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 2021-22 report that forms the basis of this content is delivered by Point Advisory (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.
Reports compare ACT emissions to other states and territories. They also identify sector changes and track how we’re progressing towards our emissions targets for 2025, 2030, 2040 and 2045.
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 2022-23, 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 | Per capita emissions (t CO2-e) |
|---|---|---|
| 2023–24* | 1,489 (-50% since 1990) | 3.1 |
| 2022–23* | 1,622 (-47% since 1990) | 3.5 |
| 2021–22* | 1,436 | 3.2 |
| 2020–21* | 1,674 | 3.7 |
| 2019–20* | 1,498 | 3.4 |
| 2018–19 | 3,661 | 8.4 |
| 2017–18 | 3,539 | 8.3 |
| 2016–17 | 3,838 | 9.3 |
| 2015–16 | 4,337 | 10.8 |
| 2014–15 | 4,087 | 10.4 |
| 2013–14 | 4,050 | 10.5 |
| 2012–13 | 4,221 | 11.1 |
| 1989–90 | 3,041 | 11.0 |
* The ACT achieved 100% renewable electricity in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Reports
ACT Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report 2023-24 [PDF 1.4 MB]
Prepared by Point Advisory
ACT Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report 2022-23 [PDF 697KB]
Prepared by Point Advisory
ACT Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report 2021-22 [PDF 697KB]
Prepared by Point Advisory
ACT Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report 2020-21 [PDF 7.6MB]
Prepared by Point Advisory
ACT Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report 2019-20 [PDF 524KB]
Prepared by Strategy Policy Research
ACT Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report 2018-19 [PDF 421KB]
Prepared by Strategy Policy Research
ACT Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report 2017-18 [254.5 KB]
Prepared by Dr Hugh Saddler
ACT Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report 2016-17 [PDF 211KB]
Prepared by Dr Hugh Saddler
ACT electricity Greenhouse Gas Emissions factor projection report 2017 [PDF 219KB]
Prepared by Dr Hugh Saddler
ACT Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report 2015-16 [PDF 999KB]
Prepared by Pitt and Sherry
ACT Greenhouse Gas Inventory 2014-15 [PDF 769KB]
Prepared by Pitt and Sherry
ACT Greenhouse Gas Interim Inventory 2012-13 and 2013-14 [PDF 912KB]
Prepared by Pitt and Sherry
ACT Greenhouse Gas Inventory 2011-12 [PDF 1.2MB]
Prepared by ICRC
ACT Greenhouse Gas Inventory 2010-11 [PDF 1.2MB]
Prepared by ICRC
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.
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.