The Basque Country reduces its carbon footprint by 13% in a decade

24/07/2025

Mikel Jauregi, Regional Minister of Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability, published the first report on the Basque Country's carbon footprint, a key indicator for measuring greenhouse gas emissions caused by the demand for goods and services in the region. 

The study gives a detailed overview of emissions linked to consumption by households and public administrations, and investments in the Basque Country for the period 2010-2021. 

A region’s carbon footprint is an environmental indicator that measures the greenhouse gas emissions generated worldwide to meet the final demand for goods and services, regardless of the source of these emissions (private consumption, public consumption and investment). 

According to the report, the Basque Country's carbon footprint in 2019 was 10.4 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per inhabitant, which was slightly below the European average (10.9 tonnes). This figure reflects the environmental impact of the daily activities of Basque citizens. Of this figure, 7.8 tonnes of CO2 equivalent relate to household consumption, with transport, food and housing being the main sources of emissions. 

The Basque Country's carbon footprint is 10.4 tonnes of CO2 per person, which is slightly below the European average. 

Transport accounts for 31% of the carbon footprint of households, with 1.8 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emitted by private vehicles. Food and drink are responsible for 27% of emissions, while housing, including energy consumption and maintenance, accounts for 18% of the total. 

In this regard, it should be noted that the carbon footprint decreased by 13% in the period 2010-2021, with a reduction in all emissions for which the Basque Country is responsible, both internally and externally, together with a decoupling between the carbon footprint and economic activity, as the GDP of the Basque Country grew by 17% between 2010 and 2021. 

The Basque Country’s carbon footprint reveals that consumption-related emissions in the Basque Country are higher than territorial emissions, indicating that the region is a net importer of emissions, i.e. it consumes energy produced in other countries. Consequently, emissions from consumption were 33% higher than emissions generated within the Basque territory, and between 15% and 30% higher than emissions from the Basque Country inventory (which includes emissions generated within the Basque Country and those from externally sourced electricity). 

The footprint decreased by 13% in the period 2010-2021. 

In this regard, it should be noted that the footprint decreased by 13% in the period 2010-2021, inventory of the Basque Country, together with a decoupling between the carbon footprint and economic activity, as the GDP of the Basque Country grew by 17% between 2010 and 2021. 

The Basque Country’s carbon footprint reveals that consumption-related emissions in the Basque Country are higher than territorial emissions, indicating that the region is a net importer of emissions, i.e. it consumes energy produced in other countries. Consequently, emissions from consumption were 33% higher than emissions generated within the Basque territory, and between 15% and 30% higher than emissions from the Basque Country inventory (which includes emissions generated within the Basque Country and those from externally sourced electricity). 

The Basque Country is the first region in Spain to measure its carbon footprint using Eurostat methodology. 

Mikel Jauregi, Regional Minister for Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability, stressed the importance of this report for decision-making in environmental policies. “Being aware of the carbon footprint of our daily activities is the first step towards reducing it and helping to preserve our environment. This information allows us to get a better understanding of the impact of our activities and gives us a key tool for designing strategies to reduce emissions and move towards a more sustainable economy”, said the Minister. 

The report concludes with recommendations for reducing the carbon footprint in the Basque Country, based on the source of the emissions. As far as transport is concerned, which it identifies as “the most important consumption category in terms of the carbon footprint”, it recommends reducing private vehicle use and making more rational use of air travel. 

With regard to the footprint of consumer goods, it encourages the consumption of products that require less transport, i.e. those produced in closer, shorter supply chains, so as to reduce the footprint associated with transporting goods by road. 

In the area of food, it is committed to measures against food waste and promoting a healthy diet. As far as housing is concerned, it proposes policies that promote energy efficiency in buildings, and that make greater use of the existing housing stock, thereby avoiding the construction of new homes. This would bring environmental benefits, not only in terms of conserving natural land, but also in terms of reducing the consumption of materials and energy. 

“Publishing the Basque Country's carbon footprint for the first time marks a milestone in the Basque Government's commitment to sustainability and the fight against climate change, and represents a significant step towards raising awareness and getting Basque society involved in climate action”, concluded Mikel Jauregi. 

Benefits of measuring a country's carbon footprint 

• Identifying emission sources: This will allow us to identify the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions, and will help in the design of specific strategies to reduce them. 
• Environmental impact assessment: It provides a clear assessment of the environmental impact of our activities, helping us to understand how we are contributing to climate change. 
• Setting goals: It will make it easier to set both individual and national emission reduction targets and monitor progress towards these targets. 
• Informed policies and decisions: It informs the creation of evidence-based policies and decisions, and encourages sustainable practices and the transition to renewable energy. 
• Awareness and education: It raises awareness of the importance of reducing emissions and educates people about more sustainable practices.