Sweden aims to reach net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2045, reducing emissions by at least 85% compared to 1990s levels. To fully address global GHG reductions, it is crucial to consider household consumption emissions alongside territorial emissions. By analysing consumption patterns, Sweden can create policies that advance both national and global climate goals.
The Consumption Compass is a tool that estimates and visualises consumption-based emissions of Swedish households at the municipal and DeSO (smaller geographical area) levels.
Provides detailed estimates of emissions from over 100 consumption categories and identifies hotspots for impactful mitigation measures and behavioral changes.
Helps policymakers design strategies and targeted measures by highlighting similarities and differences in household consumption patterns.
The model integrates diverse data sources and methodologies to calculate local-level consumption-based emissions.
For more details, see the Frequently asked questions and Resources.
Sveriges konsumtionsbaserade utsläpp i siffror: Förstå hushållens påverkan på klimatet med hjälp av Konsumtionskompassen
Consumption Compass 2.0: a summary of the methods and data used
Konsumtionskompassen: ett digitalt verktyg för att förstå klimatpåverkan från konsumtion på lokal nivå
The carbon footprints of consumption of goods and services in Sweden at municipal and postcode level and policy interventions
Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) is an international non-profit research institute that tackles environment and sustainable development challenges.
We empower partners to meet global sustainability challenges through cutting-edge research, knowledge, tools and capacity building. Through SEI's HQ and seven centres around the world, we engage with policy, practice and development action for a sustainable and inclusive future for all.
Funding for the development of the Consumption Compass (versions 1.0 and 2.0) has been provided by Formas, a Swedish Research Council for Sustainable Development. The model development has been led by SEI in close collaboration with Kalmar Municipality and Umeå Municipality. The municipalities have contributed their local expertise and helped tailor the tool to meet specific municipal needs.
The data is partially sourced from InsightOne, a company specializing in market analysis and lifestyle classification based on socio-demographic profiles. Additionally, the PR and communication agency Cloudberry has been engaged to design and integrate the Consumption Compass model on the web. For more details about the data sources and model, refer to the Method summary.
We extend our gratitude to an insightful reference group that has provided valuable input and guidance throughout the project. Read more here (SE).
SEI has secured additional funding from Formas, ensuring the continued development of the model. Version 3.0 of the tool is expected to be released in 2027.
For details on the focus of Version 3.0, please refer to the Frequently asked questions section.
For technical support, general information, or questions about the Consumption Compass, please contact us at: [email protected].
3 March 2026
The changes primarily focus on the following three areas:
In the previous version, an error was identified in the automated calculation of emissions data related to meat consumption. The issue stemmed from an incorrect linkage in the calculation process, which affected the relative distribution of emissions between municipalities and DeSO areas.
As a result, areas with comparatively lower meat consumption were in some cases assigned higher emission values, while areas with higher consumption were assigned lower values.
In version 2.1, this linkage has been corrected to ensure that the emissions data more accurately reflects actual consumption patterns. It is important to note that the underlying methodological framework remains unchanged; the update concerns the implementation of the calculation rather than the model itself.
Following continued analysis, distortions were identified in the distribution of air travel data across different lifestyle groups, particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas and in the period following the Covid-19 pandemic. To improve the robustness and representativeness of the data, the input data has been updated. Version 2.1 results in adjusted estimates of travel emissions.
The 2023 forecast has been revised to better align with recently published official statistics.
Minor adjustments and bug fixes have also been made to selected supplementary consumption categories. The most significant of these changes resulted from an error in the assignment of expenditure affecting these categories, as well as a reassessment of how expenditure is attributed to minors/non-adults.
Compared to version 2.0, version 2.1 results only in minor changes at the aggregate emission level. The most notable differences are observed in the distribution of emissions at the DeSO level, reflecting the adjustments described above.