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 indicator is part of the EU Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicator set. It is used to monitor progress towards SDG 12 on ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns and SDG 9 on building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and fostering innovation, which are embedded in the European Commission’s Priorities under the 'European Green Deal', 'An economy that works for people', and 'A Europe fit for the digital age'.
SDG 12 calls for a comprehensive set of actions from businesses, policy-makers, researchers and consumers to adapt to sustainable practices. It envisions sustainable production and consumption based on advanced technological capacity, resource efficiency and reduced global waste.
SDG 9 calls for building resilient and sustainable infrastructure and promotes inclusive and sustainable industrialisation. It also recognises the importance of research and innovation for finding lasting solutions to social, economic and environmental challenges.
4.1. Data description
The environmental goods and services sector (EGSS) is defined as that part of a country’s economy that is engaged in producing goods and services that are used in environmental protection and resource management activities either domestically or abroad. Gross value added in EGSS represents the contribution of the environmental goods and services sector to GDP and is defined as the difference between the value of the sector’s output and intermediate consumption.
4.2. Unit of measure
i. Chain linked volumes (2010) in EUR
ii. % of GDP
4.3. Reference Period
Calendar year
4.4. Accuracy - overall
The indicator is produced according to the quality standards of European Statistics. Details on accuracy can be found in the metadata of the source datasets (see link to related metadata).
4.5. Source data
4.5.1. Source data - Organisation
ESS (European environmental economic accounts)
4.5.2. Source data - Comment
Data source: European environmental economic accounts (ESS) (ENV_AC_EGSS2)
Data provider: Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, based on data reported by the countries.
5.1. Frequency of dissemination
5.1.1. Frequency of dissemination - Grade
Every year
5.1.2. Frequency of dissemination - Comment
Indicator is updated every year. Complete and updated ESS data release information can be accessed via Eurostat release calendar.
5.2. Timeliness
5.2.1. Timeliness - Grade
T+2 years
5.2.2. Timeliness - Comment
New data points are disseminated within two years after the reference year.
6.1. Reference area
6.1.1. Reference Area - Grade
> 75% EU MS and EU aggregate
6.1.2. Reference Area - Comment
Data are presented for all EU Member States except Hungary, plus Switzerland.
6.2. Comparability - geographical
6.2.1. Comparability - geographical - Grade
> 75% EU MS
6.2.2. Comparability - geographical - Comment
Data are comparable between EU Member States respectively other presented countries.
6.3. Coverage - Time
6.3.1. Time Coverage - Grade
5 to 10 years
6.3.2. Time Coverage - Comment
Presented time series (including EU aggregates) starts in 2000. However, most countries cover only the period of mandatory reporting which started in 2014.
6.4. Comparability - over time
6.4.1. Comparability - over time - Grade
> 4 data points
6.4.2. Comparability - over time - Comment
The length of comparable time series without methodological break is more than 4 data points.
7.1. Dissemination format - Publications
Analysis of indicator is presented in Eurostat's annual monitoring report on Sustainable development in the EU (progress towards SDGs in the EU context).
env_egs_esms - Environmental goods and services sector
The environmental goods and services sector (EGSS) is defined as that part of a country’s economy that is engaged in producing goods and services that are used in environmental protection and resource management activities either domestically or abroad. Gross value added in EGSS represents the contribution of the environmental goods and services sector to GDP and is defined as the difference between the value of the sector’s output and intermediate consumption.
8 April 2024
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Calendar year
The indicator is produced according to the quality standards of European Statistics. Details on accuracy can be found in the metadata of the source datasets (see link to related metadata).
