Lower CO2 emissions in Q1 2019

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© CBS / Nikki van Toorn
In Q1 2019, CO<sub>2</sub> emissions in the Netherlands were down by 0.8 percent year-on-year. Gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 1.7 percent in the same period, according to the first estimate. The decline in CO<sub>2</sub> emissions was mainly the result of reduced natural gas consumption for heating by households and the services sector. Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reports this based on the latest quarterly figures on CO<sub>2</sub> emissions.

The weather was less cold in Q1 2019 compared to the same quarter last year. When adjusted for this weather effect, CO2 emissions were up by 1.6 percent in Q1 year-on-year.

CO2 emissions and economic development, Q1 2019
CategoriesCO2 emissions (year-on-year volume change in %)Value added of producers (year-on-year volume change in %)GDP (year-on-year volume change in %)
Dutch economy (weather adjusted)1.6
Dutch economy-0.81.7
Transport sector0.81.8
Energy and water supply and
waste treatment
0.7-1.5
Agriculture, mining, manufacturing and
construction
02.5
Households-3
Services-3.61.5

Lower CO2 emissions by households and services sector

CO2 emissions by households were 3 percent lower in Q1 2019 relative to one year previously. Emissions due to natural gas consumption were down in particular. On the other hand, emissions due to motor fuel consumption were higher. In Q1 2019, households occupied a share in total CO2 emissions exceeding 21 percent.

In Q1 2019, CO2 emissions by the services sector were down by 3.6 percent year-on-year. The share in total emissions stood at 11 percent

Transport sector emits more CO2

CO2 emissions by the transport sector were up by 0.8 percent in Q1 year-on-year. This sector accounted for over 10 percent of total emissions. Emissions in aviation and inland shipping increased, while maritime shipping emissions decreased. 

Higher CO2 emissions by energy companies

In Q1 2019, CO2 emissions by energy, water and waste management companies was up by 0.7 percent year-on-year. These companies accounted for almost 29 percent 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.

CO2 emissions in agriculture and manufacturing virtually the same

Emissions of CO2 in the cluster agriculture, mining, manufacturing industry and construction were virtually the same in Q1 2019 as in Q1 2018. This cluster was responsible for 28 percent of total emissions. The petroleum and chemical industries emitted more CO2, while emissions in agriculture declined.

Contributions of CO2 emissions by households and industries, Q1 2019
CategoriesShare
Energy and water supply and waste treatment28.6
Agriculture, mining, manufacturing and construction 28.1
Households21.7
Services11
Transport sector10.6