1. About this report

This report provides an overview of Northern Ireland’s carbon footprint from 2001 to 2023, often referred to as consumption-based emissions. It presents both total carbon footprint estimates and emissions per person (per capita). The report examines the composition of emissions associated with the consumption of goods and services by Northern Ireland residents. It also compares the carbon footprint with territorial greenhouse gas emissions to provide additional context on trends over time.

The analysis draws on carbon footprint estimates produced by the University of Leeds, alongside other official greenhouse gas emissions statistics. Further information on the data sources and methodology is available in the background notes.


2. Key Points

Total Carbon Footprint

23

million tonnes in 2023

Carbon Footprint

12

tonnes per capita in 2023


  • Northern Ireland’s carbon footprint was estimated at 23.0 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) in 2023. The carbon footprint increased by around 2% from 22.5 MtCO2e in 2022, continuing the rise from the series low in 2020.

  • Greenhouse gas emissions embedded in imported goods and services into the UK accounted for the largest share of Northern Ireland’s carbon footprint in 2023 at 52%.

  • In 2023, Northern Ireland’s carbon footprint was estimated at 12.0 tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) per person (per capita). This was 26% lower than the peak of 16.1 tCO2e per person recorded in 2007. The latest estimate remains above the series low of 10.5 tCO2e per person in 2020.

  • For comparison, the UK carbon footprint per person was estimated at 10.2 tCO2e in 2023, compared with a peak of 16.1 tCO2e per person in 2004, representing a decrease of around 37%.

  • Between 2001 and 2023, carbon footprint per person fell by 19%. This compares with a larger decline of 38% in territorial greenhouse gas emissions per person over the same period.

Definition

Carbon footprint:
This approach estimates the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the consumption of goods and services by Northern Ireland residents (consumption-based emissions). It includes emissions generated overseas in supply chains, as well as emissions produced directly by households through home heating and private vehicle use.


3. Carbon Footprint Analysis

Northern Ireland’s carbon footprint

In 2023, Northern Ireland’s carbon footprint was estimated at 23.0 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e). The carbon footprint increased by around 2% from 22.5 MtCO2e in 2022, continuing the rise from the low in 2020.

The carbon footprint peaked at 28.4 MtCO2e in 2007. It then fell to a series low of 20.0 MtCO2e in 2020. The data shows that the 2023 total carbon footprint was approximately 15% higher than the series low recorded in 2020. This low point coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and possible changes in household consumption patterns.

Figure 1: Northern Ireland’s carbon footprint increased to 23.0 MtCO2e in 2023 following a low point in 2020

Time series showing Northern Ireland’s carbon footprint (MtCO2e), 2001 to 2023

Source: University of Leeds

Greenhouse gas emissions associated with Northern Ireland’s consumption

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions embedded in imported goods and services accounted for the largest share of Northern Ireland’s carbon footprint in 2023 at 52%. These import-based emissions were estimated at 12.0 MtCO2e in 2023. GHG emissions embedded in imported goods and services increased between 2001 and 2007 and peaked in 2007. Despite fluctuations following this peak, these emissions generally declined to a low point in 2020. Import-based emissions remained 29% higher in 2023 than in 2001.

The data shows a long-term decline in GHG emissions from UK-produced goods and services consumed in Northern Ireland. They were estimated at 5.9 MtCO2e in 2023 which was 38% lower than in 2001. Their share of Northern Ireland’s carbon footprint has also decreased over time to 26% of the carbon footprint in 2023.

GHG emissions generated directly by households from the use of fossil fuels for heating and personal vehicles has remained comparatively stable over time. These emissions accounted for between 21% and 27% of total consumption-based emissions between 2001 and 2023.

Figure 2 illustrates the trends in the various sources of greenhouse gas emissions associated with Northern Ireland’s consumption between 2001 and 2023.

Figure 2: Imported goods and services accounted for the largest share of Northern Ireland’s carbon footprint for most of the period shown

Stacked area chart showing greenhouse gas emissions associated with Northern Ireland’s consumption by source (MtCO2e), 2001 to 2023

Source: University of Leeds

Carbon footprint per capita

Presenting carbon footprint on a per person (per capita) basis provides an understanding of the environmental impact relative to the size of the population.

Figure 3 shows that Northern Ireland’s carbon footprint per person was estimated at 12.0 tCO2e in 2023, compared with 16.1 tCO2e at the peak in 2007. This represents a decrease of 26% since the peak.

The latest estimate of 12.0 tCO2e per person in 2023 follows subsequent annual increases since the low point of 10.5 tCO2e recorded in 2020. This low point coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For comparison, the UK carbon footprint per person was estimated at 10.2 tCO2e in 2023, compared with a peak of 16.1 tCO2e per person in 2004, representing a decrease of around 37%.

Figure 3: Northern Ireland’s carbon footprint per capita increased from a low point in 2020 to the latest estimate of 12.0 tCO2e in 2023

Time series showing Northern Ireland’s carbon footprint per capita (tCO2e), 2001 to 2023

Source: University of Leeds. Per capita estimates were calculated using NISRA Mid-Year Population Estimates.

Relationship between different measures of Northern Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions

Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) can be measured in different ways. Carbon footprint estimates measure greenhouse gas emissions associated with the consumption of goods and services by Northern Ireland residents, regardless of where those emissions occur. Territorial greenhouse gas emissions estimate emissions generated within Northern Ireland’s geographical boundary. The two measures should be viewed as complementary.

