Reducing Brisbane's emissions
Brisbane City Council has a strong track record of sustainability leadership and has set targets to reduce our operational carbon emissions by at least 30% by 2031-32 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Council purchased and cancelled offsets to maintain carbon neutral status for our operations from 2016-17 to 2023-24. In 2024-25, Council switched from purchasing offsets to investing in more direct carbon emission reductions in line with our operational targets. This means 100% of the investment in emission reductions is spent locally in Brisbane and provides direct benefit to residents.
Council also has a target 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 contribute to clean air and reduce your household carbon footprint.
Alternatively, find out how Council is working to reduce its operational carbon footprint.