Measuring ACT greenhouse gas emissions

The ACT Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report gives a yearly update on how we’re tracking against our targets. It shows where we are generating our emissions and how this has changed over time.

The 2024-25 report that forms the basis of this content is delivered by Strategy Policy Research (legal requirement for independent report under the Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act 2010).

About the report

The ACT Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report shows how the ACT is tracking with emissions reductions. It is updated every year.

It shows how our emissions have changed each year since 2012. It also compares figures to 1990 as a baseline indicator. Each report provides a detailed breakdown of where the emissions have been generated. For example, emissions through transport, gas or waste decomposition.

ACT emissions are significantly lower than their peak in 2015-16, which is largely due to achieving 100% renewable electricity in 2020 and maintaining it since. In 2024-25, emissions were 47% lower than the baseline year of 1989-90.

How it works

The inventory measures where ACT greenhouse gas emissions are coming from.

Total emissions are calculated in kilotonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (kt CO2-e). A per capita emission is the contribution by the average citizen calculated by dividing the total emissions by the ACT’s population.

Snapshot of progress

Year

Total emissions
(kt CO2-e)

Per capita emissions (t CO2-e)

2024–25* 1,658 (-47% since 1990) 3.4
2023–24* 1,684 (-46% since 1990) 3.5
2022–23* 1,794 (-43% since 1990) 3.9
2021–22* 1,704 3.7
2020–21* 1,664 3.7
2019–20* 1,662 3.8
2018–19 3,762 8.7
2017–18 3,799 9.0
2016–17 4,147 10.1
2015–16 4,049 10.2
2014–15 4,239 10.8
2013–14 4,101 10.6
2012–13 4,224 11.1
1989–90 3,124 11.2

* The ACT achieved 100% renewable electricity since 2020.

Disclaimer: To align with best practice, the methodology and data sets used to calculate the ACT Greenhouse Gas Inventory are reviewed and updated (if required) every year. This may result in the restatement of historical figures including the baseline. Taking this approach ensures that emissions for the current and previous years are as accurate as possible and are based on the best available data and methodology.

Reports

Why it’s important

The ACT is a leader in climate action. We are a small but ambitious city. We need data to check our progress against the targets set in our ACT Climate Change Strategy. The data also helps us refine priorities and policies.

We have a lot to celebrate, but there’s a long way to go to reach zero emissions by 2045. You can do your part to reduce emissions. Consider a zero emissions vehicle and switch from gas to electric appliances.

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.