One of the world’s most ambitious carbon reduction plans has been adopted by the Belgian city of Ghent. As part of its 2008-2020 Local Climate Plan, the city aims to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions by 20%. These are the first steps in a long-term commitment to becoming entirely carbon-neutral by 2050.

Furthermore, the city administration intends to reduce carbon emissions by 60% and increase to 50% the share of renewable energy used within its own operations, which include street lighting and the heating of its buildings. In recognition of these efforts, the city received the Climate Star Award 2009 from the European Climate Alliance, which acknowledged the work that ARCADIS carried out on behalf of the city, to provide a CO2 baseline measurement. This measurement will be used to ascertain the level of reductions required, identify areas in which CO2 levels are at their highest, and provide the first step towards a specific action plan and effective monitoring methodology, in which different stakeholders will be involved.

“To reach carbon-neutrality by 2050 is an exciting challenge for all involved and will require great perseverance. We are delighted to be involved in shaping the future of this large and diverse city.”