The annual emissions inventory of Stad Antwerpen shows the city is on track to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 to 55% by 2030. In 2024, emissions were 38.2% lower than in 2005. The current ambition is to at least halve CO2 emissions by 2030 and be climate-neutral by 2050.
The inventory covers households, trade and services, transport, local energy production, small-scale industry not under the European Emissions Trading System (ETS), and urban services. Total emissions in 2024 amounted to 2,101 kilotons of CO2 equivalents, a decrease of 1,298 kilotons compared to 2005. This reduction rate is being maintained.
Households are making the largest contribution to the reduction. Their emissions are 56% lower than in 2005, despite a 19% population increase. This is due to a significant drop in energy consumption (-44%) through home renovations and more efficient energy use. Urban services (-53%), non-ETS industry (-54%), and trade/services (-31%) also achieved substantial emission reductions.
Transport remains the largest emissions sector (36% in 2024), dominated by road traffic (88%). Emissions decreased by 5.6% compared to 2023, thanks to the rise of electric and hybrid vehicles. However, the number of vehicle kilometers driven remains high, warranting caution.
Local energy production is becoming greener. In 2024, 22.3% of Antwerp's electricity consumption was generated locally, with 96% from renewable sources like solar and wind. Solar energy generation has notably increased.
Alderman for Environment Karim Bachar emphasizes that climate policy goes beyond graphs. 'We must further reduce emissions and ensure that Antwerp residents benefit from it: with lower energy costs, healthy homes, and a liveable city. The climate transition must be feasible and affordable for everyone.'
Antwerp will continue to focus on sustainable urban development, including the rollout of a city heating network, promoting local energy production, supporting home sustainability through the Loket Wonen en Energie (Housing and Energy Desk), promoting public transport and shared mobility, and electrifying the city's vehicle fleet. Additionally, efforts are underway to make Linkeroever climate-neutral by 2030 as part of the European mission for 100 climate-neutral cities.
“"These figures show that Antwerp is moving forward, but climate policy does not stop at a good graph. We must further reduce emissions and ensure that Antwerp residents benefit from it: with lower energy costs, healthy homes, and a liveable city. The climate transition must be feasible and affordable for everyone."
