Reference metadata describe statistical concepts and methodologies used for the collection and generation of data. They provide information on data quality and, since they are strongly content-oriented, assist users in interpreting the data. Reference metadata, unlike structural metadata, can be decoupled from the data.
[SI1] Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia (SURS)
1.2. Contact organisation unit
Environment and Energy Statistics Section
1.3. Contact name
Confidential because of GDPR
1.4. Contact person function
Confidential because of GDPR
1.5. Contact mail address
Litostrojska cesta 54, SI-1000 Ljubljana
1.6. Contact email address
Confidential because of GDPR
1.7. Contact phone number
Confidential because of GDPR
1.8. Contact fax number
Confidential because of GDPR
2.1. Metadata last certified
23 December 2025
2.2. Metadata last posted
23 December 2025
2.3. Metadata last update
23 December 2025
3.1. Data description
Environmental protection expenditure accounts (EPEA) describe transactions related to preventing, reducing and eliminating pollution and any other degradation of the environment. The main aggregate resulting from EPEA is national expenditure on environmental protection (NEEP), which measures the resources dedicated by resident businesses, households and government to protecting the natural environment. This aggregate covers uses of environmental protection services, investment (gross fixed capital formation) for environmental protection activities, and net transfers to the rest of the world for environmental protection. Countries are required to report on: output, consumption, imports and exports of environmental protection services, investment (gross fixed capital formation and acquisitions less disposals of non-produced non-financial assets) for the production of EP services, transfers for environmental protection.
3.2. Classification system
The scope of environmental protection is defined according to the classification of environmental purposes (CEP). The mandatory reporting is defined by Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1131 of 26 March 2025 amending Regulation (EU) No 691/2011.
For EPEA data reporting in CEP, Eurostat has introduced an ad hoc breakdown of Cross-cutting and other environmental purposes (CEP 08), i.e. the share “of which for environmental protection” (CEP 08 EP) for voluntary reporting to ensure the reconciliation with previous classification (CEPA) and allow the calculation of total environmental protection aggregates including administration, management as well as education, training and information (cross-cutting activities) related to environmental protection.
3.3. Coverage - sector
Data should be reported by institutional sector: general government, corporations, households and the rest of the world. NPISH (non-profit institutions serving households) are not separately identified and are included under general government. The corporations sector is divided between: "corporations as specialist and secondary producers of market EP services" and "corporations other, including corporations as producers of ancillary EP output"; productive activities of households are included under corporations as market producers.
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
The construction of the EPEA closely follows the concepts, definitions and accounting rules of the core national accounts. The SEEA-CF 2012 (section 4.2) identifies environmental protection activities as those activities whose primary purpose is the prevention, reduction and elimination of pollution and other forms of degradation of the environment. These activities include, but are not limited to, the prevention, reduction or treatment of waste and wastewater; the prevention, reduction or elimination of air emissions; the treatment and disposal of contaminated soil and groundwater; the prevention or reduction of noise and vibration levels; the protection of biodiversity and landscapes, including of their ecological functions; monitoring of the quality of the natural environment (air, water, soil and groundwater); research and development on environmental protection; and the general administration, training and teaching activities oriented towards environmental protection.
3.5. Statistical unit
Environmental protection expenditure accounts present data, in a way that is compatible with the data reported under ESA, on the expenditure for environmental protection, i.e. the economic resources devoted by resident units to environmental protection. EPEA use statistical units from national accounts. National accounts define and use various statistical units and groupings of units that interact economically (see ESA 2010, §§ 1.54-1.56, 2.01-2.03).
3.6. Statistical population
The statistical population is the national economy as defined in SEEA CF 2012 and the European System of Accounts (ESA 2010). It includes all economic activities undertaken by resident units to produce environmental protection specific services. While some economic activities may be undertaken only for a single purpose, many activities are undertaken for a variety of purposes. Following general principles of classification, activities are deemed to be environmental activities only if the primary purpose of the activity is consistent with the definitions of the environmental protection.
3.7. Reference area
The reference area of the statistics is Slovenia. The reference area is the economic territory as defined in the European System of Accounts (ESA 2010). A unit is said to be a resident unit of a country when it has its centre of economic interest in the economic territory of that country, that is, when it engages for an extended period (1 year or more) in economic activities in that territory.
3.8. Coverage - Time
Data distributed on CEPA classification are available for the 2008-2022 period. While data distributed on new classification on environmental purposes are available for the 2021-2023 period. All data that are obligatory to report are ready till end of Decemberr for T+24 months. When the data are ready we first publish them on the website. After that we send them to Eurostat via eDAMIS. We have no estimates available for additional years beside those transmitted to Eurostat.
