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.
Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Union
1.2. Contact organisation unit
Unit E.2: Environmental statistics and accounts; sustainable development
1.3. Contact name
Restricted from publication
1.4. Contact person function
Restricted from publication
1.5. Contact mail address
L-2920 Luxembourg, LUXEMBOURG
1.6. Contact email address
Restricted from publication
1.7. Contact phone number
Restricted from publication
1.8. Contact fax number
Restricted from publication
2.1. Metadata last certified
5 July 2024
2.2. Metadata last posted
5 July 2024
2.3. Metadata last update
5 July 2024
3.1. Data description
The dataset presents estimates of air emissions 'embodied' in products (goods and services) for final use - also referred to as 'footprints'. The estimates are the result of environmental input-output modelling for the aggregated European Union (EU) economy.
For example, the carbon footprint is a measure of how much NOx was emitted along the full production chain of a product that ends up in the EU as final consumption or investment, irrespective of the industry or country where the NOx emission occurred. These emissions are sometimes referred to as emissions 'embodied' in EU consumption, although they are not literally included in the final products, and these products are not only consumed, but may also be investment goods.
Air emission footprints offer a complementary perspective to greenhouse gas inventories and air emissions accounts. The latter two record emissions on the production side, at the origin of the emissions. In contrast, carbon footprints are estimated from the perspective of the final product and where it ends up, and are therefore also referred to as consumption-based accounts.
The model estimations are based on two main source datasets (see 18.1 for more detail):
Note, the ESA supply and use tables have to be estimated for the aggregated EU economy; is estimation is based on the FIGARO tables.
Footprints can be derived from this dataset by combining the estimates for final consumption expenditure (P3) and gross capital formation (P5) from the dimension INDUSE (for ORIGIN equal to Total/WORLD).
The underlying modelling assumes that the production technology in the rest of the world economy is the same as in the EU. Hence, the estimated 'embodied' emissions in the rest of the world constitute rather emissions avoided in the EU production system. The difference between 'avoided in EU' and 'actually emitted in rest of the world' can vary depending on the pollutant, e.g. for sulphur dioxide (SO2) very efficient abatement technologies were introduced in the EU.
3.2. Classification system
The dataset has seven dimensions:
1) Air pollutant [AIRPOL]: Results are presented for 7 air pollutants, namely:
- sulphur oxides (SOX) in sulphur dioxide (SO2) equivalents (SOX_SO2E)
- nitrogen oxides (NOX) in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) equivalents (NOX_SO2E)
- ammonia (NH3)
- carbon monoxide (CO)
- non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC)
- particulate matter < 10 µm (PM10)
- particulate matter < 2.5 µm (PM2_5)
In addition, the dataset includes various air pollutants expressed in equivalents of another air pollutant:
The air pollutants expressed in equivalents of other air pollutants allow for the computation of the following environmental pressures:
Environmental pressure
Code
Calculation
Acidification
ACG
SOX in SO2 eq. + NOX in SO2 eq. + NH3 in SO2 eq.
Tropospheric ozone precursors
O3PR
NMVOC + NOX in NMVOC eq + CO in NMVOC eq. + CH4 in NMVOC eq.
Note that in certain cases F-gases (HFC, PFC, NF3 and SF6) have been gap-filled by Eurostat.
2) Statistical Classification of Products by Activity in the European Economic Community [CPA]: The products for final use, for which the 'embodied' air emissions are estimated and presented, are classified according to the CPA classification. The product disaggregation level is mainly 2-digit level; all together 64 product groups. In addition, direct emissions by private households are reported. The underlying statistical system is ESA 2010.
3) Geopolitical entity (reporting) [GEO]: European Union
4) Place of origin [ORIGIN]: The place where the estimated 'embodied' air emission is assumed to originate from. Three values are possible:
DOM = 'Domestic economy', i.e. the emissions are assumed to originate from domestic economic activities (production and consumption).
