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Carbon Footprint of Chicago
Illinois, United States · Pop. 2.7 million · 2022 data
8.5tonnes CO₂eper capita
-45% vs United States avg (15.5t)23.3 Mt total
Based on 2022 data from Chicago Climate Action Plan. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions. Use our calculators for personal estimates.
Key Takeaway
Chicago's cold winters drive high building emissions, but its transit system and density keep per-capita levels well below the US average.
300
gCO₂/kWh grid
18%
Renewable electricity
2040
Target: −62%
2.7M
Population
Emission Breakdown by Sector
How Chicago's emissions are distributed across key sectors.
28%
44%
15%
Transport28%
~6.5Mt CO₂e
Buildings44%
~10.3Mt CO₂e
Industry15%
~3.5Mt CO₂e
Waste8%
~1.9Mt CO₂e
Other5%
~1.2Mt CO₂e
Chicago vs United States National Average
Chicago
8.5t
per capita
United States avg
15.5t
per capita
Chicago's per-capita emissions are 45% below the United States national average of 15.5 tonnes. Key factors include urban density and public transit.
Electricity Grid Profile
Grid Carbon Intensity
300 gCO₂/kWh
High — significant fossil fuel dependence
Renewable Share
18%
Climate Target
Target Year
2040
Reduction Goal
62%
Chicago aims to cut emissions by 62% by 2040. Achieving this will require significant shifts in buildings and continued growth in renewable energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the carbon footprint of Chicago?
Chicago emits approximately 8.5 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person per year (2022 data). The city's total emissions are around 23.3 million tonnes annually, with a population of 2.7 million.
How does Chicago compare to the United States national average?
Chicago's per-capita emissions of 8.5t are 45% 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 Chicago's biggest sources of emissions?
The largest emission source in Chicago is buildings at 44% of total emissions, followed by other sectors. Transport accounts for 28%, buildings for 44%, and industry for 15%.
What are Chicago's climate targets?
Chicago has set a target to reduce emissions by 62% by 2040. The city's electricity grid currently has a carbon intensity of 300 gCO2/kWh, with 18% of electricity from renewable sources.
How clean is Chicago's electricity grid?
Chicago's grid is relatively carbon-intensive at 300 gCO2/kWh. Only 18% of electricity comes from renewable sources, indicating significant room for decarbonisation.
Data Sources
- Chicago 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.