3.9. Base period
Not requested for this metadata collection.
Macro economic variables (output, intermediate consumption, investment etc.) are measured in million units of national currency.
The reference period for EPEA data is the calendar year.
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
EPEA accounts are compiled and reported in accordance with Regulation (EU) No. 691/2011 on European environmental economic accounts (EEEA) and subsequent amendments. EPEA follow internationally agreed concepts and definitions set out in the SEEA Central Framework (2012), the international statistical standard adopted by the UN Statistical Commission. They present data in a way that is compatible with National Accounts (ESA, 2010).
6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
Arrangements or procedures for data sharing and coordination between data producing agencies.
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
The Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2009 on European statistics) applies for EPEA.
Information on national confidentiality rules: Stat website.
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
Due to protection on primary source some data are confidential from reference year 2022 on.
8.1. Release calendar
Data are published anually (before data are reported to Eurostat). Release calendar is prepared at the end of every calendar year for the next calendar year.
8.2. Release calendar access
Release calendar is publicly available via the following link (in English): Release Calendar.
8.3. Release policy - user access
Data tables are disseminated every year on SIStat database, general data information are given in a form of a First Release (short article) on SURS's web page. All data are publicly available.
Data are disseminated annually.
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
First Releases are published on SURS's website according to the preannounced release calendar. Data tables are published on a same date on SIStat database. All data are publicly available.
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
Data are publshed in the following formats:
First Release (short article, with only general data included) on SURS's website;
data tables on SiStat database.
10.3. Dissemination format - online database
Data tables are published on SiStat database: website.
10.3.1. Data tables - consultations
Not requested for this metadata collection.
10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
Not applicable.
10.5. Dissemination format - other
Not applicable.
10.5.1. Metadata - consultations
Not requested for this metadata collection.
10.6. Documentation on methodology
Methodological explanations are publicly availabe on SURS' website (also in English)
At the end of every survey (i.e. on annual level, if not determined otherwise), national quality report is prepared and disseminated on SURS' website. Quality guidelines are closely followed by all staff. Training courses, use of best practices (from other institutions, both domestic and foreign), self-assesments and other necessary processes are also a part of quality assurance framework within the unit and institution.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
The current statistical outputs are estimated as optimal. Data collecting, processing and the dissemination process are verified.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
At national level EPEA data are used by a wide range of national stakeholders such as ministries/agencies and other policy makers, university and non-university research institutes, interest groups, press and media.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
User satisfaction surveys are being carried out on an institutional level and not for this certain survey. Users can however directly contact the statistitian responsible for the survey (e-mail address and phone number are provided in SI-STAT database portal), but this is mostly used for data inquries.
12.3. Completeness
The completeness according to relevant regulations/guidelines is 100%.
12.3.1. Data completeness - rate
Not requested for this metadata collection.
13.1. Accuracy - overall
All data used for EPEA compilation are checked before use.
13.2. Sampling error
Not applicable. EPEA based on other official statistics and administrative sources.
13.2.1. Sampling error - indicators
Not requested for this metadata collection.
13.3. Non-sampling error
Not applicable.
13.3.1. Coverage error
Not requested for this metadata collection.
13.3.1.1. Over-coverage - rate
Not requested for this metadata collection.
13.3.1.2. Common units - proportion
Not requested for this metadata collection.
13.3.2. Measurement error
Not requested for this metadata collection.
13.3.3. Non response error
Not requested for this metadata collection.
13.3.3.1. Unit non-response - rate
Not requested for this metadata collection.
13.3.3.2. Item non-response - rate
Not requested for this metadata collection.
13.3.4. Processing error
Not requested for this metadata collection.
13.3.5. Model assumption error
Not requested for this metadata collection.
14.1. Timeliness
The first results are available at the same time as the final results that is 22 months after the reference period. When the data are ready we publish them on the website with first release and detailed data in the SI-STAT database.
14.1.1. Time lag - first result
All releases were published on T+22.
14.1.2. Time lag - final result
The data published in the First Release are also the final data, thus the timeliness of the final results equals the timeliness of the First Release.
14.2. Punctuality
The data were delivered to Eurostat on 23 December 2025. The reporting deadline for EPEA to Eurostat is 31 December.
14.2.1. Punctuality - delivery and publication
Not requested for this metadata collection.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
Data on EPEA are compiled according to harmonised guidelines provided by Eurostat and hence comparable across European countries reporting EPEA data to Eurostat.
