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.
The environmental goods and services sector (EGSS) accounts report on an economic sector that generates goods and services produced for environmental protection or the management of natural resources.
Products for environmental protection prevent, reduce and eliminate pollution or any other degradation of the environment. Examples are electric vehicles, catalysts and filters to decrease pollutant emissions, wastewater and waste treatment services, noise insulation works or restoration of degraded habitats.
Products for resource management safeguard the stock of natural resources against depletion. Examples are renewable energy production, energy-efficient and passive buildings, seawater desalinization or rainwater recovery, and materials recovery.
EGSS accounts provide data on output and export of environmental goods and services and on the value added of and employment in the environmental goods and services sector.
In addition, the data contain information on investments for climate change mitigation (CCM). Those investments aim at reducing the emission of greenhouse gases either by source or enhancing the removal from the atmosphere.
EGSS data are compiled following the statistical concepts and definitions set out in the UN System of Environmental-Economic Accounting 2012 – Central Framework.
3.2. Classification system
Data are reported cross-classified by 1) the type of environmental purpose and by 2) economic activity. The environmental activities are classified by purpose according to the classification of environmental purposes (CEP). Economic activity is classified according to the Statistical Classification of Economic Activities in the European Community, Rev. 2 (2008).
3.3. Coverage - sector
EGSS comprises a sector of the economy that produces goods and services aimed at environmental protection and resource management (see SEEA CF 2012 chapter 4). Environmental goods and services either reduce environmental pressures or help maintaining the stock of natural resources or they are designed to be cleaner and more resource efficient than conventional products. Environmental goods and services can be produced by corporations, households, governments and non-profit institutions. The list of environmental activities and products has been set out in the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2174 ('the indicative compendium of environmental goods and services').
CCM investments comprise a sub-sector of the EGSS as well as activities and products beyond the scope of the CEP.
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
Environmental Goods and Service Sector:
EGSS has the same system boundaries as the European System of Accounts (ESA 2010) and consists of all environmental products within this production boundary. ESA defines production as the activity carried out under the control and responsibility of an institutional unit that uses input of labour, capital, goods and services to produce output of goods and services.
Only goods and services produced for environmental purposes are included in the scope of the environmental goods and services sector.
'Environmental purpose' means that a good or service helps either 1) preventing, reducing and eliminating pollution and any other degradation of the environment or 2) preserving and maintaining the stock of natural resources and hence safeguarding against depletion.
The EGSS statistics aim at compiling data for the following economic variables:
Output: consists of products that become available for use outside of the producer unit, any goods and services produced for own final use and goods that remain in the inventories at the end of the period in which they are produced. Apart from market output, output for own final use and non-market output, EGSS statistics also include ancillary output, comprising output intended for use within an enterprise.
Market output is to be valued at basic prices, that is, the prices receivable by the producer from the purchaser minus taxes and plus subsidies on products. Output for own final use is to be valued at basic prices of similar products sold on the market or by the total costs of production. Non-market output is to be estimated by the total costs of production. Ancillary output is measured as a total of recurrent production costs (such as intermediate consumption, compensation of employees and consumption of fixed capital) incurred by enterprises to: 1) reduce environmental pressures arising from their production process or 2) produce environmental goods or services not intended for use outside the enterprise, but instead supporting other (non-environmental) activities undertaken within the enterprise (e.g. waste management services carried out in-house). For market producers, a mark-up for net operating surplus is added to the value of the EGSS ancillary output. Gross Value Added: represents the contribution made by the production of environmental goods and services to GDP. It is the difference between the value of the output and intermediate consumption.
Employment: is measured in full-time equivalent jobs engaged in the production of output of environmental goods and services. Full-time equivalent is defined as total hours worked divided by the average annual working hours in a full-time job.
Exports: consist of sales, barter, gifts, or grants, of environmental goods and services from residents to non-residents.
Investments for climate change mitigation:
The reporting covers the capital expenditure to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) by source or enhance their removal from the atmosphere by sinks.
Capital expenditure includes:
For activities and products covered by the CEP:
Gross fixed capital formation (GFCF – ESA 2010 code: P51g) for climate change mitigation related characteristic activities (i.e. GFCF for the production of specific services related to climate change mitigation)
GFCF in specific and cleaner and resource efficient goods related to climate change mitigation, unless they are already included in GFCF by CCM (characteristic) activities
and final consumption (ESA 2010 code: P3) in specific and cleaner and resource efficient goods related to climate change mitigation.
