Emissions In Ireland Research Articles

Assessing the effect of the aquaculture industry, renewable energy, blue R&D, and maritime transport on GHG emissions in Ireland and Norway

The assessment of the effects of aquaculture and fisheries on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is crucial, especially within the framework of environmental sustainability and global efforts to mitigate climate change. This study investigates the effect of the aquaculture industry, Blue R&D, green energy, and maritime transport on GHG emissions in Ireland and Norway from 2000 to 2019 using quantile-on-quantile regression (QQR) and wavelet coherence (WC). The results of the QQR model indicate a negative effect of aquaculture production at a lower quantile in Ireland. However, the effect turns positive at upper quantiles, showing that aquaculture increases GHG emissions. The strict regulation and efforts to address sustainable aquaculture practices can explain the impact of aquaculture production on GHG emissions in Norway. Maritime transport positively affects GHG emissions in both countries, yet the blue R&D seems more considerable in Norway than in Ireland. The causal relationship between variables implies a substantial impact of the explanatory factors on GHG emissions that have policy directions for policymakers and investment managers.

Food policy impacts on greenhouse gas emissions from food system activities in Ireland 1990-2018

Abstract Food systems encompass interconnected actors and activities that bring food from farm to fork and the broader environments (economic, societal and natural) they are embedded in. Food systems operate at high cost to human and environmental health. 20-30% of total human-created greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally are attributable to food system activities. The agri-food sector plays a vital role in the Irish economy. In 2021 agri-food exports valued €18.7 billion and provided 7.1% of jobs in Ireland. Economic growth in the sector has come at the expense of the environment. In 2018 Ireland had the highest GHG emissions from food systems per capita in the EU. This paper presents an overview of GHG emissions from Irish food system activities 1990-2018. Data from the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research were used to examine changes in food system emissions (Mt C02-equivalent(eq)) over time (1990-2018). Shares of total emissions by system stage (land use, production, processing, packaging, retail, transport, consumption and food waste) were also analysed. Food and agriculture policy developments were mapped to changes in emissions over time. After a decline from 2000 to 2011, food system emissions in Ireland are trending upwards. Total food system emissions in Ireland in 2018 measured 34Mt (C02-eq), accounting for 52% of all Irish emissions. 84% of food system emissions arose from production. Packaging and transport of food represented 3.7% each and consumption amounted to 0.84%. Increasing sustainability in the food system requires an understanding of where and how emissions arise across the whole system. Research on Irish food-related emissions has focused on agriculture and land use but little is published on activities later in the system. Estimating GHG contribution across the Irish food system this analysis provides important information for targeted policy development for mitigating food system impacts on climate change and health. Key messages • By estimating GHG contribution across the Irish food system this analysis provides important information for targeted policy development for mitigating food system impacts on climate change. • Increasing sustainability in the food system requires an understanding of where and how emissions arise across the whole system.

92 ‘Greenprint’ for integrated care clinics—the hub and spoke model

Abstract Background Climate change is a major public health crisis requiring attention at an individual, local and national policy level. Transport is the largest source of energy related carbon emissions in Ireland. The development of integrated care occurs alongside climate emergency. Care previously delivered in hospital outpatients, or a central ‘hub’ is now being delivered in integrated care clinics, ‘spokes’. We aimed to assess the environmental impact of transport to integrated care clinics compared to travel to hospital clinic. Methods Geriatric Medicine Integrated Care attendances from January 2023 to March 2023 were included. Distance from the patient’s home address to the location of Integrated Care Clinic (spoke), and to the affiliated hospital (hub) were recorded in kilometres. For the primary analysis we have not considered staff travel as there was heterogeneity in number of staff per clinic and distance travelled per staff member. Where more than one route was available, the shortest distance was recorded. Carbon emissions were estimated based on kilometres travelled by a standard new passenger car. Results Among 206 clinic attendances, the mean distance to ‘spoke’ clinic was 16.06 km (15.98). The mean distance to the ‘hub’ clinic was 39.29 km (17.82). The estimated total distance travelled by patients to integrated care clinics was 3293.45 km, whereas the distance which would have been travelled to ‘hub’ clinics was 8055.85 km. Total carbon emissions for 3 month travel to ‘spoke’ clinics were estimated at 371 kg, compared to 907 kg to the ‘hub’. Conclusion The development of integrated care services, which provides necessary care to older adults, may also have an environmental advantage. Healthcare’s contribution to climate change action is another incentive to invest in integrated care services.

