Higher CO2 emissions in Q1 2018

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In Q1 2018, CO<sub>2</sub> emissions in the Netherlands rose by 2.5 percent year-on-year. According to the first estimate, gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 2.8 percent in the same period. Higher CO<sub>2</sub> emissions were mainly due to an increased gas consumption for heating purposes by households and the service sector. Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reports this based on the latest quarterly data on CO<sub>2</sub> emissions.

Q1 2018 had much colder weather conditions than Q1 2017. February and March were relatively cold in particular. When adjusted for this effect, CO2 emissions were 1.1 percent higher than one year previously.

CO2 emissions and economic development, Q1 2018
 CO2 emissions (year-on-year volume changes in %)Value added of producers (year-on-year volume changes in %)GDP (year-on-year volume changes in %)
Dutch economy (weather adjusted)1.1
Dutch economy2.52.8
Services6.32.8
Households5.2
Transport sector5.12.6
Agriculture, mining, manufacturing and
construction
3.92.7
Energy and water supply and
waste treatment
-3.80.4

Higher CO2 emissions by households and services sector

In Q1 2018, CO2 emissions were over 5 percent higher. CO2 emissions by households amounted to over 22 percent of total CO2 emissions. The level of CO2 emissions by other services - accounting for over 12 percent of total CO2 emissions - went up by over 6 percent year-on-year. The relatively cold winter weather in Q1 2018 accounted for increased gas consumption by both households and the services sector compared to the same quarter in 2017.

Transport sector also emits more CO2

CO2 emissions by the transport sector rose by over 5 percent in Q1. This sector is responsible for 12 percent of total emissions. Aviation emissions increased most notably, by nearly 6 percent. This is mainly due to more aircraft movements.

CO2 emissions agriculture, manufacturing and construction higher

Emissions of CO2 in the cluster agriculture, manufacturing and construction were up by nearly 4 percent relative to Q1 2017. CO2 emissions by this cluster amounted to 27.5 percent of total CO2 emissions.

Reduced CO2 emissions by energy companies

In Q1 2018, CO2 emissions by electricity, water and waste management companies went down by nearly 4 percent year-on-year. These companies account for nearly 26 percent of total CO2 emissions. The reduction is due to electricity 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.

Contribution of CO2 emissions by households and industries, Q1 2018
 Share
Agriculture, mining, manufacturing and construction 27.5
Energy and water supply and waste treatment25.9
Households22.2
Services12.4
Transport sector12

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.