A preliminary study (TWOL study “Cities and municipalities adapt” from 18.12.2015) shows that cities and municipalities need a tool that is low-threshold and responds quickly.
VITO recently carried out two projects commissioned by the Environment, Nature and Energy Department – LNE (now integrated in the new department Environment) to support cities and municipalities in their local climate policy.
Renewable Energy Atlas Flemish municipalities
The Renewable Energy Atlas Flemish municipalitiesgives an insight into the opportunities and risks with regard to the renewable energy potential in the territory of the municipality. Thanks to such an atlas cities and municipalities can better define their local objectives, and identify concrete ways they can be reached. Municipalities can play an important role to accelerate the market introduction of renewable energy sources (RES) and to help achieve renewable energy targets for the Flemish region. The most interesting questions are presented in the form of an interactive map of Flanders housed in its own theme ‘Energy’ in Geopunt. They are also available at www.burgemeestersconvenant.be/hernieuwbare-energieatlas, where you can find the final report as well.
LNE Adapts: adaptation tools for cities and municipalities
Climate projections for Flanders point to more frequent extreme event such as heat waves, droughts and heavy rain fall. Besides a climate migration policy aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions through transport, the heating of buildings and industrial and agricultural activities, climate adaptation is a necessary policy theme aimed at creating a resilient society. Since October 2015, the new Covenant of Mayors includes both adaptation and migration.
A preliminary study (TWOL study “Cities and municipalities adapt” from 18.12.2015) shows that cities and municipalities need a tool that is low-threshold and responds quickly. In particular, there is a need for a portal in which the fragmented information on climate adaption is put together. This information must be scientifically correct and should be available throughout Flanders.
On behalf of LNE and in collaboration with Wageningen Environmental Research and Point Consulting, VITO has developed the portal www.burgemeestersconvenant.be. The portal gathers existing information (CO2 emission inventories, Renewable Energy Atlas) along with a newly developed climate adaptation tool consisting of:
- 30 in detail described adaptation measures
- 15 documented examples of adaptation projects in Flanders
- 91 financing instruments for planning and realisation of adaptation
The Flemish Government will further develop this portal and transform it into the reference portal for local climate policy.