On Track or Not? Why Modelling Low Carbon Policy Pathways for Passenger Transport in Ireland Matters

Passenger transport emissions are currently responsible for 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland. Not only is the share of emissions from passenger transport significant at 10%, but also the quantity of carbon dioxide emissions from passenger transport has been growing. The majority of passenger transport emissions come from private car transport, it being responsible for 90% of all passenger transport emissions in Ireland. Past policies to reduce the net emissions from passenger transport, such as manufacturer-based European-wide emissions and efficiency standards for private cars have had limited success, with increases in activity from passenger transport and people travelling further and more often by car counterbalancing improvements in car fuel performance. In recent years, the focus has shifted from improving and electrifying cars as a means to decarbonization of passenger transport to a broader range of measures to reduce emissions from passenger transport, including reducing the need for travel in the first place and encouraging a shift to walking, cycling or modes of mass/public transportation. We discuss the global climate imperative for passenger transport decarbonization, the policy frameworks established to facilitate this, and the energy systems models we develop here in UCC to monitor current and plan future passenger transport decarbonization.

The potential impacts of an EU-wide agricultural mitigation target on the Irish agriculture sector

ABSTRACT The Irish Climate Action Plan published in 2019 outlines the significant role that agriculture will have to take to achieve a national reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland. Recent growth in the agricultural sector, especially of the bovine population, however, has led to a continuous increase of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. For the agricultural sector to meet its potential, greenhouse gas emission targets could be challenging. The agricultural sector model CAPRI is used to investigate the impact of a 20 per cent EU-wide agricultural greenhouse gas mitigation target on the Irish agriculture sector. Three scenarios, allowing the endogenous implementation of mitigation technologies, show the possible impact range of such a policy target. The research indicates that the Irish agriculture sector can achieve the set mitigation target by adapting livestock production systems, resulting in agricultural efficiency gains, and by implementing specific mitigation technologies. Without a mandatory mitigation target but with subsidies granted, changes in the level of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions are marginal, and voluntary adoption is limited. Subsidising the implementation of mitigation technologies can buffer the impact that a mitigation target will have on the agriculture sector in Ireland while achieving the set greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Total agricultural income increases if a mandatory target is set due to strong structural changes. As the analysis shows, the emission reduction is partly achieved through a reduction in total production and strong competitors outside of the EU appear to fill the occurring supply gap. This could potentially lead to a carbon leakage effect with production and emissions shifting towards strong ruminant-based producing countries.

Exploratory Study on Modelling Agricultural Carbon Emissions in Ireland

In 2020 Ireland missed its EU climate emissions target and without additional measures will not be on the right trajectory towards decarbonisation in the longer 2030 and 2050 challenges. Agriculture remains the single most significant contributor to overall emissions in Ireland. In the absence of effective mitigating strategies, agricultural emissions have continued to rise. The purpose of the review is to explore current research conducted in Ireland regarding environmental modelling within agriculture to identify research gap areas for further research. 10 models were selected and reviewed regarding modelling carbon emissions from agriculture in Ireland, the GAINS (Air pollution Interactions and Synergies) model used for air pollutants, the JRC-EU-TIMES, (Joint Research Council-European Union-The Integrated MARKAL-EFOM System) and the Irish TIMES model used for energy, the integrated modelling project Ireland (GAINS & TIMES), the environmental, economic model ENV-Linkages and ENV-Growth along with the IE3 and AGRI-I models. The review found that data on greenhouse gas emissions for 2019 reveals that emissions can be efficiently lowered if the right initiatives are taken. More precise emission factors and adaptable inventories are urgently needed to improve national CO2 reporting and minimise the agricultural sector’s emissions profile in Ireland. The Climate Action Delivery Act is a centrally driven monitoring and reporting system for climate action delivery that will help in determining optimal decarbonisation from agriculture in Ireland. Multi-modelling approaches will give a better understanding of the technology pathways that will be required to meet decarbonisation ambitions.

