Greenhouse fuel emissions from Scotland’s largest industrial amenities fell by nearly 1 / 4 prior to now 5 years, in keeping with new figures printed on 30 September by the Scottish Atmosphere Safety Company (SEPA).
The Scottish Pollutant Launch Stock (SPRI) reveals emissions, measured in carbon dioxide equal (CO2e), have been 23.5% (2.86 megatonnes) decrease in 2024 than in 2019, persevering with a long-term downward pattern.
In contrast with 2023, emissions fell by 3.85% (0.37 megatonnes), equal to taking round 210,000 petrol vehicles off the street for a 12 months.
The vitality sector stays the best emitting sector, accounting for 38.6% of whole industrial greenhouse fuel emissions. Nevertheless, emissions type the sector fell 7.4% in 3024, largely because of adjustments in manufacturing outputs. The sector is accountable for 40.2% of all carbon dioxide emissions, 15,2% of methane, 52.6% of nitrous oxide and 20.1% of hydrofluorocarbons.
Nathan Critchlow-Watton, Head of Environmental High quality – Information, Proof and Innovation at SEPA, mentioned:
“There are all the time quite a lot of components that may affect reported emissions, from vitality technology to industrial output. A part of the discount we have now seen displays decrease manufacturing within the chemical trade, with latest surveys exhibiting financial pressures and declining gross sales on this energy-intensive sector. Whereas these short-term adjustments drive decreases, they aren’t the inspiration for sustained progress. That may solely come by way of long-term structural adjustments like decarbonising the vitality system that underpins trade, scaling clear applied sciences and supporting sectors to chop emissions whereas remaining aggressive.
“SEPA’s position by way of the Scottish Pollutant Launch Stock is to the present the proof of the impacts these tendencies are having on emissions, however our position extends additional. Working with companies, communities and authorities to allow innovation, assist compliance and regulate pretty in order that Scotland’s internet zero transition is constructed on transformation and sustainable financial development.”
SPRI offers a precious image of the quantities of pollution launched in Scotland from SEPA-regulated industrial amenities. It’s a publicly accessible digital database and goals to supply info for coverage makers, teachers and the general public concerning the strain Scottish trade places on the atmosphere by way of greenhouse fuel and different emissions.
