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Carbon Footprint of Boston
Massachusetts, United States · Pop. 676,000 · 2022 data
7.8tonnes CO₂eper capita
-50% vs United States avg (15.5t)5.3 Mt total
Based on 2022 data from City of Boston Climate Action Plan. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions. Use our calculators for personal estimates.
Key Takeaway
Boston's old building stock and harsh winters drive high heating emissions, but its compact size and transit use keep per-capita levels well below the US average.
280
gCO₂/kWh grid
25%
Renewable electricity
2050
Target: −100%
676K
Population
Emission Breakdown by Sector
How Boston's emissions are distributed across key sectors.
29%
44%
14%
Transport29%
~1.5Mt CO₂e
Buildings44%
~2.3Mt CO₂e
Industry14%
~0.7Mt CO₂e
Waste8%
~0.4Mt CO₂e
Other5%
~0.3Mt CO₂e
Boston vs United States National Average
Boston
7.8t
per capita
United States avg
15.5t
per capita
Boston's per-capita emissions are 50% below the United States national average of 15.5 tonnes. Key factors include urban density and public transit.
Electricity Grid Profile
Grid Carbon Intensity
280 gCO₂/kWh
Moderate — room for improvement
Renewable Share
25%
Climate Target
Target Year
2050
Reduction Goal
100%
Boston aims to cut emissions by 100% 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 Boston?
Boston emits approximately 7.8 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person per year (2022 data). The city's total emissions are around 5.3 million tonnes annually, with a population of 676,000.
How does Boston compare to the United States national average?
Boston's per-capita emissions of 7.8t are 50% below the United States national average of 15.5t per capita. This is partly due to factors like public transit, density, and cleaner energy.
What are Boston's biggest sources of emissions?
The largest emission source in Boston is buildings at 44% of total emissions, followed by other sectors. Transport accounts for 29%, buildings for 44%, and industry for 14%.
What are Boston's climate targets?
Boston has set a target to reduce emissions by 100% by 2050. The city's electricity grid currently has a carbon intensity of 280 gCO2/kWh, with 25% of electricity from renewable sources.
How clean is Boston's electricity grid?
Boston's grid emits 280 gCO2/kWh with 25% renewable energy — moderate compared to global city averages.
Data Sources
- City of Boston Climate Action Plan (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.