15.1.1. Asymmetry for mirror flow statistics - coefficient
Not requested for this metadata collection.
15.2. Comparability - over time
Data distributed on the same classification are comparable.
15.2.1. Length of comparable time series
Not requested for this metadata collection.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
All data are reconcilable with those obtained through other data sources or statistical domains.
15.3.1. Coherence - sub annual and annual statistics
Not requested for this metadata collection.
15.3.2. Coherence - National Accounts
EPEA data are fully consistent with national accounts data (ESA 2010).
15.4. Coherence - internal
We use the same data source to ensure coherence of the EPEA dataset across various EPEA variables.
EPEA data are being processed, disseminated and reported by 1 statistitician. It is estimated that 0,33 full time equivalents are being used.
17.1. Data revision - policy
In the case of the revision of the input data, also the data in the EPEA are revised.
17.2. Data revision - practice
In the case of the revision of the input data, also the data in the EPEA are revised. In general that no major revisions were introduced in the 2025 data collection compared to the 2024 data collection. There were revised only some data from NA due to revision in NA and data from SUT that were not yet available in the previous collection.
17.2.1. Data revision - average size
Not requested for this metadata collection.
18.1. Source data
Source data - detailed - General government and NPISH
For composing Table S13_15 , we used data from national accounts. Mostly we used data on general government expenditure by function (COFOG 05) (Table 11 of the ESA transmission programme), which include consolidated data from financial budgets and accounts. We also analysed financial budgets and accounts for some detailed data. We obtain detailed data on consumption of fixed capital and market output from our COFOG specialists as also data for Transfers prepared especialy for EPEA purposes.
Source data - detailed – Corporations (specialist and ancillary)
For Table S11_S12 we use data from survey on environmental protection expenditure (OKI). Some data that are not gathered with survey we get from SUT.
SURS calculated the shares for CEP 0101 and CEP 0102 based on the NAMEA survey - AIR EMISSION ACCOUNTS. The data source was the table NAMEA air emissions (NACE Rev. 2), Slovenia, annually.
In CEP 0101 (Reduction and control of greenhouse gases), SURS took into account the following data:
carbon dioxide without emissions from biomass - CO2,
dinitro monoxide - N2O,
methane - CH4,
hydrofluorocarbons – HFC,
perfluorocarbons – PFC
sulphur hexafluoride - SF6.
In CEP 0102 (Reduction and control of other air pollutants), SURS took into account the following data:
nitrogen oxides – Nox,
sulphur oxides – Sox,
ammonia - NH3
non-methane volatile organic compounds – NMVOC,
carbon monoxide – CO,
particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5.
The sum of gases taken into account from CEP 01 was compared with the total sum of air emissions to obtain shares. The resulting shares were then used in the data for CEP 01, thus obtaining the final data for CEP 0101 and CEP 0102 according to NACE Rev. 2 activity.
Source data - detailed - Household
For Table S14 data from SUT are used for import and export. For final consumption of households we separated total expenditure from SUT to expenditure on refuse collection and sewage collection on the basis of the relation between their average on individual expenditures from the Household Budget Survey.
Source data - detailed - other macro-economic data (import, export, VAT etc.)
Data from NA are used.
Source data - detailed - national expenditure on environmental protection NEEP
The values resulting from automatic calculation are comfirmed.
Source data - detailed – other information
There are no other sources.
18.2. Frequency of data collection
Data are collected annualy.
18.3. Data collection
Data are collected from other statistical survey and administrative sources.
18.4. Data validation
We obtain data from survey on environmental protection expenditure and data from NA that are already checked.
18.5. Data compilation
Not applicable.
18.5.1. Imputation - rate
Not requested for this metadata collection.
18.6. Adjustment
Not applicable. In EPEA no time series adjustment necessary.
18.6.1. Seasonal adjustment
Not requested for this metadata collection.
No other comments.
Environmental protection expenditure accounts (EPEA) describe transactions related to preventing, reducing and eliminating pollution and any other degradation of the environment. The main aggregate resulting from EPEA is national expenditure on environmental protection (NEEP), which measures the resources dedicated by resident businesses, households and government to protecting the natural environment. This aggregate covers uses of environmental protection services, investment (gross fixed capital formation) for environmental protection activities, and net transfers to the rest of the world for environmental protection. Countries are required to report on: output, consumption, imports and exports of environmental protection services, investment (gross fixed capital formation and acquisitions less disposals of non-produced non-financial assets) for the production of EP services, transfers for environmental protection.
