PRESS PACKClimate Plan

YVAN MAYEUR, MAYORAHMED EL KTIBI, ALDERMAN FOR ENVIRONMENT

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2. Drafting of the Climate PlanAfter the diagnostic phase, the City of Brussels will make a series of commitments in other areas, thanks to the Climate Plan, to reduce its CO2 emissions even further.

Getting inspiration from Brussels residents

The City aims to involve Brussels residents in the process. A series of participatory workshops will be organised to identify the problems and the local issues, and to suggest solutions.The participants will tackle various subjects: sustainable food,urban agriculture, sustainable consumption, nature in the city and «low carbon» mobility.Brussels residents who don’t have the possibility to take part in these workshops can also propose their ideas on the Climate Plan website www.climat.bruxelles.be . Parallel to these workshops for residents, the City of Brussels will organise an internal workshop which will enable collaboration between City offi cials. With the assistance of the consultancies CO2logic and EcoRes, the City of Brussels will bring together and summarise the ideas proposed during the various workshops. These ideas will form the basis of the drafting of a local policy report Energy Climate: the Climate Plan of the City of Brussels. This will be presented in March 2017.

Yvan Mayeur confi rms “European cities hold key positions in local politics. They are close to the citizens and can competently meet their needs. Our cities play a key role in our sustainable future, improving our living conditions and reorganizing our living spaces.”

Press Contact: : Daphné Phan LêPhandaphne.le@brucity.be // 02/279 48 15 // 0494/745 834

Ahmed El Ktibi confi rms: «These initial results are impressive and I’m sure most people are unaware of them. Sustainable initiatives have already been implemented by the City, but efforts still need to be made if we want to achieve the European objectives for 2030. I am proud to be able to announce these encouraging initial results, and I’m looking forward to discovering the ideas for the Climate from Brussels residents and our City offi cials!»

THE CITY OF BRUSSELS’ CLIMATE PLAN

The City of Brussels has made a fi rm commitment by developing its Climate Plan! But to achieve this, the City needs fresh ideas from Brussels residents. Until the end of October, Brussels residents are invited to take part in the development of the climate plan for their City. A list will be drawn up with a series of actions and pledges, enabling us to prepare ourselves for climate and energy change.

The plan is structured in two phases:

1. The carbon assessment of the CityThe City has already measured the CO2 emissions generated by the activities taking place in its territory. The initial results of this carbon assessment are encouraging:

After the diagnostic phase, the City of Brussels will make a series of commitments in other areas, thanks to the Climate Plan,

: «These initial results are impressive and I’m sure most people are unaware of them. Sustainable initiatives have already been implemented by the City, but efforts still need to be made if we want to achieve the European objectives for 2030. I am proud to be able to announce these encouraging initial results, and I’m looking forward to discovering the ideas for

The City aims to involve Brussels residents in the process. A series of participatory workshops will be organised to identify the problems and the local issues, and to suggest solutions.The participants will tackle various subjects: sustainable food,urban agriculture, sustainable consumption, nature in the city and «low carbon» mobility.Brussels residents who don’t have the possibility to take part in these workshops can also propose their ideas on the Climate Plan website www.climat.bruxelles.be . Parallel to these workshops for residents, the City of Brussels will organise an internal workshop which will enable collaboration between City offi cials. With the assistance of the consultancies CO2logic and EcoRes, the City of Brussels will bring together and summarise the ideas proposed during the various workshops. These ideas will form the basis of the drafting of a local policy report Energy Climate: the Climate Plan of the City

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1. Objectives

The Climate Plan of the City of Brussels aims to achieve the European objectives in the areas of

energy and climate by 2030:

2. The development process of the City of Brussels’ Climate Plan

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1. Objectives

The Climate Plan of the City of Brussels aims to achieve the European objectives in the areas of

energy and climate by 2030:

2. The development process of the City of Brussels’ Climate Plan

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3. The participatory workshops

The results of the carbon assessment will be presented during these workshops, which are open

to all Brussels residents. The collected ideas will then be debated so as to identify the most

appropriate actions to reduce the impact of CO2 emissions and define together with Brussels

residents how best to adapt the territory of the City to climate change.

3.1. Workshop on «low carbon» mobility

Thursday 22 September from 7.30pm until 10.00pm - Le Space (rue Dansaert)

How can we make the City pleasant and accessible to everyone? How can we make Brussels

residents more aware of «low carbon» mobility? These are some examples of the questions which

you will be able to answer during this workshop.

3.2. Workshops: food - urban agriculture, sustainable consumption, creating green spaces

Thursday 6 October from 7.30pm until 10.00pm: Brueghel Cultural Centre

Thursday 20 October from 7.30pm until 10.00pm – L’espace S

Your food, your way of consuming, and public spaces as you imagine them are the essential

themes for creating the «low carbon» city of tomorrow.

