Emissions came in at 2,981.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in the period 2008-2012, just under the cap of 3,018MtCO2e.
The final figures for 2012 show emissions rose 3.2 per cent from 2011, however. Household emissions jumped by 12.3 per cent, attributed to a cold winter and increased use of gas for heating. Energy sector emissions rose 5.9 per cent, driven by a 32 per cent increase in coal generation.
Energy secretary Ed Davey said: “We have reached an important milestone today. The UK has met its first carbon budget, which is the first step in fulfilling our commitment to cut Britain’s emissions by 80% to 2050.
“The increase in emissions in 2012, compared to 2011, is of course worrying – but it needs to be put in the context of higher gas costs that made coal a more attractive fuel for electricity generation, and an increase in residential gas use due a very cold winter.
“Green investment has been booming in the UK, with renewable electricity generation doubling and £31bn of renewable energy investment announced since 2010. Now with the Energy Act 2013, we can look forward not just to hitting our renewable targets for 2020, but beating them.”