Insights in overcoming the non-adoption of voluntary agricultural ghg mitigation measures in Ireland

Agricultural Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in Ireland are projected to increase up to 21 Mt CO2eq by 2030 mainly driven by increased dairy cow numbers and increased nitrogen fertiliser use. In response to the growing public awareness of the GHG emissions' environmental impact, the Irish government published the Climate Action Plan in 2019, which identifies the agricultural sector's leading role in reducing GHG emission and increasing carbon removals to achieve the national GHG emission targets by 2030. Marginal Abatement Cost Curves (MACCs) on Irish GHG emissions have projected the total technically feasible mitigation potential for the Irish agriculture, forestry and land use (AFOLU) sector to be sufficient enough to achieve the set targets by 2030. Although these mitigation measures are available and when implemented, would mostly lead to a win-win situation, the voluntary adaptation rate by farmers is low. This study addresses the most significant determinants of voluntary adoption of mitigation measures by systematically examining existing literature on how and to what extent non-price determinants affectthe voluntary adoption rate of technically feasible mitigation measures in the Irish afolu sector. The main identified nonprice determining factors were the degree of farmers' awareness regarding man-made GHG emissions, receiving agrienvironmental advice, implementation costs, profitability and size of farms, land quality and the type of farm enterprise. Integrating the gained results in the former macc analysis enabled us to adopt the implementation rates of the cost-efficient afolu mitigation measures accordingly. The non-price determinants impact the voluntary uptake rate of AFOLU mitigation measures to the extent that the adjusted total Irish AFOLU abatement potential is 47% lower than technically feasible. Considering that 51.6% of the total estimated AFOLU abatement potential in 2030 is offset through Irish forestry, which at current afforestation rate will turn into a net carbon source by 2035, a significant gap occurs to any potential Irish and EU GHG reduction targets. To substantially help bring the nexus between agricultural development and GHG emission targets in Ireland closer together, policy measures, that differentiate between the different type of AFOLU mitigation measures, need to be implemented to enhance the uptake rate of cost-beneficial and cost-effective measures. This would have the potential to reduce the level of agricultural GHG emissions by 2030 in a way that it would converge towards possible EU and Irish GHG emission reduction targets.

Afforestation: Replacing livestock emissions with carbon sequestration

In Ireland, agriculture accounts for 33% of national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Ireland faces significant challenges in terms of emissions reduction and is well off course in terms of meeting binding European Union targets. Flexibility mechanisms will allow Ireland to offset 5.6% of its commitment via sequestration in biomass and soils and land use change. Agricultural emissions in Ireland are largely driven by livestock production. As such, the purpose of this research is to estimate the net GHG emission benefit resulting from a land use change with forest replacing livestock systems (dairy, beef cattle and sheep). We estimate the total carbon sequestration in biomass and harvested wood products, along with the total emissions avoided from each livestock system on a per hectare basis. In addition, the paper compares the social cost of carbon to the average income per hectare of each livestock system. Finally, a hypothetical national planting scenario is modelled using plausible planting rates. Results indicate that the greatest carbon benefit is achieved when forest replaces dairy production. This is due to high emissions per hectare from dairy systems, and greater sequestration potential in higher-yielding forests planted on better quality soils associated with dairy production. The inclusion of harvested wood products in subsequent rotations has the potential to enhance GHG mitigation and offset terrestrial carbon loss. A hypothetical national planting scenario, afforesting 100,000 ha substituting dairy, beef cattle and sheep livestock systems could abate 13.91 Mt CO2e after 10 years, and 150.14 Mt CO2e (unthinned plantations) or 125.89 Mt CO2e (thinned plantations) over the course of the rotation. These results highlight the critical role for forest land use change in meeting the urgent need to tackle rising agricultural emissions.

Forecasting energy demand, wind generation and carbon dioxide emissions in Ireland using evolutionary neural networks

The ability to accurately predict future power demands, power available from renewable resources and the environmental impact of power generation is vital to the energy sector for the purposes of planning, scheduling and policy making. Machine learning techniques, neural networks in particular, have proven to be very effective methods for addressing these challenging forecasting problems. This research utilizes the powerful evolutionary optimisation algorithm, covariance matrix adaptation evolutionary strategy, as a means of training neural networks to predict short term power demand, wind power generation and carbon dioxide intensity levels in Ireland over a two month period. The network is trained over one month and then tested over the following month. A neural network trained with covariance matrix adaptation evolutionary strategy performs very competitively when compared to other state of the art prediction methods when forecasting Ireland's energy needs, providing fast convergence, more accurate predictions and robust performance. The covariance matrix adaptation evolutionary strategy trained network also gives accurate predictions when predicting multiple time steps into the future.

