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Carbon Footprint of Manchester
England, United Kingdom · Pop. 553,000 · 2022 data
5.1tonnes CO₂eper capita
-7% vs United Kingdom avg (5.5t)2.8 Mt total
Based on 2022 data from Manchester Climate Change Agency. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions. Use our calculators for personal estimates.
Key Takeaway
Manchester has set a carbon budget aligned with the Paris Agreement and aims to be zero-carbon by 2038, ahead of the UK national target.
180
gCO₂/kWh grid
40%
Renewable electricity
2038
Target: −50%
553K
Population
Emission Breakdown by Sector
How Manchester's emissions are distributed across key sectors.
33%
36%
18%
Transport33%
~0.9Mt CO₂e
Buildings36%
~1.0Mt CO₂e
Industry18%
~0.5Mt CO₂e
Waste8%
~0.2Mt CO₂e
Other5%
~0.1Mt CO₂e
Manchester vs United Kingdom National Average
Manchester
5.1t
per capita
United Kingdom avg
5.5t
per capita
Manchester's per-capita emissions are 7% 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
2038
Reduction Goal
50%
Manchester aims to cut emissions by 50% by 2038. Achieving this will require significant shifts in buildings and continued growth in renewable energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the carbon footprint of Manchester?
Manchester emits approximately 5.1 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person per year (2022 data). The city's total emissions are around 2.8 million tonnes annually, with a population of 553,000.
How does Manchester compare to the United Kingdom national average?
Manchester's per-capita emissions of 5.1t are 7% 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 Manchester's biggest sources of emissions?
The largest emission source in Manchester is buildings at 36% of total emissions, followed by other sectors. Transport accounts for 33%, buildings for 36%, and industry for 18%.
What are Manchester's climate targets?
Manchester has set a target to reduce emissions by 50% by 2038. The city's electricity grid currently has a carbon intensity of 180 gCO2/kWh, with 40% of electricity from renewable sources.
How clean is Manchester's electricity grid?
Manchester's grid emits 180 gCO2/kWh with 40% renewable energy — moderate compared to global city averages.
Data Sources
- Manchester Climate Change Agency (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.
