Residential greenhouse gas emissions have decreased by 34% since 2008
Date published:
New official statistics published today by NISRA statisticians in the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) present the Northern Ireland Carbon Intensity Indicators for 2025.
The indicators track the amount of carbon dioxide equivalent generated per unit of output or per capita across key sectors, helping government measure progress towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Key findings
- Residential greenhouse gas emissions per household fell by 34%, from 3.70 tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2008 to 2.45 tonnes in 2023. Fuel switching to natural gas from more carbon-intensive fuels such as coal and oil has reduced emissions, but more households create greater demand for energy.
- Greenhouse gas emissions intensity decreased by 76% between 1998 and 2023, falling from 1.34 kilograms of CO2 equivalent per pound of Gross Value Added to 0.32 kilograms.
- Greenhouse gas emissions per capita fell by 43%, from 16.6 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person in 1990 to 9.5 tonnes in 2023, despite a 20% increase in population over the same period.
- Emissions per unit of electricity generated decreased by 66%, from 658 grams of CO2 equivalent per kWh in 2004 to 222 grams in 2023, driven by growth in renewable energy generation and a shift from coal to gas.
- Average CO2 emissions from licensed cars declined from 149.8 g/km in 2014 to 128.8 g/km in 2024.
- Waste management emissions per capita decreased by 68%, from 1,226 kilograms of CO2 equivalent per person in 1990 to 398 kilograms in 2023.
- Emissions related to milk production fell from 1,927 grams of CO2 equivalent per kilogram of Energy Corrected Milk in 1990 to 1,155 grams in 2022, while milk production increased by 85%.
About this publication
The full report presents carbon intensity indicators across seven sectors: cross-cutting indicators, power, buildings, industry, transport, agriculture, and waste. It includes long-term and recent trend analysis for each indicator, data visualisations, and downloadable data tables. A new metric on soil phosphorus balance has been introduced in this edition.
Further information
For the full report: Northern Ireland Carbon Intensity Indicators 2025
View data tables and background information: Northern Ireland carbon intensity indicators 2025