This workshop offers you the chance to reflect on these subjects and come up with relevant ideas

and projects for the territory of the City.

4. The results in detail:

The results of the City of Brussels’ Carbon Assessment centre on two reports:

• a diagnosis of the situation in terms of greenhouse gas emissions within the territory:

Mitigation report

• and a second in terms of the vulnerability to climate change within the territory: Adaptation

report

MITIGATION REPORT

4.1. Methodology

The methodology used to assess levels of greenhouse gas emissions is the «Carbon Assessment»

method developed by the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME). This

method measures levels of emissions via easily available data, allowing an accurate evaluation

of direct emissions or emissions created by an activity or a territory. It applies to all activities:

companies in the industrial sector or the tertiary sector, administrations, or even territory managed

by municipalities.

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The chosen method is based on the principle of life cycle analysis for which the emission factors

are expressed in equivalent tonnes of CO2. The equivalent CO2 is the «official» measure of

greenhouse gas emissions. The advantage of this unit is that it takes into account an average of all

greenhouse gases which contribute to global warming

4.1.1. Time frame of the study

The reference year is the year with which the future reductions achieved by 2030 will be

compared. The fiscal year selected for establishing the Reference Inventory of Emissions is the

year 2008. In order to have a perspective on the evolution of this initial inventory, a follow-up

inventory will also be carried out for fiscal 2014.

4.1.2. Organisational and operational framework of the study

The emissions taken into account include on the one hand, those produced by the Municipal

Administration of the City of Brussels’ own activity (Patrimony and services section, referred to

from now on as ‘municipal emissions’) and on the other hand, those produced within the territory

(Territory section, referred to from now on as territorial

4.2. The results

4.2.1. Evolution of territorial emissions between 2008 and 2014

Territorial emissions for the year 2014 amount to 1,228,205equivalent tonnes of CO2, which

represents a reduction of 16% compared to the reference year 2008 (total reduction of 201,041

equivalent tonnes CO2) or 6.1 equivalent tonnes CO2/inhabitant. This represents a relative

reduction per inhabitant of 25%. It is interesting to observe that all sectors have witnessed

reductions compared to 2008. The tertiary sector remains the leading emissions producer, but

also achieved significant emissions reductions in 2014. The services sector reduced its emissions

by 15% between 2008 and 2014 which equates to a net reduction of 102,848 equivalent tonnes

CO2. The reduction in emissions in the services sector has contributed around 51% of the overall

reductions observed between 2008 and 2014.In general, this downward trend is also reflected in

other emissions of the Region.

→-> 3 favourable external factors primarily explain the reduction of CO2 emissions pertaining to

energy between 2008 and 2014:

1. reduction of emissions pertaining to electricity, related to the evolution of the energy mix of

electricity in Belgium (the national emissions factor in Belgium went from 0.257 kg CO2/kWh in

2008 to 0.199 kg CO2/kWh in 2014 (data from the International Energy Agency, 20151 )

2. the year 2014 was warmer than 20082 meaning that the demand for heating was less strong.

With a climate correction factor (at an equal climate level), the reduction in CO2 emissions

between 2008 and 2011 would only have been 11%!

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3. All of the measures implemented by citizens and companies, as well as by the stakeholders in

the territory, which are sometimes difficult to quantify (e.g. all the actions regarding information,

awareness raising, internal mobility actions within companies, etc.).

4. The production of energy from renewable sources, which tripled in the City territory between

2008 and 2014, going from 58.75 GWh to 153.32 GWh (source : Brugel, Apere)

Details for 3 main sectors:

• Tertiary sector: in general, there was a slight increase in electricity and natural gas

consumption (n.b.: there were more companies in 2014 than in 2008 (10,829 service

companies in 2014 VS 8,660 in 2008, source IBSA3 ).

The increase in the consumption of electricity was counterbalanced by a fall in the carbon

intensity of the Belgian electric emissions factor (a reduction of 70,914 equivalent tonnes

CO2)

Increase in the consumption, and emissions, of natural gas ( + 2,255 equivalent tonnes CO2)

counterbalanced by a strong fall in emissions in light fuel (-34,228 equivalent tonnes CO2)

data extrapolated from the energy assessments of the Brussels-Capital Region.

Weak renewable production, but registering a clear increase, from 0 to 50,884 MWh in 6

years – source Brugel (the most productive sector in terms of renewable energy, apart from

the NOH incinerator)

• Housing

Slight increase in electricity consumption (124 GWh to 127 GWh) counterbalanced by a

reduction in the carbon intensity of the emissions factor (reduction of almost 6,500

equivalent tonnes CO2).

