The industry emitted 8 percent less greenhouse gases in the second quarter of 2025 than a year earlier. In particular, the consumption of natural gas, as well as oil products and coal, by the industry was lower than in the second quarter of 2024. The industrys contribution to total greenhouse gas emissions decreased from over 36 percent in the second quarter of 2024 to nearly 35 percent in 2025.
The emissions from the built environment were 16.5 percent lower in the second quarter of 2025. Especially in April, it was warmer than last April. As a result, less natural gas was needed for heating homes and buildings. The contribution of this sector to total emissions is smaller than that of the industry and decreased from over 7 percent in the second quarter of 2024 to just over 6 percent in 2025.
The mobility sector and agriculture each emitted 2 percent less greenhouse gases than in the second quarter of 2024. The decrease is smaller than in the industry and the built environment. In the mobility sector, road traffic consumed less diesel, while in agriculture, the combined heat and power plants consumed less natural gas. The contributions of these sectors to emissions in the second quarter were nearly the same as in the same period a year earlier, with almost 23 percent for mobility and just over 18 percent for agriculture.
In the second quarter of 2025, the electricity sector emitted 9 percent more greenhouse gases than in the same quarter of 2024. Electricity exports were higher than a year earlier, while less electricity was imported. To produce more electricity, more fossil fuels were consumed, especially coal. The contribution of the electricity sector to total emissions was nearly 15 percent in the second quarter of 2025, compared to 13 percent in the same quarter of 2024.
The CBS also calculates the CO2 emissions from all Dutch economic activities according to the national accounts. In comparison with the emissions according to IPCC definitions, the CO2 emissions from international air and maritime transport and emissions from biomass combustion by individuals and companies belonging to the Dutch economy are also included. The CO2 emissions according to the calculation method of the national accounts are presented below.
In the second quarter of 2025, the CO2 emissions of the Dutch economy were more than 4 percent lower than in the same quarter a year earlier, while the gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 1.5 percent. The decrease in emissions is mainly due to households, the service sector, and the industry, especially the chemical and oil industries, consuming less natural gas. The lower natural gas consumption is partly due to the relatively warm weather in the second quarter. Adjusted for this, the decrease in CO2 emissions amounts to 3.5 percent.
Energy companies and the transport sector emitted more than in the second quarter of 2024. Mainly due to higher coal use, energy companies emitted 6 percent more CO2. The added value of energy companies grew by 4 percent.
In the transport sector, CO2 emissions were over 3 percent higher. This is mainly due to increased emissions in aviation and shipping. The added value of the transport sector remained virtually unchanged.