The amount of carbon dioxide discharged by large Dutch industrial companies fell by over 8% last year, the biggest decline in 15 years, according to the Dutch emissions authority NEA.

Total emissions by all companies which fall under the European emissions trading system fell 7.6%. The 331 companies covered by the system account for around 50% of the total amount of CO2 emissions nationwide.

NEA director Mark Bressers said that high gas prices would appear to have resulted in companies reducing production and so cutting their emissions.

‘Given that gas prices may not return to their previous levels immediately, I do believe this may drive industry to become greener,’ he told broadcaster NOS.

There was no change in the volume of CO2 discharged by the four Dutch coal-fired power stations, which account for some 8% of the total. The power stations were allowed to operate at full capacity last year because of the energy crisis.

The 330 companies which fall under the NEA’s supervision must to buy rights to emit CO2.