A significant decrease of more than 10 percent in CO₂ emissions from major industry and aviation in our country was recorded last year, marking the largest drop since the financial crisis. According to De Tijd, this decline can be attributed to a slowdown in the industry. Energy-intensive companies 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.
The decline in emissions is largely attributed to high energy prices and weak demand leading many industrial companies to reduce production. The chemical sector saw a decline in production capacity, reaching its lowest level ever in 2023 despite a 77 percent increase in production in the chemicals, plastics, and pharmaceutical sectors since 2004. Additionally, two large industrial installations were shut down for maintenance last year.
Companies under the European Emissions Trading System (ETS), which includes major cement and steel producers, chemical installations, refineries, power stations, and intra-European airlines are subject to emission allowances for every ton of emissions they produce. These are recorded in the greenhouse gas register.
In Belgium 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 industry has also been focusing on producing energy more efficiently contributing to overall decrease in emissions.
Overall this is a positive step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change effects
