According to an analysis from the European Environment Agency (EEA), homes energy is responsible for one quarter of European greenhouse emissions. Homes in the EU only emit 12% of energy emissions directly, but this doubles when related emissions from power plants and district heating are factored in.

The report 'End-user GHG emissions from energy: Reallocation of emissions from energy industries to end users 2005-2009' published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) shows that overall 25% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union is produced by home energy. The report calculates emissions based on their 'end use', or the sector using the energy.

According to the report, greenhouse gas emissions caused by households and other services fell between 2008 and 2009. Although there was an increase in indirect emissions from heat and electricity used in homes in the EU, emissions from home heating appliances fell by a larger amount – leading to an overall decrease in end-use emissions from homes.

The report also states that between 2008 and 2009, energy-related emissions fell by 7% in the EU. This dramatic fall has been attributed largely to the effect of the economic recession, a fact which is backed up by the new end use analysis. Greenhouse gas emissions reductions in industry accounted for two thirds of all energy-related emission reductions, when indirect emissions are included. The European Parliament recently approved a resolution in which asks to speed up efforts to reduce greenhouse gases.