Lower CO2 emissions in Q4 2017

The weather was milder in Q4 2017 compared to the same quarter one year previously. When adjusted for this weather effect, CO₂ emissions were 0.2 percent lower.

Reduced CO₂ emissions by energy companies

In Q4 2017, CO₂ emissions by energy, water and waste management companies went down by over 8 percent year-on-year. These companies account for 29 percent of total CO₂ emissions. The reduction is mainly due to energy companies using less coal and more natural gas in their production process. Combustion of natural gas results in lower CO₂ emissions than combustion of coal. The fuel mix used at Dutch power stations has therefore improved from an environmental perspective.

Lower CO₂ emissions by households and services sector

CO₂ emissions by households as well as by the services sector were lower than in Q4 2016. Consumption of natural gas for the heating of homes and commercial buildings was down, but motor fuel consumption for transportation was up.

Higher CO₂ emissions by basic chemical industry

Emissions of CO₂ in the cluster agriculture, mining, manufacturing and construction were up year-on-year. The emission-intensive basic chemical and petrochemical industries saw an increase in production in Q4 2017, thereby emitting more CO₂. Oil refineries, on the other hand, produced substantially less and recorded lower CO₂ emissions as a result.

Transport sector emits more CO₂

CO₂ emissions by the transport sector rose by over 3 percent in Q4. The sharpest increase was seen in goods transport by road and in aviation, mainly due to more transport activities.

The calculation of CO₂ emissions is consistent with the definitions used in Environmental accounts. This is a first estimate, based on the most recent data available at that moment. Figures may change depending on new statistical information becoming available at a later stage.