Applying the Q-method to identify primary motivation factors and barriers to communities in achieving decarbonisation goals

It has been predicted that despite previous reductions, greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland will continue to increase above current levels for the next 20 years. The benefit of mobilising community level action in addressing climate change action has already been seen in many European countries. While Irish governmental policy envisions as necessary greater community involvement in energy projects and other efforts to reduce carbon emissions, little progress has been encouraging or supporting such action. Using the Q-method, this study examined and identified where commonalities exist in Irish communities that have successfully implemented sustainable development goals, in terms of their motivation, attitudes, perceived barriers and opportunities for continued action. Results indicate that participants’ main motivations are derived from a sense of responsibility to future generations and the need to live more balanced lifestyles. Results further suggest that short-term central government strategy, poor support, bureaucracy, and a lack of collaboration are seen as key limitations in developing and achieving effective community level sustainability action. This study contributes in understanding how climate change policy can be aligned to the preferred future vision of communities in bringing about effective change in transitioning to a low-carbon society.

Improvement in the estimation and back-extrapolation of CO2 emissions from the Irish road transport sector using a bottom-up data modelling approach

Road transport is a major source of CO2 emissions in Ireland and accounts for almost 96% of the total CO2 emissions from the transport sector. Following the recent adopted UNFCCC reporting guidelines on annual inventories [24/CP.19], this study applied the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories (2006 IPCC GLs) tier 3 approach to estimate CO2 emissions from road transport at the vehicle category level, for the first time in Ireland. For this, disaggregated datasets were prepared based on year of vehicle registration and mileage since registration of the vehicle. Such an approach provided a more realistic national scenario in comparison to the use of average mileage degradation in emission calculations. This investigation comprised a recalculation of previous emissions estimates (1990–2012) and an estimation of CO2 emissions in 2013 using a previously unavailable level of data disaggregation for vehicle mileage as well as using vehicle class specific data and an improved bottom-up estimation methodology in COPERT. Historic vehicle fleet data were restructured, annual mileage data were estimated in relation to the fleet data and back extrapolated using a regression approach.The results showed that the mileage degradation was not only subject to fuel technology, engine size, and age but also the emissions class and vehicle category. It was also observed that the disaggregated level of data provided a different CO2 emissions split among the vehicle categories than that of previous estimations which were based on an aggregated level of data. Previous emissions inventories (1990–2012) were shown to have underestimated the share from diesel fuelled passenger cars by more than 56% in 2012. Diesel fuelled passenger cars were also found to account for the majority of CO2 emissions from road transport activities in Ireland in 2013. The level and trend assessment showed that emissions from Euro-II and Euro-III classed vehicles especially for passenger cars, which have a significant contribution to the total emission in 2013 have caused an increase in fleet level emissions in Ireland. In addition, the results also showed that the emissions share from Light Duty Vehicles and Heavy Duty Vehicles were overestimated by previous investigations. This paper highlights the importance of the resolution of data used in emissions inventory preparation which may impact upon future projections and policy formulation. The findings of this investigation are also discussed in relation their implications for road transport policy, including carbon taxation and future policy options aimed at achieving EU emissions target in 2020.

Light pollution: spatial analysis and potential ecological effects in rural Ireland

Increasing use of artificial light at night has led to many areas across the globe being exposed to light conditions above the natural background level. Research is only now uncovering the impacts of ‘ecological light pollution’ on the environment. Artificial light at night can disrupt circadian rhythms, cause interference with orientation and migration, alter predator/prey interactions and affect other behaviour and physiological features. Intercalibration of Defense Meteorological Satellite Program’s Operational Linescan System images shows that night light emissions in Ireland have increased significantly from 1995 to 2010. In this period, artificial light has spread into previously dark rural areas, including County Mayo where 28% of land surface is designated for habitat and species conservation purposes. To investigate light pollution in rural areas, examination into the conservation area of Owenduff/Nephin Beg Complex was undertaken. Spatial analysis of light measurements taken from Sky Quality Meters surrounding the site were overlaid with species distribution records to determine the proximity of protected species to sources of artificial light at night. Light measurements from the area show pristine night skies according to International Dark Sky Association standards, with one site indicating the presence of localised light pollution. Further work is required to determine if any potential adverse ecological impacts on protected species in the locality are occurring from artificial light at night. The findings of this study provide a foundation for ecological light pollution effects assessment in Ireland. Further work is required to establish the temporal and spatial scales of artificial light in Irish rural areas and determine the specific effects on species present there.