ROW = 'Rest of the world (estimated: assuming domestic technologies)', i.e. the emissions are assumed to originate from rest of the world economies; whereby the so-called 'domestic technology assumption' is applied (see 3.1).
WORLD = 'Total', i.e. the sum of the previous two.
5) Period of time [TIME]: data are annual.
6) Columns [INDUSE]: This dimension accommodates the various national accounts categories of 'final use', a specific column classification applied in Symmetric Input-Output Tables and Use Tables. On a first disaggregation level, the total 'final use' includes:
Final consumption expenditures (by households, government etc.);
Gross capital formation (mainly investment goods used for capital formation such as e.g. buildings, machinery equipment etc.);
Exports (i.e. goods and services sold to other economies in the rest of the world).
Note that the concept 'footprint' generally captures the emissions caused by domestic final demand in the reference economy; in other words caused by final consumption expenditure and gross capital formation. The emissions embodied in EU exports count towards the footprint of other countries and are excluded from the EU footprint.
7) Unit [UNIT]: tonnes, thousand tonnes and kilograms per capita.
3.3. Coverage - sector
Air pollutants (emitted domestically and abroad) due to demand for final products in the EU are estimated.
These two data sets are integrated using so-called Leontief or input-output modelling techniques. Conceptually, the air emissions 'embodied' in products for final use include emissions along the entire production chain of the respective product. The production chains (better production 'networks') are increasingly globalised for most of the products for final use in the EU. Hence, the 'embodied' emissions may result from production activities within the EU economy, as well as from production activities in the rest of the world economy. Note that the 'embodied' emissions in the rest of the world constitute rather emissions avoided in the EU production system due to the modelling assumption that the production technology in the rest of the world is the same as in the EU.
3.5. Statistical unit
Data refer to emissions by national households directly and indirectly caused by national final demand for products produced by resident and foreign economic units in the sense of SEEA CF 2012 and national accounts (ESA).
3.6. Statistical population
Not applicable, because the data are modelling estimates.
3.7. Reference area
This dataset presents data for the aggregated EU economy.
3.8. Coverage - Time
The time coverage is 2008 to three years before the current year (t - 3).
The air emissions 'embodied' in products for final use are presented in tonnes, thousand tonnes and kilograms per inhabitant. Several of the air pollutants are also expressed in equivalents of another air pollutant.
The reference period is the calendar year.
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
Not applicable with respect to the modelling results.
Note that source data - i.e. the modelling inputs - are under legal coverage:
Air emissions accounts are legally covered by Regulation (EC) No. 691/2011 on European environmental economic accounts (EEEA).
Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 on European statistics (recital 24 and Article 20(4)) of 11 March 2009 (OJ L 87, p. 164), stipulates the need to establish common principles and guidelines ensuring the confidentiality of data used for the production of European statistics and the access to those confidential data with due account for technical developments and the requirements of users in a democratic society.
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
Confidential data are flagged "confidential" and not published. For aggregates of confidential data, Eurostat confidentiality rules are respected.
8.1. Release calendar
The data is modelled and updated 1-2 months after updated data is available for air emissions accounts (usually January/February).
The input dataset are released as follows:
Air emissions accounts (2 years delay after the end of the reference year);
The consolidated EU supply, use and input-output tables (4 years delay, early estimates are now compiled for two more recent years).
Note, the ESA supply and use tables have to be estimated for the aggregated EU economy; this estimation is based on the FIGARO tables.
8.2. Release calendar access
Not applicable.
8.3. Release policy - user access
In line with the Community legal framework and the European Statistics Code of Practice Eurostat disseminates European statistics on Eurostat's website (see item 10 - 'Accessibility and clarity') respecting professional independence and in an objective, professional and transparent manner in which all users are treated equitably. The detailed arrangements are governed by the Eurostat protocol on impartial access to Eurostat data for users.
Data are disseminated annually.
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
There are no online news releases.
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
There are no online publications.
