Introduction

The UK Government asked the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) to explore the concept of personal carbon allowances.  RSA Carbonlimited and Manchester is my planet (MIMP) held a Personal carbon Trading Pilot

Objectives and target audience

The aim of the project was to raise awareness of the concept of personal carbon allowances (PCA’s) and to involve the residents of Greater Manchester in a pilot of personal carbon trading.  The project aimed to increase understanding of the concept of PCA’s and of the potential of using personal carbon trading as  a mean of reducing carbon emissions by stimulating behavioural change.  Over 100 People from Greater Manchester participated via a dedicated web site and at a live carbon trading event and debate held at  Manchester Town Hall.

Financial Resources and Partners involved

The budget for the project was provided by RSA and Manchester is my Planet.
Manchester Knowledge Capital, worked with RSA carbon limited , Manchester is my planet and Manchester City Council to organise the personal carbon trading event at Manchester Town Hall.

Process

Individuals from cross Greater Manchester were invited to provide information about their lifestyle so that their carbon footprint could be calculated.  Then a personal carbon allowance was given to each participant.  At the event at those that had used more than their allowance were able to buy credits from those that had used less.

Results

The project provided insights into the complexity and issues involved in setting up and operating a personal carbon trading scheme.  It also provided an innovative and engaging way to engage the public in the development and testing of innovative policy instruments.

Critical Success Factors / Challenges

The key successes were the increased awareness amongst local politicians and members of the public about the concept of personal carbon trading.  The project attained good media coverage with a full page article in a UK national newspaper.  The MIMP pledge campaign provided a good means of identifying individual volunteers and the take up was sufficient to make the initiative worthwhile.