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Carbon Footprint of San Francisco
California, United States · Pop. 874,000 · 2022 data
4.6tonnes CO₂eper capita
-70% vs United States avg (15.5t)4 Mt total
Based on 2022 data from SF Department of the Environment. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions. Use our calculators for personal estimates.
Key Takeaway
San Francisco has one of the lowest per-capita emissions of any major US city, driven by clean electricity and high density.
180
gCO₂/kWh grid
52%
Renewable electricity
2040
Target: −80%
874K
Population
Emission Breakdown by Sector
How San Francisco's emissions are distributed across key sectors.
45%
28%
12%
10%
Transport45%
~1.8Mt CO₂e
Buildings28%
~1.1Mt CO₂e
Industry12%
~0.5Mt CO₂e
Waste10%
~0.4Mt CO₂e
Other5%
~0.2Mt CO₂e
San Francisco vs United States National Average
San Francisco
4.6t
per capita
United States avg
15.5t
per capita
San Francisco's per-capita emissions are 70% below the United States national average of 15.5 tonnes. Key factors include a clean electricity grid.
Electricity Grid Profile
Grid Carbon Intensity
180 gCO₂/kWh
Moderate — room for improvement
Renewable Share
52%
Climate Target
Target Year
2040
Reduction Goal
80%
San Francisco aims to cut emissions by 80% by 2040, one of the most ambitious targets among major cities worldwide. Achieving this will require significant shifts in transport and continued growth in renewable energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the carbon footprint of San Francisco?
San Francisco emits approximately 4.6 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person per year (2022 data). The city's total emissions are around 4 million tonnes annually, with a population of 874,000.
How does San Francisco compare to the United States national average?
San Francisco's per-capita emissions of 4.6t are 70% below the United States national average of 15.5t per capita. This is partly due to despite high transport emissions.
What are San Francisco's biggest sources of emissions?
The largest emission source in San Francisco is transport at 45% of total emissions, followed by other sectors. Transport accounts for 45%, buildings for 28%, and industry for 12%.
What are San Francisco's climate targets?
San Francisco has set a target to reduce emissions by 80% by 2040. The city's electricity grid currently has a carbon intensity of 180 gCO2/kWh, with 52% of electricity from renewable sources.
How clean is San Francisco's electricity grid?
San Francisco's grid emits 180 gCO2/kWh with 52% renewable energy — moderate compared to global city averages.
Data Sources
- SF Department of the 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.