Reducing Brisbane's emissions

Brisbane City Council achieved carbon neutral status for its operations in 2016-17. Council also has a long-term goal to help Brisbane residents reduce the average carbon emissions from Brisbane households to six tonnes by 2031.

Greenhouse gases

The greenhouse gases counted under Australia's national emissions targets are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6). Carbon dioxide and methane accounts for the majority, or around 81% of national greenhouse gas emissions (2014).

Because the different greenhouse gases have different global warming potential (GWP), they are generally measured in carbon dioxide equivalent. A tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gas would fill 10 backyard swimming pools or 20,000 party balloons.

While greenhouse gases occur naturally, they are also generated as a result of human activities, such as:

  • burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas for energy and transport
  • disposal of organic wastes
  • agriculture and land clearing
  • industrial, manufacturing and commercial activity.

Brisbane's greenhouse gas emissions

The average Brisbane household produces about 10.5 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually (2013). These emissions are from the things we use such as electricity, gas, and transport, as well as the waste we produce.

Air travel and the things we buy also generate emissions.

Clean, healthy air

Find out what Council is doing to protect residents from unhealthy air emissions.

Brisbane Green Buildings Incentive

To encourage well-designed, green and energy efficient buildings in Brisbane, Council offers a financial payment equivalent to 50 per cent of infrastructure charges paid on eligible residential and commercial office developments. Find out if your project is eligible.

More information

Find out what you can do to take action in your home or business to reduce your household emissions.

Alternatively, find out how Council has achieved and is working to maintain carbon neutral status.

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Brisbane City Council acknowledges this Country and its Traditional Custodians. We pay our respects to the Elders, those who have passed into the dreaming; those here today; those of tomorrow.