Bruges (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Bruges cut GHG emissions 30% (2011–2023), aims 50% by 2030, climate-neutral by 2050; Alderman Pablo Annys leads initiatives, €21M climate fund, wind turbines, Fluvius, Farys, public 2026 campaign.
As VRT News reported, Bruges has cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% compared to 2011, the city announced in its latest report. Officials said this drop is the result of a broad climate action plan. Over the past 5 years, heating demand in homes has fallen by more than 10%.
“This shows that Bruges homes and buildings are becoming better insulated and more energy-efficient,”
says Alderman for Energy, Climate, Housing and Social Policy Pablo Annys (Vooruit).
How is Bruges cutting emissions 30% and planning for 2050?
Officials mentioned that improvements include better insulation, modern heating systems, and energy-efficient renovations in both private and public buildings. Bruges plans to continue these efforts and encourage even more residents and businesses to upgrade their properties.
The city is also expanding local renewable energy production. Today, wind turbines and solar panels generate over 70% of Bruges’ electricity. Producing energy locally reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
“We will continue to encourage investments and, where possible, invest in our own assets and land,”
they say.
The city is taking steps to cut emissions from transport and improve urban planning. Car traffic emissions fell by about 6%, and officials aim to reduce them further. Plans include adding more electric car charging stations and limiting traffic in the city centre. Neighbourhood mobility plans are being developed to make it easier for residents to switch between buses, shared bicycles, and shared cars.
“The ambitions regarding housing, energy, mobility and food must not only be sustainable, but also remain affordable for all Bruges residents.”
Pablo Annys (Vooruit), Alderman for Energy, Climate, Housing and Social Policy
New urban projects will also be built to handle climate risks such as flooding and heatwaves. The city aims to reduce paving and increase green spaces wherever possible.
“And all of this must be done in a socially just way,”
says Annys.
“The ambitions for housing. energy, mobility, and food must not only be sustainable but also remain affordable for all Bruges residents.”
Bruges has set new climate targets to become climate-neutral by 2050. Officials said the city has already cut emissions by 30% between 2011 and 2023. The goal is to reach a 50% reduction by 2030. To help achieve this, Bruges will invest €21 million in a climate fund over the coming years. City leaders said the fund will attract more resources and support projects that bring additional climate benefits.
“That money is primarily intended for investing in innovative projects like a biofield near city buildings, experiments with batteries to improve energy storage, or participation in a wind turbine,”
Annys explains.
Bruges is also counting on programs from Fluvius, Farys, and the Flemish and federal governments to support future infrastructure projects in the city. These investments will improve energy, water, and mobility systems in line with climate goals.
Officials said the city will launch a public campaign in 2026 to involve residents and businesses in climate action. The campaign will focus on energy savings, sustainable transport, and other measures to lower emissions.
“highlighting concrete tips and actions, from energy-efficient living and sustainable mobility to greening one’s own living environment, so that everyone can help build BruggeNaarMorgen.”
Bruges has been working for years to cut greenhouse gas emissions. The city set its first targets in 2011 and started improving energy use in homes and public buildings. By 2018, measures like better insulation, modern heating systems, and more solar panels and wind turbines began showing results. In 2019, the city also focused on sustainable transport, adding bike zones, electric car charging stations, and neighbourhood mobility plans.
