Consumers: expenditure and environmental pressure in the Netherlands
Developments in expenditure and environmental pressure by consumers
The rise in activities of consumers that generate environmental pressure is mainly attributable to the increase in consumer spending. The increase in expenditure is a consequence of higher income per person and, to a lesser extent, of the growth of the population. Emissions as a result of energy use are only allocated to the Consumers target sector for the use of domestic fuel (mainly natural gas). Emissions generated by the use of electricity and motor fuels are allocated to the Energy supply and Traffic and transport target sectors respectively. Approximately three-quarters of domestic fuels are used to heat premises. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the heating of premises have remained fairly stable, despite the fact that there is more housing. This is explained by energy saving measures (home insulation). On the other hand, CO2 emissions caused by the use of warm water is on the increase due to higher levels of water use per person and an increase of the population.
The burden on the environment from eutrophicating materials (total N and total P) discharged to the sewage system has fallen.
Activities that make a significant contribution to emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs, excluding methane) are painting (approximately 30% in 2001), decorative heating in housing (open fires, wood-burning stoves: 25%), articles for personal care (incl. cosmetics: 18%) and cleaning agents (7%). Total emissions of VOCs by consumers are falling, mainly because of a sharp drop in VOC emissions from painting. The main factor here is the reduction in the levels of VOCs in paint products. VOC emissions from the use of articles for personal care have increased over the last decade.
Emissions of particulate matter by consumers are on the decrease. Most particulate matter is released by decorative heating (48% in 2001) and smoking (41%). Particulate matter emissions are falling for both activities.
Policy
The main policy aim is to provide consumers with products that are less burdensome for the environment when used. Examples of this are KWS2000, which limits VOC levels in, for example, paints, solvents and articles for personal care and the certification of wood-burning stoves and open fires in order to reduce emissions of VOCs and particulate matter. In addition, home insulation is encouraged through the Sustainable Building policy. In the case of new buildings, consumers are not involved; the policy for old housing stock targets both housing associations and consumers.
