Company CO2 emissions increase 6% in 2017

CO2 emissions made by Catalan companies subject to the EU Emissions Trading System increased by 6.2% during 2017 compared to the previous year. The 124 facilities in question emitted a total of 14,930,210 tonnes of CO2, following a similar rate to 2014 and 2015, according to a report by the Department of Territory and Sustainability.

These 124 facilities account for around 30% of the total of greenhouse gas emissions in Catalonia.

81% of emissions from combustion

The biggest increase in CO2 emissions was seen in the electricity and cement sectors. 81% of the emissions were created by combustion processes, such as in power plants or in industrial processes, such as the creation of cement.

Measures against pollution

In order to combat air pollution in general, Barcelona city council is to restrict the circulation of the most polluting motorcycles and mopeds in Low Emission Zones within the perimeter of the city’s ring roads at times of high air pollution. At these times, the restrictions, which will come into effect from next December, will be applied during weekdays from 7am to 8pm.

In a bid to cut down on traffic emissions, Barcelona introduced new measures on December 1 restricting traffic, specifically that of older modelled cars, on days of high pollution.

When nitrogen dioxide reaches unhealthy levels and weather conditions look set to remain unchanged, the Catalan government will give 48 hours notice before the traffic restrictions are applied, affecting the whole Barcelona metropolitan area. Once 24 hours have passed, the situation will be re-evaluated.