets and databases simply aren’t up to this job.


The geographic solution Geographic information system (GIS) solutions are uniquely suited to helping organisations ask all the questions that are a vital part of the planning for any carbon reduction strategy. This proven technology has the ability to bring together diverse data sets, display information clearly on a map and reveal a deep insight into complex issues.


GIS is an essential tool that enables all kinds of organisations to assess the viability of their carbon reduction strategies and answer a range of economic, social and environmental questions. It can be used to create environmental impact assessments that consider habitats, visual impacts, noise and other factors and helps organisations to present information clearly at public consultations and planning meetings. Similarly, energy organisations can use GIS to create powerful heat, wind or solar maps for any geographic area. These maps can then be combined with data on housing density, suitable plots of land, fuel stock and other factors to model the suitability of an area for a large scale renewable energy development. GIS also enables local authorities to combine aerial thermal imagery with household income data to identify low-income properties in need of better heat insulation. They can then target their energy efficiency programmes more precisely at those groups who will benefit most.


In each of these examples, GIS puts detailed, relevant information into the hands of those people and teams who


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are responsible for developing and delivering carbon reduction schemes. Use of the technology ensures that they have all the information necessary to make the right decisions.


An 80% reduction in carbon emissions is a very significant figure. If the UK is to stand a chance of achieving this target by 2050, a serious amount of change will have to occur across our landscape. The target is particularly challenging in the light of the current recession and public sector cuts. When budgets and profits are already squeezed, organisations will have to take particular care to make sure that their investments in green energy are not just a costly exercise in ticking government boxes. By using GIS, organisations can ensure that their carbon reduction initiatives are viable and – above all – successful.


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