23 December 2025
The construction of the EPEA closely follows the concepts, definitions and accounting rules of the core national accounts. The SEEA-CF 2012 (section 4.2) identifies environmental protection activities as those activities whose primary purpose is the prevention, reduction and elimination of pollution and other forms of degradation of the environment. These activities include, but are not limited to, the prevention, reduction or treatment of waste and wastewater; the prevention, reduction or elimination of air emissions; the treatment and disposal of contaminated soil and groundwater; the prevention or reduction of noise and vibration levels; the protection of biodiversity and landscapes, including of their ecological functions; monitoring of the quality of the natural environment (air, water, soil and groundwater); research and development on environmental protection; and the general administration, training and teaching activities oriented towards environmental protection.
Environmental protection expenditure accounts present data, in a way that is compatible with the data reported under ESA, on the expenditure for environmental protection, i.e. the economic resources devoted by resident units to environmental protection. EPEA use statistical units from national accounts. National accounts define and use various statistical units and groupings of units that interact economically (see ESA 2010, §§ 1.54-1.56, 2.01-2.03).
The statistical population is the national economy as defined in SEEA CF 2012 and the European System of Accounts (ESA 2010). It includes all economic activities undertaken by resident units to produce environmental protection specific services. While some economic activities may be undertaken only for a single purpose, many activities are undertaken for a variety of purposes. Following general principles of classification, activities are deemed to be environmental activities only if the primary purpose of the activity is consistent with the definitions of the environmental protection.
The reference area of the statistics is Slovenia. The reference area is the economic territory as defined in the European System of Accounts (ESA 2010). A unit is said to be a resident unit of a country when it has its centre of economic interest in the economic territory of that country, that is, when it engages for an extended period (1 year or more) in economic activities in that territory.
The reference period for EPEA data is the calendar year.
All data used for EPEA compilation are checked before use.
Macro economic variables (output, intermediate consumption, investment etc.) are measured in million units of national currency.
Not applicable.
Source data - detailed - General government and NPISH
For composing Table S13_15 , we used data from national accounts. Mostly we used data on general government expenditure by function (COFOG 05) (Table 11 of the ESA transmission programme), which include consolidated data from financial budgets and accounts. We also analysed financial budgets and accounts for some detailed data. We obtain detailed data on consumption of fixed capital and market output from our COFOG specialists as also data for Transfers prepared especialy for EPEA purposes.
Source data - detailed – Corporations (specialist and ancillary)
For Table S11_S12 we use data from survey on environmental protection expenditure (OKI). Some data that are not gathered with survey we get from SUT.
SURS calculated the shares for CEP 0101 and CEP 0102 based on the NAMEA survey - AIR EMISSION ACCOUNTS. The data source was the table NAMEA air emissions (NACE Rev. 2), Slovenia, annually.
In CEP 0101 (Reduction and control of greenhouse gases), SURS took into account the following data:
carbon dioxide without emissions from biomass - CO2,
dinitro monoxide - N2O,
methane - CH4,
hydrofluorocarbons – HFC,
perfluorocarbons – PFC
sulphur hexafluoride - SF6.
In CEP 0102 (Reduction and control of other air pollutants), SURS took into account the following data:
nitrogen oxides – Nox,
sulphur oxides – Sox,
ammonia - NH3
non-methane volatile organic compounds – NMVOC,
carbon monoxide – CO,
particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5.
The sum of gases taken into account from CEP 01 was compared with the total sum of air emissions to obtain shares. The resulting shares were then used in the data for CEP 01, thus obtaining the final data for CEP 0101 and CEP 0102 according to NACE Rev. 2 activity.
Source data - detailed - Household
For Table S14 data from SUT are used for import and export. For final consumption of households we separated total expenditure from SUT to expenditure on refuse collection and sewage collection on the basis of the relation between their average on individual expenditures from the Household Budget Survey.
Source data - detailed - other macro-economic data (import, export, VAT etc.)
Data from NA are used.
Source data - detailed - national expenditure on environmental protection NEEP
The values resulting from automatic calculation are comfirmed.
Source data - detailed – other information
There are no other sources.
Data are disseminated annually.
The first results are available at the same time as the final results that is 22 months after the reference period. When the data are ready we publish them on the website with first release and detailed data in the SI-STAT database.
Data on EPEA are compiled according to harmonised guidelines provided by Eurostat and hence comparable across European countries reporting EPEA data to Eurostat.
Data distributed on the same classification are comparable.
