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Carbon Footprint of Edinburgh
Scotland, United Kingdom · Pop. 528,000 · 2022 data
4.2tonnes CO₂eper capita
-24% vs United Kingdom avg (5.5t)2.2 Mt total
Based on 2022 data from City of Edinburgh Council / Scottish Government. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions. Use our calculators for personal estimates.
Key Takeaway
Scotland's high renewable energy generation gives Edinburgh a cleaner grid than most UK cities, with over 60% of electricity from wind and hydro.
150
gCO₂/kWh grid
60%
Renewable electricity
2030
Target: −75%
528K
Population
Emission Breakdown by Sector
How Edinburgh's emissions are distributed across key sectors.
30%
40%
14%
10%
Transport30%
~0.7Mt CO₂e
Buildings40%
~0.9Mt CO₂e
Industry14%
~0.3Mt CO₂e
Waste10%
~0.2Mt CO₂e
Other6%
~0.1Mt CO₂e
Edinburgh vs United Kingdom National Average
Edinburgh
4.2t
per capita
United Kingdom avg
5.5t
per capita
Edinburgh's per-capita emissions are 24% below the United Kingdom national average of 5.5 tonnes. Key factors include a clean electricity grid.
Electricity Grid Profile
Grid Carbon Intensity
150 gCO₂/kWh
Moderate — room for improvement
Renewable Share
60%
Climate Target
Target Year
2030
Reduction Goal
75%
Edinburgh aims to cut emissions by 75% by 2030. Achieving this will require significant shifts in buildings and continued growth in renewable energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the carbon footprint of Edinburgh?
Edinburgh emits approximately 4.2 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person per year (2022 data). The city's total emissions are around 2.2 million tonnes annually, with a population of 528,000.
How does Edinburgh compare to the United Kingdom national average?
Edinburgh's per-capita emissions of 4.2t are 24% below the United Kingdom national average of 5.5t per capita. This is partly due to factors like public transit, density, and cleaner energy.
What are Edinburgh's biggest sources of emissions?
The largest emission source in Edinburgh is buildings at 40% of total emissions, followed by other sectors. Transport accounts for 30%, buildings for 40%, and industry for 14%.
What are Edinburgh's climate targets?
Edinburgh has set a target to reduce emissions by 75% by 2030. The city's electricity grid currently has a carbon intensity of 150 gCO2/kWh, with 60% of electricity from renewable sources.
How clean is Edinburgh's electricity grid?
Edinburgh's grid emits 150 gCO2/kWh with 60% renewable energy — moderate compared to global city averages.
Data Sources
- City of Edinburgh Council / Scottish Government (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.