10.3. Dissemination format - online database
Please consult the dataset online: air emission footprints (domestic technology assumption) [env_ac_io10]
The model that is used to derive the results has been developed by researchers with experience in the field of environmentally-extended input–output analysis.
The Environmental Accounts Working Group, encompassing representatives of all Member States, Eurostat and other stakeholders, discusses quality improvements.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
Air emissions caused by final use of CPA products provide information on the proximate causes of air emissions, by linking air emissions to final use of products.
The users include policy makers in environmental ministries, environmental organisations, journalists, students, and interested citizens.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
There are no systematic studies of user satisfaction. Eurostat has regular hearings with European policymakers and contacts with the research community and other stakeholders to monitor the relevance of the statistics produced and to identify new priorities.
12.3. Completeness
Data are complete, meaning they encompass all the sectors of the economy in the EU. Eurostat may have gap-filled the input data.
13.1. Accuracy - overall
The data is modelled and the underlying assumptions and modelling techniques are transparent (see above item 10.6). However, the various modelling assumptions do result in higher margins of error compared to GHG inventories and air emissions accounts. For example, the estimate for emissions embodied in imports is based on the ‘domestic-technology-assumption’; in other words it is assumed that the imported products are produced with production technologies similar to those employed within the EU. This implies that the results should be interpreted cautiously and that the reported 'imported emissions' actually represent avoided EU emissions.
13.2. Sampling error
Not applicable.
13.3. Non-sampling error
Not applicable.
14.1. Timeliness
The early estimate becomes available with a delay of just over a year.
14.2. Punctuality
Not applicable, because there is no release calendar.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
Geographical coverage is limited to one area (aggregated EU economy).
15.2. Comparability - over time
The comparability over time is good because the modelling results are re-estimated for the complete time-series each year. The input data have clear statistical concepts and definitions. The two most recent years published are modelled using an estimated consolidated supply and use table, for which not all underlying country data is available yet.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
The data are coherent with principles, definitions and concepts in National Accounts (ESA - European System of Accounts) and Environmental Accounting (SEEA - System of Environmental-Economic Accounting).
Cross-domain consistency with air emission accounts:
Total domestic emissions (code TFU, reported with 'origin' equal to 'domestic economy/DOM', which includes exports of domestic emissions) equal total air emissions as reported in the air emission accounts.
In the air emissions accounts, emissions are reported for economic activity CPA_U - Services provided by extraterritorial organisations and bodies, whereas the supply and use tables report zero output for this activity. In the modelling, these emissions reported for CPA_U have been directly assigned to exports of CPA_U.
It is important that air emissions accounts (AEA) and physical energy flow accounts (PEFA) employ the same groupings of elementary economic units (NACE Rev. 2 activities) as the ESA supply and use tables. This coherence is important with regards to integrated analyses – e.g. applying Leontief-type input-output analysis.
As an overarching general rule AEA and PEFA must apply exactly the same demarcation of productive activities (NACE Rev. 2 activities) as employed for the compilation of the monetary supply and use tables delivered to Eurostat under the ESA transmission programme. Compilers of AEA and PEFA are advised to contact and align with compilers of ESA supply and use tables with the aim to ensure highest coherence between AEA, PEFA and ESA supply and use tables.
However, it has to be noted that this coherence is not always fully provided.
15.4. Coherence - internal
The internal coherence is very high, because it is ensured by the accounting frameworks.
To further specify the general Eurostat revision policy, the established revision policy is to synchronise with revisions of the input data, namely:
Air emissions accounts;
ESA supply, use and input-outputs tables
Data are not revised in between annual releases.
17.2. Data revision - practice
Data are revised when new data for the air emissions accounts becomes available.
Estimates for the most recent year in the dataset (t) are estimated based on early estimates of air emissions accounts for year t.
Air emissions accounts are updated with backward revisions, so all years in the dataset may change after an update. The early estimates of supply and use tablesare also subject to revision.
18.1. Source data
The input data for the modelling are:
1) Air emissions accounts produced and disseminated by Eurostat.
