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Carbon Footprint of Copenhagen
Capital Region, European Union · Pop. 644,000 · 2022 data
3.5tonnes CO₂eper capita
-49% vs European Union avg (6.8t)2.3 Mt total
Based on 2022 data from City of Copenhagen Climate Plan. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions. Use our calculators for personal estimates.
Key Takeaway
Copenhagen aims to be the world's first carbon-neutral capital by 2025, with massive investments in wind energy, cycling infrastructure, and waste-to-energy.
120
gCO₂/kWh grid
65%
Renewable electricity
2025
Target: −100%
644K
Population
Emission Breakdown by Sector
How Copenhagen's emissions are distributed across key sectors.
24%
30%
20%
16%
10%
Transport24%
~0.6Mt CO₂e
Buildings30%
~0.7Mt CO₂e
Industry20%
~0.5Mt CO₂e
Waste16%
~0.4Mt CO₂e
Other10%
~0.2Mt CO₂e
Copenhagen vs European Union National Average
Copenhagen
3.5t
per capita
European Union avg
6.8t
per capita
Copenhagen's per-capita emissions are 49% below the European Union national average of 6.8 tonnes. Key factors include a clean electricity grid.
Electricity Grid Profile
Grid Carbon Intensity
120 gCO₂/kWh
Moderate — room for improvement
Renewable Share
65%
Climate Target
Target Year
2025
Reduction Goal
100%
Copenhagen aims to cut emissions by 100% by 2025, 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 Copenhagen?
Copenhagen emits approximately 3.5 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person per year (2022 data). The city's total emissions are around 2.3 million tonnes annually, with a population of 644,000.
How does Copenhagen compare to the European Union national average?
Copenhagen's per-capita emissions of 3.5t are 49% 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 Copenhagen's biggest sources of emissions?
The largest emission source in Copenhagen is buildings at 30% of total emissions, followed by other sectors. Transport accounts for 24%, buildings for 30%, and industry for 20%.
What are Copenhagen's climate targets?
Copenhagen has set a target to reduce emissions by 100% by 2025. The city's electricity grid currently has a carbon intensity of 120 gCO2/kWh, with 65% of electricity from renewable sources.
How clean is Copenhagen's electricity grid?
Copenhagen's grid emits 120 gCO2/kWh with 65% renewable energy — moderate compared to global city averages.
Data Sources
- City of Copenhagen Climate 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.
