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Carbon Footprint of Sydney
New South Wales, Australia · Pop. 5.3 million · 2022 data
11.6tonnes CO₂eper capita
-23% vs Australia avg (15t)61.6 Mt total
Based on 2022 data from City of Sydney / NSW Government. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions. Use our calculators for personal estimates.
Key Takeaway
Sydney's grid is still heavily coal-dependent, but rapid rooftop solar adoption is beginning to shift the mix.
600
gCO₂/kWh grid
22%
Renewable electricity
2050
Target: −70%
5.3M
Population
Emission Breakdown by Sector
How Sydney's emissions are distributed across key sectors.
30%
32%
24%
Transport30%
~18.5Mt CO₂e
Buildings32%
~19.7Mt CO₂e
Industry24%
~14.8Mt CO₂e
Waste9%
~5.5Mt CO₂e
Other5%
~3.1Mt CO₂e
Sydney vs Australia National Average
Sydney
11.6t
per capita
Australia avg
15t
per capita
Sydney's per-capita emissions are 23% below the Australia national average of 15 tonnes. Key factors include urban density and public transit.
Electricity Grid Profile
Grid Carbon Intensity
600 gCO₂/kWh
High — significant fossil fuel dependence
Renewable Share
22%
Climate Target
Target Year
2050
Reduction Goal
70%
Sydney aims to cut emissions by 70% by 2050. Achieving this will require significant shifts in buildings and continued growth in renewable energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the carbon footprint of Sydney?
Sydney emits approximately 11.6 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person per year (2022 data). The city's total emissions are around 61.6 million tonnes annually, with a population of 5.3 million.
How does Sydney compare to the Australia national average?
Sydney's per-capita emissions of 11.6t are 23% below the Australia national average of 15t per capita. This is partly due to factors like public transit, density, and cleaner energy.
What are Sydney's biggest sources of emissions?
The largest emission source in Sydney is buildings at 32% of total emissions, followed by other sectors. Transport accounts for 30%, buildings for 32%, and industry for 24%.
What are Sydney's climate targets?
Sydney has set a target to reduce emissions by 70% by 2050. The city's electricity grid currently has a carbon intensity of 600 gCO2/kWh, with 22% of electricity from renewable sources.
How clean is Sydney's electricity grid?
Sydney's grid is relatively carbon-intensive at 600 gCO2/kWh. Only 22% of electricity comes from renewable sources, indicating significant room for decarbonisation.
Data Sources
- City of Sydney / NSW 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.