Reduction in natural gas consumption and emissions of almost 5,000 equivalent tonnes

CO2 (various factors: mild climatic conditions, energy efficiency in houses, etc.).

Reduction in light fuel consumption of 31 000 equivalent tonnes CO2. (data extrapolated

from the energy assessments of the Brussels-Capital Region for the years 2008 and 2013)

Weak renewable production but clearly increasing, going from 2 MWh in 2008 to 708 MWh

in 2014 (source : Brugel, Apere)

1 IEA CO2 from fuel combustion, Edition 2015 2 Degree-day 2008 (Uccle) =1828.5, Degree-day in in 2014 (Uccle)= 1424.1 3 Number of companies subject to VAT per division NACE-BEL (2008)

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• Passenger transport

Reduction of emissions produced by private vehicles (reduction of 22,612 equivalent tonnes CO2) and reduction of 171 equivalent tonnes CO2 from passenger transport by motorcycle.

Slight increase in emissions of 3,214 equivalent tonnes CO2 relating to STIB public transport (in parallel with an increase in the number of STIB passengers over the same period)

Summary table of territorial emissions and reductions 2008 and 2014 by sector:

4.2.2. Evolution of municipal emissions

The municipal emissions generated by the operations of the City of Brussels in 2014 amounted to

48,020 equivalent tonnes CO2 or 5.2 equivalent tonnes CO2 per official. Between 2008 and 2014,

municipal emissions have fallen by 18% whereas over the same period, the number of municipal

employees has increased by 6%. This observation is particularly favourable if we present the

emissions relative to the number of officials, as the CO2 footprint then falls by 23%.

The most notable reductions were achieved in the area of energy, where emissions have fallen by

33% since 2008 or 1,767 equivalent tonnes CO2 avoided each year between the reference year and

the follow-up year.

All of the reduced emissions between 2008 and 2014 represent in other terms:

• 53.3 MWh of electricity or approximately 28% of the current consumption of the

Administration

• 52.5 MWh of natural gas or approximately 27% of the current consumption of the

Administration

• The annual impact of 530 Belgians

The absorption capacity of 353 ha of forest

téqCO2 2008 téqCO2 2014 Différence 2008-2014Contribution à la

réduction totale (%)

Résidentiel 214 176 170 127 44 048 22%Tertiaire 684 186 581 337 102 848 51%Industries 21 788 16 215 5 573 3%Incinérateur 76 019 61 739 14 280 7%Transport de marchandises 59 031 47 280 11 751 6%Déplacements de personnes 173 006 150 464 22 541 11%

TOTAL 1 228 205 1 027 164 201 041

Residential

Tertiary

Industries

Incinerator

Transport of goods

Transport of persons

equivalent tonnes equivalent tonnes Difference 2008-2014 Contribution to CO2 2008 CO2 2014 the total reduction (%)

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4.2.2.1. Emissions related to energy

The greenhouse gas emissions of the Municipal Administration of the City of Brussels for energy in buildings amounts to 28,151 equivalent tonnes CO2, or 59% of the total in 2014. This represents a reduction of 33% in greenhouse gas emissions, which is predominantly accounted for by the purchase of green electricity. Green electricity allowed a reduction of 7,462 equivalent tonnes CO2.

4.2.2.2. Emissions related to mobility

Greenhouse gas emissions related to mobility amounted to 4,879 equivalent tonnes CO2, or 10% of municipal emissions in 2014. Compared with the reference year 2008, the impact linked to mobility reduced by 10%, despite an increase in the number of offi cials by 6%.

4.2.2.3. Emissions related to the purchase of goods and services

Greenhouse gas emissions of the Municipal Administration of the City of Brussels for the purchase of goods and services represent 6,555 equivalent tonnes CO2, or 14% of the total municipal emissions in 2014. A signifi cant increase of 45% in emissions in this area was observed, compared with 2008. However, these emissions do not refl ect actual consumption since the emissions are calculated based on the amount of purchases which fl uctuate depending on market prices. In other words, the City will make purchases in larger quantities if an opportunity arises to purchase at lower cost (and will therefore hold stock).

4.2.2.4. Emissions related to capital assets

Greenhouse gas emissions related to capital assets of the Municipal Administration of the City of Brussels amounted to 4,242 equivalent tonnes CO2 in 2014, or 6% of municipal emissions. Compared with 2008, the area «capital assets» increased by 5%. This increase has a direct correlation with the increase in the number of offi cials by 6% between 2008 and 2014, in particular with regards to the number of IT workstations (laptops and PCs).

