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Carbon Footprint of Calgary
Alberta, Canada · Pop. 1.3 million · 2022 data
18.5tonnes CO₂eper capita
+30% vs Canada avg (14.2t)24.2 Mt total
Based on 2022 data from City of Calgary Climate Strategy. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions. Use our calculators for personal estimates.
Key Takeaway
Alberta's fossil-fuel-heavy grid and oil & gas industry give Calgary one of the highest per-capita emissions of any North American city.
570
gCO₂/kWh grid
18%
Renewable electricity
2050
Target: −80%
1.3M
Population
Emission Breakdown by Sector
How Calgary's emissions are distributed across key sectors.
28%
25%
35%
Transport28%
~6.8Mt CO₂e
Buildings25%
~6.0Mt CO₂e
Industry35%
~8.5Mt CO₂e
Waste7%
~1.7Mt CO₂e
Other5%
~1.2Mt CO₂e
Calgary vs Canada National Average
Calgary
18.5t
per capita
Canada avg
14.2t
per capita
Calgary's per-capita emissions exceed the Canada national average by 30%. This is driven by industry (35% of emissions) and a grid intensity of 570 gCO2/kWh.
Electricity Grid Profile
Grid Carbon Intensity
570 gCO₂/kWh
High — significant fossil fuel dependence
Renewable Share
18%
Climate Target
Target Year
2050
Reduction Goal
80%
Calgary aims to cut emissions by 80% by 2050, one of the most ambitious targets among major cities worldwide. Achieving this will require significant shifts in industry and continued growth in renewable energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the carbon footprint of Calgary?
Calgary emits approximately 18.5 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person per year (2022 data). The city's total emissions are around 24.2 million tonnes annually, with a population of 1.3 million.
How does Calgary compare to the Canada national average?
Calgary's per-capita emissions of 18.5t are 30% above the Canada national average of 14.2t per capita. Key contributors include a heavy industrial base.
What are Calgary's biggest sources of emissions?
The largest emission source in Calgary is industry at 35% of total emissions, followed by other sectors. Transport accounts for 28%, buildings for 25%, and industry for 35%.
What are Calgary's climate targets?
Calgary has set a target to reduce emissions by 80% by 2050. The city's electricity grid currently has a carbon intensity of 570 gCO2/kWh, with 18% of electricity from renewable sources.
How clean is Calgary's electricity grid?
Calgary's grid is relatively carbon-intensive at 570 gCO2/kWh. Only 18% of electricity comes from renewable sources, indicating significant room for decarbonisation.
Data Sources
- City of Calgary Climate Strategy (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.
