In 2023, major industry and aviation in our country saw a significant decrease of more than 10 percent in CO₂ emissions, marking the largest drop since the financial crisis. This decline can be attributed to the 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.
Companies under the European Emissions Trading System (ETS), which includes major cement and steel producers, chemical installations, refineries, power stations, and intra-European airlines, were responsible for this decrease. 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, 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 is largely attributed to the industry’s slowdown due to high energy prices and weak demand leading many industrial companies to reduce production. Despite a 77 percent increase in production in the chemicals, plastics, and pharmaceutical sectors since 2004, greenhouse gas emissions remained stable. Additionally, two large industrial installations were shut down for maintenance last year.
Furthermore, companies have been focusing on producing energy more efficiently by implementing new technologies that reduce their carbon footprint. The chemical sector saw a decline in production capacity but managed to maintain stable greenhouse gas emissions by optimizing their processes.
Overall, these figures highlight that reducing CO₂ emissions requires collective effort from industries and governments alike to implement policies that promote sustainable practices while ensuring economic growth.