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Carbon Footprint of Vancouver
British Columbia, Canada · Pop. 662,000 · 2022 data
4.5tonnes CO₂eper capita
-68% vs Canada avg (14.2t)3 Mt total
Based on 2022 data from City of Vancouver Climate Emergency Action Plan. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions. Use our calculators for personal estimates.
Key Takeaway
British Columbia's near-100% hydroelectric grid and Vancouver's density give it the lowest per-capita emissions of any major Canadian city.
15
gCO₂/kWh grid
98%
Renewable electricity
2050
Target: −80%
662K
Population
Emission Breakdown by Sector
How Vancouver's emissions are distributed across key sectors.
40%
30%
15%
10%
Transport40%
~1.2Mt CO₂e
Buildings30%
~0.9Mt CO₂e
Industry15%
~0.4Mt CO₂e
Waste10%
~0.3Mt CO₂e
Other5%
~0.2Mt CO₂e
Vancouver vs Canada National Average
Vancouver
4.5t
per capita
Canada avg
14.2t
per capita
Vancouver's per-capita emissions are 68% below the Canada national average of 14.2 tonnes. Key factors include a clean electricity grid.
Electricity Grid Profile
Grid Carbon Intensity
15 gCO₂/kWh
Very clean — among the lowest globally
Renewable Share
98%
Climate Target
Target Year
2050
Reduction Goal
80%
Vancouver aims to cut emissions by 80% by 2050, 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 Vancouver?
Vancouver emits approximately 4.5 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person per year (2022 data). The city's total emissions are around 3 million tonnes annually, with a population of 662,000.
How does Vancouver compare to the Canada national average?
Vancouver's per-capita emissions of 4.5t are 68% below the Canada national average of 14.2t per capita. This is partly due to despite high transport emissions.
What are Vancouver's biggest sources of emissions?
The largest emission source in Vancouver is transport at 40% of total emissions, followed by other sectors. Transport accounts for 40%, buildings for 30%, and industry for 15%.
What are Vancouver's climate targets?
Vancouver has set a target to reduce emissions by 80% by 2050. The city's electricity grid currently has a carbon intensity of 15 gCO2/kWh, with 98% of electricity from renewable sources.
How clean is Vancouver's electricity grid?
Vancouver has a very clean electricity grid at 15 gCO2/kWh, with 98% renewable energy. This is among the cleanest urban grids globally.
Data Sources
- City of Vancouver Climate Emergency Action Plan (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.