Figure 4 compares carbon footprint and territorial greenhouse gas emissions per person. Territorial GHG emissions per person followed a broadly similar trend to the carbon footprint through most of the period shown in figure 4. However, territorial GHG emissions were generally lower throughout the period and showed less fluctuation than carbon footprint. Between 2001 and 2023, territorial GHG emissions per person fell by 38%. This compares with a decrease of 19% in carbon footprint per person over the same period. Territorial GHG emissions estimates are available for 2024 and remained broadly stable between 2023 and 2024.

Figure 4: Carbon footprint and territorial greenhouse gas emissions per capita have both declined since 2001, with a larger reduction in territorial emissions

Time series showing carbon footprint per capita and greenhouse gas emissions per capita estimates (tCO2e)

Source: University of Leeds; Northern Ireland Greenhouse Gas Inventory (DAERA). Per capita estimates were calculated using NISRA Mid-Year Population Estimates.


4. Further Information and Feedback

Background information and data sources

This report presents estimates of Northern Ireland’s carbon footprint from 2001 to 2023. The analysis draws on three main sources:

  • Carbon footprint estimates produced by the University of Leeds (UoL), in agreement with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra);
  • Northern Ireland Greenhouse Gas Inventory 1990 – 2024 statistical bulletin, Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA); and
  • Mid-year population estimates for Northern Ireland published by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA). These estimates were used to derive per capita carbon footprint and per capita territorial greenhouse gas emissions estimates.

Carbon footprint estimates for Northern Ireland are produced by UoL as part of the wider UK consumption-based emissions accounts, in agreement with Defra. Corresponding carbon footprint estimates for the UK and England, up to 2023, were published by Defra in July 2026. These estimates are available in Carbon footprint for the UK and England to 2023.

This publication includes carbon footprint estimates up to 2023, the latest year for which data are currently available. More recent territorial greenhouse gas emissions statistics are available up to 2024.

The publication supports monitoring of the carbon footprint indicator within the Decarbonisation priority of the Department for the Economy Business Plan 2025-26.

Methodology and additional information

Greenhouse gas emissions can be measured using different approaches. This release focuses primarily on carbon footprint estimates, alongside a comparison with territorial greenhouse gas emissions.

Carbon footprint estimates measure greenhouse gas emissions associated with the consumption of goods and services by Northern Ireland residents, regardless of where those emissions occur in the world.

Territorial greenhouse gas emissions estimates are compiled separately and sourced from the Northern Ireland Greenhouse Gas inventory. These estimates relate to greenhouse gas emissions occurring within Northern Ireland’s geographical boundary. Further information on the quality and methodology of territorial greenhouse gas emissions statistics can be found in UK Background Quality Report and The National Inventory Report.

UK consumption-based emissions (carbon footprint) are produced by the UoL, using a Multi-Regional Input-Output (MRIO) model developed for Defra. This model combines a range of data to estimate emissions associated with goods and services consumed by UK residents. Northern Ireland estimates are derived using a hierarchical hybrid methodology within the same MRIO framework used for the UK carbon footprint.

Key methodological considerations
  • A hierarchical hybrid methodology is used to estimate final consumption for each devolved administration. This approach estimates the share of total UK expenditure attributable to each devolved region for different categories of goods and services and allocates the corresponding share of the UK carbon footprint.
  • Expenditure profiles from the Living Costs and Food Survey (LCFS) are used to estimate Northern Ireland’s share of UK consumption for different goods and services. In the 2023/24 LCFS, the number of responding households was 2,909 in England, 523 in Scotland, 366 in Wales and 407 in Northern Ireland. Survey responses are weighted to ensure they are representative of households across the UK.
  • In addition, domestic consumption of gas and electricity data are incorporated to produce the estimates of consumption.
  • Northern Ireland estimates are available from 2001 onwards, reflecting the availability of comparable Living Costs and Food Survey data.

Readers are advised to consult the UK Consumption Account Methodology document, which can be found on the Carbon footprint for the UK and England to 2023 page. Readers are advised to refer to this document for additional information relating to the methodology and accuracy.

Revisions

The carbon footprint estimates may be subject to revisions on an annual basis to reflect updates to the underlying data or improvements in methodology. The revisions included in the 2026 release reflect a methodological change relating to the adoption of FIGARO v2025 trade data for estimates from 2010 onwards. Further information is available in the UK Consumption Account Methodology document published on the Carbon footprint for the UK and England to 2023 page.

A summary of revisions to previously published Northern Ireland estimates is provided in the accompanying supplementary tables.

Limitations and caveats

Carbon footprint estimates are subject to greater uncertainty than territorial greenhouse gas emissions statistics. This reflects both the different methodologies used and the challenges associated with estimating emissions embedded in goods and services produced overseas and imported for consumption in Northern Ireland. Any comparisons between carbon footprint and territorial emissions measures should be interpreted with this in mind.

Availability of future Northern Ireland carbon footprint estimates is dependent on the continued production of the underlying University of Leeds estimates.

Supplementary tables

The data underlying the charts presented in this report are available in the supplementary tables published alongside this release. These are available on the Northern Ireland’s carbon footprint: 2001 to 2023 page.

Calculations and rounding

Per capita carbon footprint and territorial emissions estimates are calculated using NISRA mid-year population estimates for Northern Ireland.

This publication presents estimates in million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e). Corresponding estimates in kilotonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (ktCO2e) are provided in the supplementary tables. One million tonnes (Mt) is equal to 1,000 kilotonnes (kt).

Per capita estimates and carbon dioxide equivalent estimates are rounded to one decimal place. Percentage changes are calculated using unrounded figures and may therefore differ from those derived using the rounded estimates shown in the publication charts. As a result, totals may not sum exactly due to rounding. Percentages are generally rounded to the nearest whole number.

Feedback

This publication is produced by Analytical Services Division, Department for the Economy.

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