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Carbon Footprint of Amsterdam
North Holland, European Union · Pop. 908,000 · 2022 data
5.2tonnes CO₂eper capita
-24% vs European Union avg (6.8t)4.7 Mt total
Based on 2022 data from City of Amsterdam Sustainability Report. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions. Use our calculators for personal estimates.
Key Takeaway
Amsterdam's cycling culture keeps transport emissions low, but the Netherlands' reliance on natural gas for heating keeps building emissions high.
290
gCO₂/kWh grid
32%
Renewable electricity
2050
Target: −95%
908K
Population
Emission Breakdown by Sector
How Amsterdam's emissions are distributed across key sectors.
20%
35%
22%
13%
10%
Transport20%
~0.9Mt CO₂e
Buildings35%
~1.6Mt CO₂e
Industry22%
~1.0Mt CO₂e
Waste13%
~0.6Mt CO₂e
Other10%
~0.5Mt CO₂e
Amsterdam vs European Union National Average
Amsterdam
5.2t
per capita
European Union avg
6.8t
per capita
Amsterdam's per-capita emissions are 24% below the European Union national average of 6.8 tonnes. Key factors include urban density and public transit.
Electricity Grid Profile
Grid Carbon Intensity
290 gCO₂/kWh
Moderate — room for improvement
Renewable Share
32%
Climate Target
Target Year
2050
Reduction Goal
95%
Amsterdam aims to cut emissions by 95% by 2050, one of the most ambitious targets among major cities worldwide. Achieving this will require significant shifts in buildings and continued growth in renewable energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the carbon footprint of Amsterdam?
Amsterdam emits approximately 5.2 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person per year (2022 data). The city's total emissions are around 4.7 million tonnes annually, with a population of 908,000.
How does Amsterdam compare to the European Union national average?
Amsterdam's per-capita emissions of 5.2t are 24% below the European Union national average of 6.8t per capita. This is partly due to factors like public transit, density, and cleaner energy.
What are Amsterdam's biggest sources of emissions?
The largest emission source in Amsterdam is buildings at 35% of total emissions, followed by other sectors. Transport accounts for 20%, buildings for 35%, and industry for 22%.
What are Amsterdam's climate targets?
Amsterdam has set a target to reduce emissions by 95% by 2050. The city's electricity grid currently has a carbon intensity of 290 gCO2/kWh, with 32% of electricity from renewable sources.
How clean is Amsterdam's electricity grid?
Amsterdam's grid emits 290 gCO2/kWh with 32% renewable energy — moderate compared to global city averages.
Data Sources
- City of Amsterdam Sustainability Report (2022)
- C40 Cities Climate Data
- Our World in Data — CO₂ Emissions
Per-capita values depend on city boundary definitions and emission scoping methodology. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions unless otherwise stated.