For activities and products relevant for CCM but outside the scope of CEP:
GFCF for the production of nuclear energy and for R&D related to nuclear energy
GFCF for the transmission and distribution of energy, in particular electricity
GFCF for the production of low carbon transport activities
GFCF in transport infrastructure for low carbon transport activities.
Where:
GFCF for climate change mitigation characteristic activities is broken down by corporations, government and households together with non-profit institutions serving households (NPISH)
GFCF for specific and cleaner and resource efficient goods, mitigating climate change, is broken down by corporations, government and households together with NPISH
final consumption of specific and cleaner and resource efficient goods, mitigating climate change, is broken down by government and households together with NPISH.
3.5. Statistical unit
Council Regulation (EEC) No 696/93 of 15 March 1993 on the statistical units for the observation and analysis of the production system in the Community describes the different statistical units of the production system.
The recommended statistical unit for the data collection and compilation of private corporations is the establishment. For general government, households and NPISH, the recommendation is to use institutional units and groupings of units as defined in the European System of Accounts (ESA 2010).
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.
3.7. Reference area
Hungary
3.8. Coverage - Time
2021-2023
3.9. Base period
Not requested for this metadata collection.
Output, gross value added, exports and CCM investments are measured in million units of national currency. Employment is measured in full time equivalents (i.e., full time equivalent jobs).
The reference period is the calendar year.
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
EGSS accounts and CCM investments are compiled and reported in accordance with Regulation (EU) No. 691/2011 on European environmental economic accounts (EEEA).
The EEEA 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
Not applicable.
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
No data publication if the number of the data providers is below 3.
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
Confidential data are flagged as confidential and are not published.
8.1. Release calendar
May 2026
8.2. Release calendar access
not applicable
8.3. Release policy - user access
not applicable
Annual
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
not applicable
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
For the first time, in 2021 we published our new annual publication called Green economy, which contains some EGSS data. URL for the last version in English published in 2024: See here
In another publication called Snapshots - Environment, we published recently some EGSS data (only available in Hungarian).
10.3. Dissemination format - online database
15.1.1.34. Value of sales and number of employees of the environmental industry URL: See this 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
information not reported
10.6.1. Metadata completeness - rate
Not requested for this metadata collection.
10.7. Quality management - documentation
information not reported
11.1. Quality assurance
The colleagues at the respective division of the HCSO helps data providers to fill the questionnaire appropriately and they contact them when they discover inconsistencies or suspect values in the reported data.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
The colleagues at the respective division of the HCSO helps data providers to fill the questionnaire appropriately and they contact them when they discover inconsistencies or suspect values in the reported data.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
Government uses data.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
Every important data is sufficiently covered.
12.3. Completeness
Every important data is sufficiently covered.
12.3.1. Data completeness - rate
Not requested for this metadata collection.
13.1. Accuracy - overall
The colleagues at the respective division of the HCSO helps data providers to fill the questionnaire appropriately and they contact them when they discover inconsistencies or suspect values in the reported data.
13.2. Sampling error
EGSS accounts and CCM investments are compiled using a range of primary statistical sources. The sampling and non-sampling errors are described in the metadata of the underlying statistical data.
13.2.1. Sampling error - indicators
Not requested for this metadata collection.
13.3. Non-sampling error
EGSS accounts and CCM investments a recompiled using a range of primary statistical sources. The sampling and non-sampling errors are described in the metadata of the underlying statistical data.
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
About 2 years after the reference period.
14.1.1. Time lag - first result
About 2 years after the reference period.
14.1.2. Time lag - final result
About 2 years after the reference period.
14.2. Punctuality
The data were delivered to Eurostat on 06 November 2025. The reporting deadline for EGSS and CCM investments to Eurostat is 31 October.
14.2.1. Punctuality - delivery and publication
Publication: About 2 years after the reference period.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
EGSS accounts are compiled according to harmonised guidelines provided by Eurostat and hence comparable across European countries reporting EGSS accounts to Eurostat.
15.1.1. Asymmetry for mirror flow statistics - coefficient
We strive for coherence between EGSS data and EPEA data.
15.3.4. Coherence - other statistics
We strive for coherence between EGSS data and other statistics.
15.4. Coherence - internal
EGSS: YES
CCM investments: YES
I am the only one who is dealing with it, but I also have many other tasks (eg. EPEA, energy statistics and public utilities).
Estimated cost and burden: 0.25 FTE.
16.1. Cost and Burden - other accounts
17.1. Data revision - policy
Revision of data from previous and current years, if necessary.
17.2. Data revision - practice
Correct mistakes which are detected. No data revision in this reporting season yet.
