Communicate Value at Stake

With an emissions baseline already calculated, it is important to also understand how emissions levels from your city might change in the future. You should aim to identify and take into account any trends that may cause emissions to increase, which could prevent the achievement of any targets you set.

Projections should show a forecast for the CO₂ emissions from the baseline year projected 5-10 years ahead.

The Value at Stake can be defined as the difference in benefits and costs between the BAU and reduced emissions scenarios (based both on the impact of increasing energy process and the potential for reducing consumption). These benefits and costs, determined in monetary terms, include both direct (e.g. energy) and indirect (e.g. reputation) costs.

The presentation of a Value at Stake chart is a powerful tool in influencing stakeholders especially senior management as it clearly displays the financial benefit or the city wide carbon reduction plan.