Light pollution: spatial analysis and potential ecological effects in rural Ireland

Increasing use of artificial light at night has led to many areas across the globe being exposed to light conditions above the natural background level. Research is only now uncovering the impacts of ‘ecological light pollution’ on the environment. Artificial light at night can disrupt circadian rhythms, cause interference with orientation and migration, alter predator/prey interactions and affect other behaviour and physiological features. Intercalibration of Defense Meteorological Satellite Program’s Operational Linescan System images shows that night light emissions in Ireland have increased significantly from 1995 to 2010. In this period, artificial light has spread into previously dark rural areas, including County Mayo where 28% of land surface is designated for habitat and species conservation purposes. To investigate light pollution in rural areas, examination into the conservation area of Owenduff/Nephin Beg Complex was undertaken. Spatial analysis of light measurements taken from Sky Quality Meters surrounding the site were overlaid with species distribution records to determine the proximity of protected species to sources of artificial light at night. Light measurements from the area show pristine night skies according to International Dark Sky Association standards, with one site indicating the presence of localised light pollution. Further work is required to determine if any potential adverse ecological impacts on protected species in the locality are occurring from artificial light at night. The findings of this study provide a foundation for ecological light pollution effects assessment in Ireland. Further work is required to establish the temporal and spatial scales of artificial light in Irish rural areas and determine the specific effects on species present there.

Climate policy, interconnection and carbon leakage: The effect of unilateral UK policy on electricity and GHG emissions in Ireland

This paper examines the effect of the UK's unilateral policy to implement a carbon price floor in Great Britain for fossil-fuel based electricity generation on the adjoining electricity market in Ireland. We find that, subject to efficient use of interconnectors between the two markets and constant imports from France and the Netherlands, a carbon price floor will lead to carbon leakage, with associated emissions in the Republic of Ireland increasing by 8% and electricity prices increasing by 2.4%. However, across the combined Irish and British electricity markets total emissions decline: high carbon prices drive decarbonisation in electricity generation. The UK's now implemented policy, which is a mechanism to directly manage carbon prices, substantially differs with the yet to be agreed EU policy response to postpone auctions of Emissions Trading Scheme allowances with the intention of indirectly increasing the price of carbon. The analysis suggests that the EU proposal will have only negligible additional effect on emissions from the combined Irish and UK electricity sectors.

Effect of slurry dry matter content, application technique and timing on emissions of ammonia and greenhouse gas from cattle slurry applied to grassland soils in Ireland

Agriculture contributes to 98% and 33% of ammonia and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Ireland, respectively. Those emissions are mainly associated with livestock production. The Gothenburg Protocol and the EU National Emissions Ceilings Directive are policy drivers which set new and more demanding targets from 2020 to reduce these gaseous emissions. A field experiment was set up in Wexford (Ireland) between April 2009 and August 2010, on a grassland site established with a uniform ryegrass (Lolium perenne) sward for more than ten years. The objective was to investigate the impact of slurry dry matter (DM) content, application technique and timing of application on the overall GHG balance from cattle slurry applied to grassland soils. The treatments on plots were a control, calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) and cattle slurry, either grass-based or maize-based and with varying DM contents, applied by mimicking trailing shoe and splash plate application. The dry matter contents were varied by mixing different ratios of faeces and urine. The results showed that, while ammonia (NH3) volatilisation losses were significantly increased on slurry spread plots, cumulative direct nitrous oxide emissions, and corresponding emission factors, were significantly higher when applying CAN. In terms of GHG field balance, the potential decrease in indirect nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, calculated from a reduction of ammonia volatilisation losses using trailing shoe as opposed to splash plate, could be easily offset by an increase in direct N2O emissions and ecosystem respiration. Switching from summer to spring application was much more efficient for mitigation of both NH3 and GHG emissions, due to favourable soil and climatic factors which enhanced crop growth. Any potential trade-off between NH3 and N2O emissions was cancelled, leading to an overall positive effect on reactive nitrogen losses and offering agronomic benefits to farmers.