17.2.1. Data revision - average size
Variable
17.2.2. Status of data
We have sent the latest available data.
18.1. Source data
Data is based on mainly two sources: a) the annual 1892 survey, questionnaire on "Production of environmental products and services". Respondents are corporations and organizations who previously indicated that they produce environmental products for sale or provide environmental services; b) through National accounts data we estimate data for units which reported such activity, but were not under the scope of the 1892 survey.
18.1.1. Source data - detailed - environmental accounts
EGSS:
CCM investments: We use EPEA GFCF data for CEPA 1, CEPA 4 and CEPA 8 for the estimation of the relevant CCM categories in the EGSS file. I estimated as an expert judgement that half of the values reported for CEPA 1, CEPA 4 and CEPA 8 are CCM-related. For the year 2023, for which EPEA data are not available yet, I made an estimation based on the 2023/2022 Output ratios for the relevant CEP categories, so the 2023 CCM data are preliminary yet.
18.1.2. Source data - detailed - other statistics
EGSS: We use several data for the estimations for the CEP categories for which we have no direct data from survey. Such data sources are: National Accounts data, energy statistics data, data of EU-funded energetic projects, agricultural and forestry statistics data.
CCM investments: -
18.1.3. Source data - survey
EGSS: The annual 1892 survey, questionnaire on "Production of environmental products and services". Respondents are corporations and organisations who previously indicated that they produce environmental products for sale or provide environmental services. We aim to cover the full spectrum of the environmental industry with approximately 1,600 organisations designated to provide data.
CCM investments: -
18.1.4. Source data - detailed - other macro economic data (trade, VAT etc.)
EGSS: SUT
CCM investments: -
18.2. Frequency of data collection
Annual
18.3. Data collection
Data is based on two sources: a) the annual 1892 survey, questionnaire on "Production of environmental products and services". Respondents are corporations and organizations who previously indicated that they produce environmental products for sale or provide environmental services; b) through National accounts data we estimate data for units which reported such activity, but were not under the scope of the 1892 survey.
The compilation of the 1892 survey takes place online.
18.4. Data validation
The colleagues at the respective division of the HCSO helps data providers to fill the questionnaire appropriately and they contact them when they discover inconsistencies or suspect values in the reported data.
I compare actual EGSS data with the previous years' data. In a case of inconsistency, I look into the processing process.
18.5. Data compilation
Data is based on two sources: a) The annual 1892 survey, questionnaire on "Production of environmental products and services". Respondents are corporations and organizations who previously indicated that they produce environmental products for sale or provide environmental services. b) Through National accounts data we estimate data for units which reported such activity, but were not under the scope of the 1892 survey.
CEPA data are mainly from the survey, CReMA data are mainly from NA data and estimations.
18.5.1. Imputation - rate
Not requested for this metadata collection.
18.5.2. Data compilation - by variable and type of output
The former CEPA-related CEP data are mainly from the survey, the former CReMA-related CEP data are mainly from NA data and estimations.
To date, we only estimated CEP data for categories which are represented in the EPEA.
18.5.3. Data compilation - by NACE
We collect data in our EGSS survey by NACE categories.
We use the EPEA GFCF data for the CCM estimations.
18.5.4. Data compilation – CReMA 13B memo item
information not reported
18.6. Adjustment
NO
18.6.1. Seasonal adjustment
Not requested for this metadata collection.
No further comments.
The environmental goods and services sector (EGSS) accounts report on an economic sector that generates goods and services produced for environmental protection or the management of natural resources.
Products for environmental protection prevent, reduce and eliminate pollution or any other degradation of the environment. Examples are electric vehicles, catalysts and filters to decrease pollutant emissions, wastewater and waste treatment services, noise insulation works or restoration of degraded habitats.
Products for resource management safeguard the stock of natural resources against depletion. Examples are renewable energy production, energy-efficient and passive buildings, seawater desalinization or rainwater recovery, and materials recovery.
EGSS accounts provide data on output and export of environmental goods and services and on the value added of and employment in the environmental goods and services sector.
In addition, the data contain information on investments for climate change mitigation (CCM). Those investments aim at reducing the emission of greenhouse gases either by source or enhancing the removal from the atmosphere.
EGSS data are compiled following the statistical concepts and definitions set out in the UN System of Environmental-Economic Accounting 2012 – Central Framework.
10 February 2026
Environmental Goods and Service Sector:
EGSS has the same system boundaries as the European System of Accounts (ESA 2010) and consists of all environmental products within this production boundary. ESA defines production as the activity carried out under the control and responsibility of an institutional unit that uses input of labour, capital, goods and services to produce output of goods and services.
