Lower CO2 emissions in Q2 2018

Compared to the same quarter in 2017, Q2 2018 had milder weather conditions, especially April and May. When adjusted for this weather effect, CO₂ emissions were lower by 0.8 percent.

Lower CO₂ emissions by households and services sector

Due to the milder weather in Q2, less natural gas was used for heating of homes and office buildings. Households emitted over 6 percent less CO₂ year-on-year. Their contribution to total CO₂ emissions in Q2 stood at over 15 percent. The level of CO₂ emissions by other services – accounting for 10 percent of total emissions – declined by over 9 percent year-on-year.

Lower production levels at electricity companies, higher imports

In Q2 2018, CO₂ emissions by energy and water companies as well as waste management installations were nearly 7 percent lower year-on-year. This decline can mainly be attributed to both lower in-house production and higher electricity imports by electricity companies than in the previous year. One of the reasons was the temporary closure of a coal plant on account of periodic maintenance. In Q2 2018, energy companies accounted for 28 percent of total CO₂ emissions.

Higher CO₂ emissions in agriculture, manufacturing and construction

CO₂ emissions by the cluster agriculture, mining, manufacturing industry and construction were up by nearly 2 percent relative to Q2 2017. This cluster accounted for 24.5 percent of total CO₂ emissions.

Transport sector emits more CO₂ as well

CO₂ emissions by the transport sector rose by more than 1 percent in Q2. This sector was responsible for almost 16 percent of total emissions. Aviation emissions increased most notably, by over 3 percent, mainly due to an increase in aviation activities.

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