CO2 emissions down by 10 percent in the first quarter

CO2 emissions by the Dutch economy were 10.1 percent lower in the first quarter of 2014 than in the same quarter of 2013. Adjusted for the differences in the weather, CO2 emissions fell by just 0.4 percent. The first provisional estimate by Statistics Netherlands shows that the Dutch economy contracted by 0.5 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2014. The CO2 emissions are calculated according to the definitions of the Environmental accounts.

Changes in CO2 emissions and economic development, first quarter of 2014

Mild winter leads to lower CO2 emissions 

Last winter was relatively warm, so far less natural gas was burned to heat indoor spaces than the year before. The CO2 emissions by households were therefore cut by over 20 percent. Likewise CO2 emissions  in services fell sharply because of the mild winter.

Lower CO2 emissions by energy companies

CO2 emissions by ‘energy, water supply and waste management’ was lower than a year before. The energy companies produced less electricity and consumed less natural gas. However, they did use more coal, although the increase in coal was lower than the decrease in natural gas consumption.

‘Agriculture, mining, manufacturing and construction’ saw a decrease in its totality. This mainly came about by the lower emissions in agriculture caused by the mild weather.
Heavy industries did have higher CO2 emissions though. This is because production in manufacturing increased relative to the first quarter of 2013.

Rise in CO2 emissions of the transport sector

CO2 emissions by the transport sector rose slightly due to the growing production of aviation and sea transport. Emissions by road transport of goods has remained stable.

Background information:
CO2 emissions on a quarterly basis