Society

From 2027 onwards, Europe will introduce a second emissions trading system, known as ETS2. This means that a carbon price will make fossil fuels for transport and heating more expensive. A portion of ETS2 revenues will go toward supporting vulnerable groups during the energy transition.

The Viet Nam Institute for Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate Change (IMHEN) and the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing urban climate resilience in Viet Nam.

A Belgian consortium of top scientists and patient representatives launches a pioneering patient survey utilising Personalised Data Pods to secure the patient’s data and to allow them to store and manage their own health information. The survey focuses on patients with TTP (Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura), a rare blood condition.

Recent research by VITO/EnergyVille for Luminus offers a fresh look at how an adjustment to our Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) framework can accelerate the adoption of low‐carbon heating solutions. 

At BIOKET 2025, a key event for advancing biomass valorization technologies, industry leaders gathered to address the pressing challenges facing biobased chemistry. VITO shared its practical solutions to these challenges, showcasing its expertise and infrastructure designed to help companies innovate and thrive in this transformative field.

A study by VITO, commissioned by the European Environment Agency (EEA), sheds new light on the challenges the European Union faces in achieving sustainable textile consumption. Despite efforts to make the textile industry more sustainable, per capita consumption has risen from 17 kg in 2019 to 19 kg in 2022. This highlights the urgent need for systemic changes in the sector, with a focus on better quality, longer product lifespans, reuse, repair, and recycling.