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Carbon Footprint of London
England, United Kingdom · Pop. 9.0 million · 2022 data
3.4tonnes CO₂eper capita
-38% vs United Kingdom avg (5.5t)30.5 Mt total
Based on 2022 data from London Datastore / GLA Environment. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions. Use our calculators for personal estimates.
Key Takeaway
London's extensive public transport network and dense housing keep per-capita emissions well below the UK average.
180
gCO₂/kWh grid
40%
Renewable electricity
2030
Target: −60%
9.0M
Population
Emission Breakdown by Sector
How London's emissions are distributed across key sectors.
26%
42%
14%
Transport26%
~7.9Mt CO₂e
Buildings42%
~12.8Mt CO₂e
Industry14%
~4.3Mt CO₂e
Waste9%
~2.7Mt CO₂e
Other9%
~2.7Mt CO₂e
London vs United Kingdom National Average
London
3.4t
per capita
United Kingdom avg
5.5t
per capita
London's per-capita emissions are 38% below the United Kingdom national average of 5.5 tonnes. Key factors include urban density and public transit.
Electricity Grid Profile
Grid Carbon Intensity
180 gCO₂/kWh
Moderate — room for improvement
Renewable Share
40%
Climate Target
Target Year
2030
Reduction Goal
60%
London aims to cut emissions by 60% 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 London?
London emits approximately 3.4 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person per year (2022 data). The city's total emissions are around 30.5 million tonnes annually, with a population of 9.0 million.
How does London compare to the United Kingdom national average?
London's per-capita emissions of 3.4t are 38% 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 London's biggest sources of emissions?
The largest emission source in London is buildings at 42% of total emissions, followed by other sectors. Transport accounts for 26%, buildings for 42%, and industry for 14%.
What are London's climate targets?
London has set a target to reduce emissions by 60% by 2030. The city's electricity grid currently has a carbon intensity of 180 gCO2/kWh, with 40% of electricity from renewable sources.
How clean is London's electricity grid?
London's grid emits 180 gCO2/kWh with 40% renewable energy — moderate compared to global city averages.
Data Sources
- London Datastore / GLA Environment (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.
