What do we see?
In 2021, investments in residential units, which includes renovations, accounted for about two-thirds of the footprint. In absolute terms, this value was higher between 2016 and 2018. The footprint of energy consumption accounted for about 14% of the total in 2021. This value fluctuates and was about 10% lower in absolute terms in 2021 compared to 2015. Per capita, the total footprint in 2021 is 5 tonnes per capita, about 10% lower than in 2015.
What’s the aim?
The material footprint ideally captures the consumption of materials inside and outside Flanders for meeting housing-related needs. Associated with this consumption are environmental impacts such as greenhouse gas emissions or emissions related to waste. The Flemish Government has adopted an overarching target for the total materials footprint: it should be reduced by 30% by 2030 and 75% by 2050.
