Lower CO2 emissions in Q2 2017
Q2 2017 had milder weather conditions compared to Q1 2016. When adjusted for this effect, CO2 emissions were 0.4 percent lower.
| CO2 emissions | Value added of producers | GDP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dutch economy (weather adjusted) | -0.4 | ||
| Dutch economy | -0.9 | 3.3 | |
| Energy and water supply and waste treatment | -4.8 | 0.9 | |
| Agriculture, mining, manufacturing and construction | 0.3 | 3 | |
| Services | 0.7 | 3.5 | |
| Transport sector | 4.7 | 3.5 | |
| Households | 0 |
Reduced CO2 emissions by energy companies
In Q2 2017, CO2 emissions by energy, water and waste management companies went down by nearly 5 percent year-on-year. These companies account for nearly 35 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. Energy companies did however produce more electricity compared to Q2 2016. The additional electricity output was mainly destined for exports.
Higher CO2 emissions by chemical and basic metal industries
Emissions of CO2 in the cluster agriculture, mining, manufacturing industry and construction were almost the same as in Q2 2016, while the value added rose by 3 percent. This cluster contributes nearly 23 percent to total emissions.
The chemical and basic metal industries however recorded higher CO2 emissions, mainly due to increased production.
Transport sector emits more CO2
CO2 emissions by the transport sector rose by nearly 5 percent in Q2. This sector is responsible for nearly 16 percent of total emissions. The sharpest increase was seen in goods transport by road and in aviation, mainly due to more transport activities.
CO2 emissions by households unchanged
In Q2 2017, the level of CO2 emissions by other services – accounting for nearly 11 percent of total CO2 emissions – went up by nearly 1 percent year-on-year. Consumption of natural gas for the heating of office buildings was down, but motor fuel consumption for transportation was up.
Finally, CO2 emissions by households remained the same on balance in Q2 2017. Households also saw a decline in natural gas consumption for heating purposes, but an increase in motor fuel consumption. CO2 emissions by households amounted to nearly 16 percent of total CO2 emissions.
The calculation of CO2 emissions is consistent with the definitions used in Environmental accounts. This is a first estimate.