Manufacturing Excels in Environmental, Health, and Safety Initiatives

The Industrial Sector Leads in Emissions Reduction

Among sectors of the economy, the U.S. industrial sector remains the leader when it comes to reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Industrial carbon dioxide emissions in 2013 were 12% lower than in 1990 even though total industrial output increased by 59%. Manufacturing output, which accounts for approximately two-thirds of total industrial activity, rose 71% between 1990 and 2013.

By using cleaner technologies, implementing energy-efficiency initiatives, and incorporating sustainable business strategies, the sector is poised to continue reducing CO2 emissions amid rising production. In contrast, CO₂ emissions from the transportation, residential, and commercial sectors increased between 1990 and 2013; collectively, emissions from the three sectors rose by 17%.