2011 report for JRF by Donald Hirsch et al., Loughborough University

Are changes towards 'greener' forms of consumption compatible with preserving a minimum acceptable standard of living?

Previous analysis of the Minimum Income Standard for the UK (MIS) has shown that if everyone were to live at this minimum, carbon emissions would be around 37 per cent lower than at present. This is a long way off targets to reduce emissions by 80 per cent by 2050.

The research, which focuses on household energy, food and travel, draws on:

• consultation with experts and desk-based research to identify consumption changes that offered the greatest potential for reducing the environmental impact of the MIS; and
• focus groups with members of the public to explore the acceptability of these changes in terms of maintaining a socially acceptable minimum living standard.