Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy Use in Newfoundland and Labrador
Understanding how and where energy is consumed and GHG emissions are released are key to understanding how we can take action to tackle climate change.
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy Use in Newfoundland and Labrador
There are many different ways in which energy is consumed. When we operate our vehicles, provide heat for our homes, and use our appliances, we are consuming energy. In many instances, consuming energy can lead to the release of greenhouse gas emissions. Understanding how and where energy is consumed and GHG emissions are released are key to understanding how we can take action to tackle climate change. The following page provides information on greenhouse gas (GHG) emission levels and energy consumption in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Current GHG Emissions
In 2017, the most recent year for which data is available, GHG emissions in Newfoundland and Labrador were 10.5 million tonnes (Mt). This is a 3% decrease from 2016 levels and the lowest level of emissions since 2014. Approximately 39% of provincial GHGs in 2017 came from large industry, which includes mining, offshore petroleum and manufacturing. Transportation is the second largest contributor to the province’s GHG emissions total (32%, adjusted by the province to re-attribute a portion of off-road and marine diesel emissions to large industry), followed by large-scale electricity generation (14%), fuel use in buildings and small manufacturers (9%) and waste (5%). Agricultural emissions accounted for less than 1 percent of total provincial emissions.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Newfoundland and Labrador, 2017
Note: Electricity includes emissions from electricity consumption, meaning on-site electricity consumption is excluded from other categories (Commercial & Institutional, Residential, Manufacturing, Forestry, Agriculture & Construction, and Large Industry)
Source: Adjusted from the 2019 National Inventory Report, Environment Canada
View dataCurrent Energy Use
In 2016, the most recent year with available data, approximately 134,300 terajoules (TJ) of energy was consumed in Newfoundland and Labrador, which is up from approximately 128,700 TJ consumed in 2015. Of this figure, 49% of energy was consumed in the transportation sector and 22% in the industrial sector. Additionally, 19% and 10% was consumed by the residential and commercial and service sectors respectively.
Energy Use by Sector in Newfoundland and Labrador, 2016
Note: Includes electricity, refined petroleum products, coal and coke, and biomass. These numbers exclude producer’s consumption.
Carbon Calculator
Designed specifically for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, this calculator can be used by individuals or households in this province to estimate their carbon footprint.