The following adjustments have been made to the air emissions accounts input dataset for the compilation of air emission footprints:
In the air emissions accounts, emissions are reported for economic activity CPA_U - Services provided by extraterritorial organisations and bodies, whereas the supply and use tables report zero output for this activity. In the modelling, these emissions reported for CPA_U have been directly assigned to exports of CPA_U.
None.
naio_10_n_esms - National supply, use and input-output tables
The dataset presents estimates of air emissions 'embodied' in products (goods and services) for final use - also referred to as 'footprints'. The estimates are the result of environmental input-output modelling for the aggregated European Union (EU) economy.
For example, the carbon footprint is a measure of how much NOx was emitted along the full production chain of a product that ends up in the EU as final consumption or investment, irrespective of the industry or country where the NOx emission occurred. These emissions are sometimes referred to as emissions 'embodied' in EU consumption, although they are not literally included in the final products, and these products are not only consumed, but may also be investment goods.
Air emission footprints offer a complementary perspective to greenhouse gas inventories and air emissions accounts. The latter two record emissions on the production side, at the origin of the emissions. In contrast, carbon footprints are estimated from the perspective of the final product and where it ends up, and are therefore also referred to as consumption-based accounts.
The model estimations are based on two main source datasets (see 18.1 for more detail):
Note, the ESA supply and use tables have to be estimated for the aggregated EU economy; is estimation is based on the FIGARO tables.
Footprints can be derived from this dataset by combining the estimates for final consumption expenditure (P3) and gross capital formation (P5) from the dimension INDUSE (for ORIGIN equal to Total/WORLD).
The underlying modelling assumes that the production technology in the rest of the world economy is the same as in the EU. Hence, the estimated 'embodied' emissions in the rest of the world constitute rather emissions avoided in the EU production system. The difference between 'avoided in EU' and 'actually emitted in rest of the world' can vary depending on the pollutant, e.g. for sulphur dioxide (SO2) very efficient abatement technologies were introduced in the EU.
These two data sets are integrated using so-called Leontief or input-output modelling techniques. Conceptually, the air emissions 'embodied' in products for final use include emissions along the entire production chain of the respective product. The production chains (better production 'networks') are increasingly globalised for most of the products for final use in the EU. Hence, the 'embodied' emissions may result from production activities within the EU economy, as well as from production activities in the rest of the world economy. Note that the 'embodied' emissions in the rest of the world constitute rather emissions avoided in the EU production system due to the modelling assumption that the production technology in the rest of the world is the same as in the EU.
Data refer to emissions by national households directly and indirectly caused by national final demand for products produced by resident and foreign economic units in the sense of SEEA CF 2012 and national accounts (ESA).
Not applicable, because the data are modelling estimates.
This dataset presents data for the aggregated EU economy.
The reference period is the calendar year.
The data is modelled and the underlying assumptions and modelling techniques are transparent (see above item 10.6). However, the various modelling assumptions do result in higher margins of error compared to GHG inventories and air emissions accounts. For example, the estimate for emissions embodied in imports is based on the ‘domestic-technology-assumption’; in other words it is assumed that the imported products are produced with production technologies similar to those employed within the EU. This implies that the results should be interpreted cautiously and that the reported 'imported emissions' actually represent avoided EU emissions.
The air emissions 'embodied' in products for final use are presented in tonnes, thousand tonnes and kilograms per inhabitant. Several of the air pollutants are also expressed in equivalents of another air pollutant.
The results are obtained with environmentally-extended input–output modelling, see '10.6'.
Note, the ESA supply and use tables have to be estimated for the aggregated EU economy; this estimation is based on the FIGARO tables.
Data are disseminated annually.
The early estimate becomes available with a delay of just over a year.
Geographical coverage is limited to one area (aggregated EU economy).
The comparability over time is good because the modelling results are re-estimated for the complete time-series each year. The input data have clear statistical concepts and definitions. The two most recent years published are modelled using an estimated consolidated supply and use table, for which not all underlying country data is available yet.
