Québec, June 12, 2023. – The Institut de la statistique du Québec is publishing its first estimate of Québec society’s carbon footprint, which was at least 95 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (Mt CO2 eq.) for 2018, or 11.3 tonnes per capita.
The carbon footprint of Québec society comes predominantly from current household expenditures at 72% (68 Mt CO2 eq. or 8.1 tonnes per capita), followed by expenditures related to construction (13%) and to governments and non-profit institutions serving households (NPISH) (8%).
Carbon footprint of Québec society, 2018
Source
Institut de la statistique du Quéebc
Carbon footprint of Québec society by location of emissions
The carbon footprint of Québec society measures greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated in Québec (50 Mt CO2 eq., or 53%), in the rest of Canada (15 Mt CO2 eq., or 16%), and elsewhere in the world (30 Mt CO2, or 31%).
Sectors with the highest GHG emissions
The sectors that generate the most GHGs, whether in Québec or elsewhere, are the manufacturing sector, households themselves, and primary sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and sectors related to natural resource extraction.
Emissions generated by the manufacturing sector account for 35% (32.8 Mt CO2 eq.) of Québec society’s carbon footprint, and a large part of these emissions are generated outside Canada (23.9 Mt CO2).
Carbon footprint of households
Consumption of energy and fuel is the largest contributor to the carbon footprint of Québec households (26.3 Mt CO2 eq. out of 67.9 Mt CO2 eq.). Household GHG emissions associated with energy and fuel consumption are mainly generated by driving vehicles, using appliances powered by fossil fuels, and using wood for fuel.
Carbon footprint of Québec exports
The Institut also calculated the carbon footprint associated with the purchase of Québec exports by consumers located outside the province, which totals at least 77 Mt CO2 eq. This includes both the carbon footprint of international exports and re-exports, as well as the carbon footprint of products exported to other Canadian provinces and territories.
About 53% of GHG emissions associated with the province’s exports are generated in Québec. The remaining 47% come from products that are imported into the province and used to make products manufactured in Québec that are then exported.
GHG emissions associated with Québec’s exports come mainly from the manufacturing sector (57%) and the primary sectors (agriculture, forestry, mining) (26%), regardless of the location of these emissions.
For more information on:
Carbon footprint: Total quantity of GHGs emitted to meet the demand for goods or services. The carbon footprint attributes GHG emissions to the end consumers of goods or services, regardless of where GHGs are emitted and who generated them. It takes into account all emissions from the production and marketing of goods and services generated in Québec, in Canada, and elsewhere in the world. These emissions are generated by households or by the industrial sectors that supply the goods and services they consume.
Québec society’s carbon footprint: GHG emissions generated to meet the consumption needs of households, governments, and non-profit institutions serving households (current expenditures), as well as to meet investment needs in building and engineering structure construction, machinery and equipment, and intellectual property products within the province. Emissions generated to meet needs outside Québec (exports) are excluded and presented separately.
The Institut de la statistique du Québec produces, analyzes and disseminates official, objective and quality statistical information on various aspects of Québec society. It is responsible for conducting all statistical surveys of general interest. The relevance of its work makes it a strategic ally for decision makers and all those wishing to learn more about Québec.