Loading...
Carbon Footprint of Berlin
Berlin, European Union · Pop. 3.7 million · 2022 data
5.4tonnes CO₂eper capita
-21% vs European Union avg (6.8t)19.9 Mt total
Based on 2022 data from Berlin Senate Department for the Environment. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions. Use our calculators for personal estimates.
Key Takeaway
Berlin's heating systems still rely heavily on natural gas and district heating from fossil sources, driving high building emissions.
340
gCO₂/kWh grid
38%
Renewable electricity
2045
Target: −95%
3.7M
Population
Emission Breakdown by Sector
How Berlin's emissions are distributed across key sectors.
22%
40%
22%
10%
Transport22%
~4.4Mt CO₂e
Buildings40%
~8.0Mt CO₂e
Industry22%
~4.4Mt CO₂e
Waste10%
~2.0Mt CO₂e
Other6%
~1.2Mt CO₂e
Berlin vs European Union National Average
Berlin
5.4t
per capita
European Union avg
6.8t
per capita
Berlin's per-capita emissions are 21% below the European Union national average of 6.8 tonnes. Key factors include urban density and public transit.
Electricity Grid Profile
Grid Carbon Intensity
340 gCO₂/kWh
High — significant fossil fuel dependence
Renewable Share
38%
Climate Target
Target Year
2045
Reduction Goal
95%
Berlin aims to cut emissions by 95% by 2045, 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 Berlin?
Berlin emits approximately 5.4 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person per year (2022 data). The city's total emissions are around 19.9 million tonnes annually, with a population of 3.7 million.
How does Berlin compare to the European Union national average?
Berlin's per-capita emissions of 5.4t are 21% 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 Berlin's biggest sources of emissions?
The largest emission source in Berlin is buildings at 40% of total emissions, followed by other sectors. Transport accounts for 22%, buildings for 40%, and industry for 22%.
What are Berlin's climate targets?
Berlin has set a target to reduce emissions by 95% by 2045. The city's electricity grid currently has a carbon intensity of 340 gCO2/kWh, with 38% of electricity from renewable sources.
How clean is Berlin's electricity grid?
Berlin's grid is relatively carbon-intensive at 340 gCO2/kWh. Only 38% of electricity comes from renewable sources, indicating significant room for decarbonisation.
Data Sources
- Berlin Senate Department for the Environment (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.
