Loading...
Carbon Footprint of Washington, D.C.
District of Columbia, United States · Pop. 690,000 · 2022 data
8.8tonnes CO₂eper capita
-43% vs United States avg (15.5t)6.1 Mt total
Based on 2022 data from DC Department of Energy & Environment / Clean Energy DC. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions. Use our calculators for personal estimates.
Key Takeaway
D.C.'s federal office buildings dominate its building emissions profile, and the city has committed to 100% renewable electricity procurement by 2032.
310
gCO₂/kWh grid
22%
Renewable electricity
2050
Target: −100%
690K
Population
Emission Breakdown by Sector
How Washington, D.C.'s emissions are distributed across key sectors.
27%
46%
12%
Transport27%
~1.6Mt CO₂e
Buildings46%
~2.8Mt CO₂e
Industry12%
~0.7Mt CO₂e
Waste9%
~0.5Mt CO₂e
Other6%
~0.4Mt CO₂e
Washington, D.C. vs United States National Average
Washington, D.C.
8.8t
per capita
United States avg
15.5t
per capita
Washington, D.C.'s per-capita emissions are 43% below the United States national average of 15.5 tonnes. Key factors include urban density and public transit.
Electricity Grid Profile
Grid Carbon Intensity
310 gCO₂/kWh
High — significant fossil fuel dependence
Renewable Share
22%
Climate Target
Target Year
2050
Reduction Goal
100%
Washington, D.C. aims to cut emissions by 100% by 2050, 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 Washington, D.C.?
Washington, D.C. emits approximately 8.8 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person per year (2022 data). The city's total emissions are around 6.1 million tonnes annually, with a population of 690,000.
How does Washington, D.C. compare to the United States national average?
Washington, D.C.'s per-capita emissions of 8.8t are 43% below the United States national average of 15.5t per capita. This is partly due to factors like public transit, density, and cleaner energy.
What are Washington, D.C.'s biggest sources of emissions?
The largest emission source in Washington, D.C. is buildings at 46% of total emissions, followed by other sectors. Transport accounts for 27%, buildings for 46%, and industry for 12%.
What are Washington, D.C.'s climate targets?
Washington, D.C. has set a target to reduce emissions by 100% by 2050. The city's electricity grid currently has a carbon intensity of 310 gCO2/kWh, with 22% of electricity from renewable sources.
How clean is Washington, D.C.'s electricity grid?
Washington, D.C.'s grid is relatively carbon-intensive at 310 gCO2/kWh. Only 22% of electricity comes from renewable sources, indicating significant room for decarbonisation.
Data Sources
- DC Department of Energy & Environment / Clean Energy DC (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.