The PACER Framework and Toolkit is a new tool from C-DICE designed especially to help researchers assess the potential avoidance of carbon emissions arising from their work. The framework is a free-to-use template, and the toolkit provides training on how to use the Framework to assess your own research. The toolkit is an online resource where you can work at your own pace and earn a micro-credential upon successful completion.

The PACER framework is introduced in a peer-reviewed paper “Assessing avoided carbon impacts: introducing the Potential Avoidance of Carbon Emissions through Research (PACER) framework” published in Carbon Management. The paper responds to a clear gap in existing methodologies. While current tools allow for lifecycle or policy-based carbon assessments, they do not adequately address potential future avoided emissions associated with research and innovation.

To access the Toolkit, you will need to register for the course and receive a unique log-in for the University of Birmingham’s online learning platform. We recommend that you do the training prior to undertaking a PACER assessment, however, you can download the Framework by clicking the button below.

PACER resource library

Carbon reduction commitment sources

The UK’s plans and progress to reach net zero by 2050 – House of Commons Library
Net Zero 2030 Routemap | Water UK
Net zero highways – National Highways
Our Carbon Reduction Plan – Net Zero by 2050 | E.ON
Sustainability leadership and climate action plans in education – GOV.UK

About Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions

Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions are the internationally recognized categorisations of carbon emissions for calculation and reporting purposes.
For further information, see Scope 1, 2, 3 Emissions Explained (With Examples).

PACER is a collaborative project developed by C-DICE partners Loughborough University and the University of Birmingham.