CO2 emissions virtually unchanged in Q3 2018

Compared to the same quarter last year, the weather was warmer in Q3 2018, particularly in July and September. When adjusted for this weather effect, CO₂ emissions were 0.8 percent higher in Q3 than one year previously.

Lower CO₂ emissions by households and services sector

In Q3 2018, CO₂ emissions by the services sector were down by nearly 3 percent year-on-year. The share in total emissions stood at 9 percent. Due to the warm weather, the services sector used less natural gas for heating of office buildings.

CO₂ emissions by households in Q3 2018 were over 1 percent lower than one year previously. Natural gas consumption by households was down as well. On the other hand, emissions on account of motor fuel consumption were higher. In Q3 2018, households occupied a share in total CO₂ emissions exceeding 14 percent.

Higher CO₂ emissions by energy companies

In Q3 2018, CO₂ emissions by energy, water and waste management companies was up by nearly 1 percent year-on-year. These companies accounted for over one-third of total CO₂ emissions. Electricity companies used less coal and more natural gas in their production process. Combustion of natural gas results in lower CO₂ emissions than coal combustion.

Higher CO₂ emissions in agriculture and manufacturing

Emissions of CO₂ in the cluster agriculture, mining, manufacturing industry and construction were up by 0.5 percent in Q3 year-on-year. This cluster was responsible for over one-quarter of total emissions. The petroleum and chemical industries emitted more CO₂ in particular.

Transport sector emits more CO₂

CO₂ emissions by the transport sector were up by 1 percent year-on-year in Q3. This sector accounted for nearly 18 percent of total emissions. The sharpest increase was seen in the carriage of goods by road, mainly due to more transport movement.

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