Sources: Responsible Care data 1990-1995, EPRTR 2001-2017 (CO2, N2O), Econotec-VITO data 2001-2017 (HFC, PFC), DG Statistics
Increased levels of Greenhouse gasses (GHG) in the atmosphere are a major contributor to climate change. GHG include not only carbon dioxide (CO2), but also methane, water, nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), perfluorocarbons (PFC), sulphur hexafluoride, and nitrogen trifluoride.
In the sector, GHG emissions per weighted production volume have decreased by 80% since 1990, a result of (among other things) significant investments in abatement measures for N2O emissions and the substitution of fluorinated gases. Further emission reductions have been achieved by continuous improvements in energy efficiency and switching from liquid fuel to natural gas.
The main GHGs emitted by the chemicals, plastics and life sciences industries are CO2, N2O, PFCs and HFCs. Indirect CO2 emissions related to the use of electricity are not included in these statistics, since these are attributed to the electricity sector.
For our vision how to reach climate neutrality by 2050, please read the challenge on energy & climate.
