Net environmental costs by sector, 1985-2013

General developments

Total net environmental costs rose by an average 6.3 percent per year between 1985 and 2013. Only in 2005 and 2009 total net environmental costs decreased compared with the previous survey year (2003 and 2007 respectively). The share of environmental costs paid by the government rose from 19 percent in 1991 to 33 percent in 2013, while the share paid by companies fell from 49 to 36 percent.

Companies

Net environmental costs paid by companies rose from 1.0 billion euros in 1985 to just over 4 billion euros in 2013. Costs rose nearly every year. Only in 2005, 2009 and 2013 there was a decrease compared with the previous survey year. In 2005 this was the result of the end the amortisation period for a number of past environmental investments, and the subsequent reduction in capital costs. Companies also receive environmental subsidies from the government. As these subsidies have risen since 2004, net environmental costs paid by companies have fallen.

Government

Net environmental costs paid by the government rose almost throughout the period 1985-2013. Also in this sector in 2005 and 2009 there was a decrease in costs when compared with the previous survey year. In 2007 there was a substantial rise in environmental costs paid by all sectors of government compared with 2005: 11.5 percent for the total government sector. Central government accounted for the largest rise, as a result of higher environmental subsidies. In 2009, net environmental costs paid by the government fell again by 5.5 percent.

Households

Net environmental costs paid by households increased almost annually during the whole period 1985-2011. Net environmental costs rose from 0.7 billion euros in 1985 to 3.5 billion euros in 2013.

What are net environmental costs?

Net environmental costs indicate the extent to which a sector contributes to environmental protection. Net environmental costs are calculated as costs of own environment-related activities plus paid taxes and levies, paid subsidies and payments for environment-related services, minus revenues from taxes and levies, subsidies received and remuneration received for environment-related services.

Current prices

All amounts referred to in this indicator are in current prices. These are amounts actually paid in the year concerned.