Emisjonsintensive

Emisjonsintensive is a term used to describe activities, products, or sectors that release large amounts of greenhouse gases per unit of output or energy input. The concept focuses on emissions intensity, typically measured as CO2 equivalent (CO2e) per unit of production, energy, or service, rather than total emissions alone.

In practice, an emisjonsintensiv sector hashigh emissions per unit of activity, which means that efficiency improvements in these sectors can yield significant reductions in emissions even if overall output remains constant. Emissions intensity can be evaluated using various frameworks, including corporate reporting of Scope 1-3 emissions or life cycle assessments that track emissions from raw material extraction to end-of-life.

Common examples of emisjonsintensive sectors include cement and steel production, chemical manufacturing, fertilizers, aluminum, and fossil-fuel–based electricity generation. The exact intensity depends on technology, energy mix, and process efficiency; shifts to low-carbon energy, alternative production methods, or carbon capture and storage can lower intensity levels.

Policy and economic analysis use emisjonsintensive as a lens to prioritize decarbonization efforts, since reducing emissions in high-intensity sectors can disproportionately affect overall emissions. However, critics note that focusing on intensity can be misleading if production volumes grow rapidly, so it is important to consider both emissions intensity and absolute emissions when assessing progress and setting targets.