CO2 emissions are almost equally high in the third quarter of 2017

CO2 emissions in the Netherlands were 0.2 percent higher in the third quarter than in the same quarter a year earlier. According to the first calculation, gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 3.0 percent in the same period. CO2 emissions as a result of gas consumption for heating by households and services increased. On the other hand, the emissions from energy companies fell sharply. This is reported by Statistics Netherlands on the basis of the latest quarterly figures on CO2 emissions.

The third quarter of 2017 was colder than that of 2016. Especially September was a lot less warm. Adjusted for this weather effect, CO2 emissions in the third quarter were 1.2 percent lower than a year earlier.

Agriculture and industry

In the third quarter, the CO2 emissions from the cluster agriculture, mineral extraction, industry and construction were more than 4 percent higher than a year earlier. This cluster accounts for more than a quarter of the total emissions. The emission in the petroleum industry, however, fell sharply.

Energy companies

CO2 emissions from energy companies, water companies and waste management were more than 8 percent lower than a year earlier. These companies account for over 31 percent of total emissions. The decrease is mainly because energy companies have produced less electricity than in the third quarter of 2016. In particular, less electricity was exported.

Households and services

The CO2 emissions of households rose by more than 5 percent in the third quarter. The increase is mainly due to the higher gas consumption for heating the house. The consumption of motor fuels also increased. The CO2 emissions of households amount to more than 15 percent of the total.

CO2 emissions from services, which account for 10 percent of CO2 emissions, were more than 8 percent higher than in the third quarter of 2017. More natural gas was also burned for heating business premises.

Transport sector

CO2 emissions from the transport sector rose by almost 3 percent in the third quarter. The transport sector accounts for almost 18 percent of total emissions. Emissions increased most when goods were transported by road. The increase in this sector is mainly due to more transport movements.