Evolution of emissions between 2008 and 2014 (tonnes CO2): -18%

Waste

Capital assets

Inputs

Mobility

Energy

Equi

vale

nt to

nnes

CO

2

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ADAPTATION REPORT

4.1. Methodology

The eff ects of the climate on a given territory are evaluated via the interaction of three elements: climate hazard, the exposure of populations, environments and activities to this hazard, and vulnerability. The impact is the outcome of the climatic risk. An evaluation of the current situation is then drawn up taking into account the possible evolution of the climate.

4.2. Possible climatic futures for the Brussels region

Awareness of possible climatic futures in a given territory is an essential scientifi c basis for any study regarding adaptation to climate change.

The study «Adaptation to climate change in the Brussels-Capital Region» (Brussels Environment Agency, 2012) mapped out the contours of the climatic future in the Brussels territory, across three studies:

• «KNMI» scenarios (Royal Dutch Meteorological Institute): These scenarios are not specifi c to the Brussels-Capital Region (they refer to the Netherlands) and are based on a change of behaviour of air masses on a large scale. • «CCI-HYDR» scenarios: These scenarios have been realised for Belgium and also cover the Brussels-Capital Region, since the reference station used is that of Uccle. They are essentially based on the impacts of climate change related to extreme hydrological risks.

• «Ensembles» scenarios: In the context of the study entitled «Adaptation to climate change in the Walloon Region», the results of high spatial and temporal resolution projections (daily data) from the «Ensembles» projects are used for the Walloon Region. All of the regional projections result from the combination of around twenty global and regional climate models.

THE HAZARDTh e probability that the heavy goods vehicle transporting dangerous substances has an accident

AT STAKEInhabitantsFacilitiesInfrastructureetc.

THE MAJOR RISKTh e heavy goods vehicle explodes close to residential areas

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The following main trends are indicated:

• A warmer climate: generally higher level of average seasonal temperatures• Not necessarily less rainy• Milder and wetter winters: a gradual and sustained increase in winter precipitation according to the average projections of respectively +7%, +10% and +21% for the time frames 2030, 2050 and 2085.• Warmer and drier summers• Milder intermediate seasons• More intense and frequent rain showers in winter: an increasing trend in the annual number of days of heavy precipitation, +17% annual increase up to 2030 and +12% up to 2050.• More frequent heatwaves in the summer

4.3. The consequences of climate change in the territory of the City of Brussels

The two major climatic hazards which might impact the City of Brussels in the areas of urban planning, housing and accommodation, but also mobility and the health of inhabitants, are:

• Floods• Heat island effects

4.3.1. High risk of flooding

The territory of the City of Brussels is very concerned by the flooding hazard.

The dynamic is the following: during intense precipitation, the urbanisation of the territory limits the water infiltration capacity in the soil, meaning that rainwater is buffered using storm tanks which are adequately sized for rains described as decennial. When these are full, the drainage network will then facilitate water storage. After that, water will penetrate into underground car parks and basements/cellars, and then seep onto streets.

The contours of the flooding hazard zones must remain stable but the frequency of these events could evolve with climate change.

4.3.2. A layout which magnifies heatwaves

During the summer, the City of Brussels may be subjected to heatwaves, this hazard being magnified by the urban heat island effect. This has various consequences: • Thermal comfort in public and private areas will deteriorate, which may lead to a public health risk• The quality of the outside air will be noticeably impaired (conditions favourable to the formation of ozone and the stagnation of fine particles)• The quality of air indoors will also be impaired (marked increase of dust mites, mould and bacteria)

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• Increase in the demand for energy for cooling requirements • Increase in the demand for drinking water.

In this way, the urbanised areas of the City of Brussels will be subjected to the urban heat island effect. The most vulnerable population groups (young children, older/disabled/sick/isolated persons) are particularly exposed.

Climate change will have the effect of increasing incidences of heatwaves, these will therefore be magnified by the urban heat island effect. The already alarming current situations during heatwaves, such as in schools, will therefore be accentuated.

CO2logic and EcoRes

About CO2logic: CO2logic is an independent international consultancy specialising in climate issues. CO2logic is specialised in the calculation, reduction and compensation of CO2 emissions. Currently, many organisations depend on CO2logic’s services to reduce their climatic impact and energy costs and offer them significant competitive advantages. www.co2logic.com

About EcoRes: EcoRes is a consultancy specialising in sustainable development applied to organisations and territories, using an ecosystem approach. Founded by Groupe One, which is an NGO active in sustainable entrepreneurship for 18 years, EcoRes benefits from extensive and diverse internal expertise, including all aspects relating to sustainability. www.ecores.eu