Only goods and services produced for environmental purposes are included in the scope of the environmental goods and services sector.
'Environmental purpose' means that a good or service helps either 1) preventing, reducing and eliminating pollution and any other degradation of the environment or 2) preserving and maintaining the stock of natural resources and hence safeguarding against depletion.
The EGSS statistics aim at compiling data for the following economic variables:
Output: consists of products that become available for use outside of the producer unit, any goods and services produced for own final use and goods that remain in the inventories at the end of the period in which they are produced. Apart from market output, output for own final use and non-market output, EGSS statistics also include ancillary output, comprising output intended for use within an enterprise.
Market output is to be valued at basic prices, that is, the prices receivable by the producer from the purchaser minus taxes and plus subsidies on products. Output for own final use is to be valued at basic prices of similar products sold on the market or by the total costs of production. Non-market output is to be estimated by the total costs of production. Ancillary output is measured as a total of recurrent production costs (such as intermediate consumption, compensation of employees and consumption of fixed capital) incurred by enterprises to: 1) reduce environmental pressures arising from their production process or 2) produce environmental goods or services not intended for use outside the enterprise, but instead supporting other (non-environmental) activities undertaken within the enterprise (e.g. waste management services carried out in-house). For market producers, a mark-up for net operating surplus is added to the value of the EGSS ancillary output. Gross Value Added: represents the contribution made by the production of environmental goods and services to GDP. It is the difference between the value of the output and intermediate consumption.
Employment: is measured in full-time equivalent jobs engaged in the production of output of environmental goods and services. Full-time equivalent is defined as total hours worked divided by the average annual working hours in a full-time job.
Exports: consist of sales, barter, gifts, or grants, of environmental goods and services from residents to non-residents.
Investments for climate change mitigation:
The reporting covers the capital expenditure to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) by source or enhance their removal from the atmosphere by sinks.
Capital expenditure includes:
For activities and products covered by the CEP:
Gross fixed capital formation (GFCF – ESA 2010 code: P51g) for climate change mitigation related characteristic activities (i.e. GFCF for the production of specific services related to climate change mitigation)
GFCF in specific and cleaner and resource efficient goods related to climate change mitigation, unless they are already included in GFCF by CCM (characteristic) activities
and final consumption (ESA 2010 code: P3) in specific and cleaner and resource efficient goods related to climate change mitigation.
For activities and products relevant for CCM but outside the scope of CEP:
GFCF for the production of nuclear energy and for R&D related to nuclear energy
GFCF for the transmission and distribution of energy, in particular electricity
GFCF for the production of low carbon transport activities
GFCF in transport infrastructure for low carbon transport activities.
Where:
GFCF for climate change mitigation characteristic activities is broken down by corporations, government and households together with non-profit institutions serving households (NPISH)
GFCF for specific and cleaner and resource efficient goods, mitigating climate change, is broken down by corporations, government and households together with NPISH
final consumption of specific and cleaner and resource efficient goods, mitigating climate change, is broken down by government and households together with NPISH.
Council Regulation (EEC) No 696/93 of 15 March 1993 on the statistical units for the observation and analysis of the production system in the Community describes the different statistical units of the production system.
The recommended statistical unit for the data collection and compilation of private corporations is the establishment. For general government, households and NPISH, the recommendation is to use institutional units and groupings of units as defined in the European System of Accounts (ESA 2010).
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.
Hungary
The reference period is the calendar year.
The colleagues at the respective division of the HCSO helps data providers to fill the questionnaire appropriately and they contact them when they discover inconsistencies or suspect values in the reported data.
Output, gross value added, exports and CCM investments are measured in million units of national currency. Employment is measured in full time equivalents (i.e., full time equivalent jobs).
Data is based on two sources: a) The annual 1892 survey, questionnaire on "Production of environmental products and services". Respondents are corporations and organizations who previously indicated that they produce environmental products for sale or provide environmental services. b) Through National accounts data we estimate data for units which reported such activity, but were not under the scope of the 1892 survey.
CEPA data are mainly from the survey, CReMA data are mainly from NA data and estimations.
Data is based on mainly two sources: a) the annual 1892 survey, questionnaire on "Production of environmental products and services". Respondents are corporations and organizations who previously indicated that they produce environmental products for sale or provide environmental services; b) through National accounts data we estimate data for units which reported such activity, but were not under the scope of the 1892 survey.
Annual
About 2 years after the reference period.
EGSS accounts are compiled according to harmonised guidelines provided by Eurostat and hence comparable across European countries reporting EGSS accounts to Eurostat.
