Emissions Intensity

Emissions intensity measures how much pollution (like carbon dioxide) is produced for each unit of output, such as a product made or energy generated. Unlike total emissions which simply counts all pollution released, intensity shows how clean or dirty the production process is by comparing pollution to output level. For example, a cement plant might emit 800kg of CO2 for each ton of cement produced - this ratio is its emissions intensity. This measurement helps compare environmental performance between different factories, companies or industries making similar products.

Governments and businesses use emissions intensity to set pollution reduction targets that focus on improving efficiency rather than just cutting production. By adopting cleaner technologies or renewable energy, facilities can lower their intensity - producing the same amount of goods with less pollution. Tracking intensity encourages innovation and sustainable growth while maintaining economic output, making it a key tool in climate policies and corporate sustainability strategies.