The impact of a carbon tax on economic growth and carbon dioxide emissions in Ireland

This paper analyses the medium-term effects of a carbon tax on growth and CO2 emissions in Ireland, a small open economy. We find that a double dividend exists if the carbon tax revenue is recycled through reduced income taxes. If the revenue is recycled by giving a lump-sum transfer to households, a double dividend is unlikely. We also determine that a greater incidence of the carbon tax falls on capital than on labour. When combined with a decrease in income tax, there is a clear shift of the tax burden from labour to capital. Finally, most of the effect on the economy is due to changes in the competitiveness of the manufacturing and market services sectors.

Integrated scenarios of energy-related CO2 emissions in Ireland: A multi-sectoral analysis to 2020

This paper presents future scenarios of Irish energy-related CO2 emissions to 2020, using a combination of multi-sectoral decomposition analysis with scenario analysis. Alternative development paths, driving forces and sectoral contributions in different scenarios have been explored. The scenarios are quantified by using decomposition analysis as a Divisia Index SCenario GENerator (DISCGEN). The driving forces of population, economic and social development, energy resources and technology and governance and policies are discussed. A set of four integrated or ‘hybrid’ qualitative and quantitative baseline emission scenarios are developed. It is found that sectoral contributions and emissions in each scenario vary significantly. The inclusion of governance, social and cultural driving forces are important in determining alternative development paths and sustainability is crucial. Our empirical results show that decomposition analysis is a useful technique to generate the alternative scenarios.

The driving forces of change in energy-related CO2 emissions in Ireland: A multi-sectoral decomposition from 1990 to 2007

Ireland recorded significant growth in energy-related carbon emissions from 1990 to 2007 as the country underwent rapid economic development. Using the LMDI decomposition analysis method, this paper aims to identify and analyse the driving forces of CO2 emissions in eleven final energy consuming sectors. This multi-sectoral analysis is based on four economic sectors, the residential sector and gives a detailed representation of transport in keeping with UNFCCC recommendations. Scale, structure and intensity effects are explored and substantial heterogeneity in sectoral performance is observed. Scale growth in economic and transport activity was considerable. Some improvements in energy intensity were recorded in the economic sectors. In transport, increases in intensity contributed to a significant increase in emissions, while energy intensity decreased in the residential sector. The declining emissions coefficient of electricity was important in limiting emissions but renewable energy has been slow to penetrate the demand side. The results have relevance in considering development paths and can aid in identifying policy measures required to address the key driving forces of emissions in the sectors. The rapid increase in transport emissions in particular raises concerns of future lock-in to a higher emissions trajectory.

The impact of increased interconnection on electricity systems with large penetrations of wind generation: A case study of Ireland and Great Britain

Increased interconnection has been highlighted as potentially facilitating the integration of wind generation in power systems by increasing the flexibility to balance the variable wind output. This paper utilizes a stochastic unit commitment model to simulate the impacts of increased interconnection for the island of Ireland with large penetrations of wind generation. The results suggest that increased interconnection should reduce average prices in Ireland, and the variability of those prices. The simulations also suggest that while increased interconnection may reduce carbon dioxide emissions in Ireland, Great Britain would experience an increase in emissions, resulting in total emissions remaining almost unchanged. The studies suggest that increased interconnection would not reduce excess wind generation. This is because under unit commitment techniques which incorporate wind power forecasts in the scheduling decisions, wind curtailment is minimal even with low levels of interconnection. As would be expected an increase in interconnection should improve system adequacy considerably with a significant reduction in the number of hours when the load and reserve constraints are not met.

A preliminary survey of household and personal carbon dioxide emissions in Ireland

A model specifically designed for Ireland was used to measure CO 2e emissions (CO 2, CH 4 and N 2O) from Irish households for the first time. A total of 103 Irish households with occupancy rates varying between 1 and 6 (mean 2.9) were surveyed. The average annual household emission was found to be 16.55 t CO 2e y − 1 , which is equivalent to an average personal emission of 5.70 t CO 2e Ca − 1 y − 1 comprising 42.2% related to home energy use, 35.1% to transport, 20.6% to air travel and other fuel intensive leisure activities, and just 2.1% associated with household waste disposal. Air travel accounts for an average personal emission of 1.152 t CO 2e Ca − 1 y − 1 , although this is highest in single and two person households at 1.693 and 2.227 t CO 2e Ca − 1 y − 1 respectively. Household energy consumption becomes more efficient when occupancy rate increases. The most energy efficient homes in the survey were terraced with a natural gas heating systems. The least efficient were detached house with oil fuelled heating system.