Higher CO2 emissions in Q1 2018

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.

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.

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.