In 2023, CO₂ emissions from major industries and aviation in our country saw a significant decrease of more than 10 percent, marking the largest drop since the financial crisis. According to De Tijd, this decline can be attributed to the slowdown in the industry. Energy-intensive companies in our country emitted 4.26 million tons less of greenhouse gases compared to the previous year, representing a reduction of 10.5 percent. This figure is measured in CO₂ equivalents, which takes into account the impact of all greenhouse gases converted into CO₂ impact. At the European level, the decline was even more pronounced, at 15.5 percent.
Companies under the European Emissions Trading System (ETS) were responsible for this decline. The ETS includes major cement and steel producers, chemical installations, refineries, power stations, and intra-European airlines. Companies falling under ETS must provide an emission allowance for every ton of emissions they produce, which is recorded in the greenhouse gas register.
In Belgium alone, over 280 industrial installations and power plants are subject to emissions trading, along with intra-European flights, representing around 40 percent of all CO₂ emissions in the country.
The decline in emissions can be attributed to several factors such as high energy prices and weak demand leading many industrial companies to reduce production. Additionally, two large industrial installations were shut down for maintenance last year.
However, despite a 77 percent increase in production in the chemicals, plastics, and pharmaceutical sectors since 2004, greenhouse gas emissions remained stable. The industry has also been focusing on producing energy more efficiently.
Overall, this significant decrease in CO₂ emissions marks a positive step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change efforts across Europe.