Greenhouse gas emissions 11 percent lower in Q1 2022

Less natural gas consumption

CO₂ emissions decreased in the electricity sector, agriculture, manufacturing and the built environment (homes, offices, schools, care institutions, etc.). This is mainly due to the fact that less natural gas was used. High natural gas prices played a role, but the first quarter of 2022 was also relatively warmer than the same quarter in 2021. The latter mainly has a dampening effect on natural gas consumption in the built environment.

Due to a decrease in output, the electricity sector emitted 14 percent fewer greenhouse gases, despite the fact that more coal was burned instead of natural gas. The increase in production from renewable sources also contributed to lower emissions. The lower electricity production was accompanied by lower electricity consumption, which was partly caused by higher energy prices.

Mobility emissions virtually unchanged

In Q1 2022, greenhouse gas emissions from mobility were approximately the same as in Q1 2021. As a result, mobility emissions were still below pre-COVID levels. The consumption of petrol in this period was 8 percent higher than in the first quarter of 2021, while diesel consumption decreased by 4 percent.

Statistics Netherlands also calculates CO₂ emissions from all domestic economic activities according to the national accounts. Compared to emissions according to the IPCC definitions, this also includes the CO₂ emissions from international air and sea transport and the emissions from combustion of biomass. In the message below, the CO₂ emissions are presented in accordance with the calculation method of the national accounts.

CO₂ emissions significantly lower, while Dutch economy grows

In Q1 2022, the Dutch economy emitted 9.9 percent less CO₂ than in Q1 2021, while GDP grew by 7.0 percent over this period. Output was significantly higher in almost all sectors of the economy, while CO₂ emissions were lower.

The transport sector is the biggest exception to this. This sector emitted 13.5 percent more CO2 than one year previously, and the value added grew by 15.7 percent. The increase in emissions is mainly due to the partial recovery of aviation. CO₂ emissions from Dutch aviation were 49 percent higher than in the same quarter last year. Emissions from inland shipping were also higher, by more than 13 percent compared to the first quarter of 2021. Maritime transport emitted less than twelve months previously.