Lower CO2 emissions in Q2 2018

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In Q2 2018, emissions of CO<sub>2</sub> in the Netherlands showed a year-on-year decline of 3.8 percent. Gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 2.9 percent at the same time, according to the first estimate. The decline was mainly the result of reduced natural gas consumption for heating. In addition, electricity imports were up and in-house production was lower, resulting in lower emissions by electricity companies. Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reports this based on the latest quarterly figures on CO<sub>2</sub> emissions.

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. 

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