Brussels is a Belgian capital that is already home to the European Union. It is also the largest urban area in Belgium, composed of 19 municipalities. Population in this city also became the largest in Belgium, which is more than 1.8 million inhabitants. For many years, Brussels is involved in a number of environmental activities. The goal is to become an example of a sustainable city.
The city is dominated by this beautiful architecture building has signed an agreement with the Mayor that this city will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2025. This value means exceeding the European goal of reducing 20% of greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. Thus, Brussels hopes to pioneer the European metropolis with sustainable urban management.
The city has chosen to develop several actions that involve all aspects of life in society. The first thing to do is to decide to improve the efficiency of power in the buildings that are there. These improvements are pursued through the promotion of large-scale renovation and construction techniques so that the objectives of the “minimum power” and “passive” standard implementation can be achieved in the long run.
Ultimately, significant resources will be prioritized to combat environmental pollution through water purification, as well as to reduce and fight increasingly wasted waste. The city also supports local initiatives such as sustainable home environments and the manufacture of vegetable gardens.
The city is touted as an eco-friendly trading city. Brussels has a very strong economy. It provides the administrative center building not only for Belgium but also for Europe as a whole. Most of the city’s economy is service-oriented. Without putting aside the goal of building an eco-city, the building provided was ecologically created.
Based on its commitment to cultivating buildings with “minimum” and “passive” standards, the new Brussels Environment headquarters building is one example. This building is one of the largest office and activity centers that meet passive standards in Europe.
The building is very concerned about the environmental performance and power used. The carbon balance in this building is quite good, ie 273 kg CO2 per m2 (only about half of the emission of concrete buildings in general).
The building also has a good air-out lane. Most of the building materials used are derived from local raw materials manufactured in Belgium. The products used already have eco-label, such as European Ecolabel, Natureplus, FSC, Milieukeur, and so forth.
Not just providing an eco-building, the city also makes a lot of green environments. This is what makes it known as one of the greenest capitals in Europe. It provides more than 8,000 hectares of land for green space. This green space is made in the form of gardens, both public and private property. Most of the parks and gardens are scattered throughout the city.
The green space and biodiversity for the city is an important resource to ensure the quality of life in urban structures. The development of a playground, environmental management, and the greenish trail layout that allows people to get around the city through green spaces is a manifestation of their commitment to society.
The sustainable achievement of the city also cannot be separated from the support of hundreds of initiatives from local people who are active every day. Communities contribute to building a sustainable home environment, forming collective purchasing groups that promote short food supply chains, making vegetable gardens, and composting the environment.
An ecological shift will not come true without a real social project. Changes made should be ensured evenly and citizens are protected. Creating a global culture of sustainable cities through respect for the environment can contribute to human and social development. That’s what Brussels believes.
