Brussels boosts climate ambitions with building and transport regulations
As part of its ongoing plans to make the city greener, the Brussels government on Wednesday approved the preliminary draft of the new Air, Climate and Energy Plan for the Brussels Capital Region, reports local media Bruzz.
Building on ambitions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the plan addresses the use of fossil fuels for heating, waste management and the use of certain carbon-intensive products. It aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 47 percent by 2030 compared to 2005. This is an improvement on the previous target of 40 percent.
VUB climate scientist Wim Thiery agrees that it is a good decision to tighten emission reductions, but it could be even better. "I wonder if the ambitions could not be even greater," he says.
"We are one of the richest regions in the world and we also have a big historical responsibility for global warming, so our ambition should be among the biggest in the world."
A number of concrete measures to meet the targets are set out in the plan. The Committee of Climate Experts, an independent body, will evaluate annually how the policies implemented have contributed to the Region's climate ambitions.
"We have a clear ambition: to take care of Brussels and its inhabitants," said Brussels Minister of Environment and Climate Transition Alain Maron. "We want to free Brussels from its dependence on fossil fuels and set the stage for a greener, more pleasant, healthier and fairer city."
Central to the new measures is the buildings sector, as commercial and private properties are largely responsible for greenhouse gas emissions. Homes with energy labels F and G will have to be renovated by 2033. To support this, the government will provide numerous subsidies, especially for those on the lowest incomes.
The transport sector is also a major polluter in Brussels. That is why the government wants to continue the Good Move plan, which bans combustion engine vehicles from entering the city by 2035. Measures will be taken to prepare the city and its inhabitants for these changes.
Thiery emphasises the benefits these measures would have for Brussels. "If we switch to electric mobility, it will be a lot quieter in our city. Moreover, it will improve air quality and is therefore positive for health."
Greater use of bicycles and public transport will improve the quality of life in the city, and energy bills will fall as soon as houses are insulated and roofs are covered with solar panels. "It's a win-win situation."
Besides reducing CO2 emissions, the region is also preparing for the effects of climate change. For example, by ensuring better permeability of the soil and more greenery.
(AHU)
© BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK - A view on Tervurenlaan/ Avenue de Tervueren taken from the Jubelpark/ Parc du Cinquantenaire museums, Thursday 03 June 2021.