Loading...
Carbon Footprint of Melbourne
Victoria, Australia · Pop. 5.1 million · 2022 data
10.5tonnes CO₂eper capita
-30% vs Australia avg (15t)53.3 Mt total
Based on 2022 data from City of Melbourne Climate Action. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions. Use our calculators for personal estimates.
Key Takeaway
Melbourne has committed to 100% renewable electricity for council operations and is Australia's most ambitious city on climate targets.
550
gCO₂/kWh grid
28%
Renewable electricity
2040
Target: −100%
5.1M
Population
Emission Breakdown by Sector
How Melbourne's emissions are distributed across key sectors.
32%
33%
22%
Transport32%
~17.1Mt CO₂e
Buildings33%
~17.6Mt CO₂e
Industry22%
~11.7Mt CO₂e
Waste8%
~4.3Mt CO₂e
Other5%
~2.7Mt CO₂e
Melbourne vs Australia National Average
Melbourne
10.5t
per capita
Australia avg
15t
per capita
Melbourne's per-capita emissions are 30% below the Australia national average of 15 tonnes. Key factors include urban density and public transit.
Electricity Grid Profile
Grid Carbon Intensity
550 gCO₂/kWh
High — significant fossil fuel dependence
Renewable Share
28%
Climate Target
Target Year
2040
Reduction Goal
100%
Melbourne aims to cut emissions by 100% by 2040, 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 Melbourne?
Melbourne emits approximately 10.5 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person per year (2022 data). The city's total emissions are around 53.3 million tonnes annually, with a population of 5.1 million.
How does Melbourne compare to the Australia national average?
Melbourne's per-capita emissions of 10.5t are 30% below the Australia national average of 15t per capita. This is partly due to factors like public transit, density, and cleaner energy.
What are Melbourne's biggest sources of emissions?
The largest emission source in Melbourne is buildings at 33% of total emissions, followed by other sectors. Transport accounts for 32%, buildings for 33%, and industry for 22%.
What are Melbourne's climate targets?
Melbourne has set a target to reduce emissions by 100% by 2040. The city's electricity grid currently has a carbon intensity of 550 gCO2/kWh, with 28% of electricity from renewable sources.
How clean is Melbourne's electricity grid?
Melbourne's grid is relatively carbon-intensive at 550 gCO2/kWh. Only 28% of electricity comes from renewable sources, indicating significant room for decarbonisation.
Data Sources
- City of Melbourne Climate Action (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.
