Amsterdam is becoming increasingly sustainable. We eat less meat and dairy and more plant-based. We consume 12 percent less energy than in 2019. And the municipality itself emits 75 percent less CO₂ than in 2018. This is evident from the report Our City of Tomorrow. It outlines the progress of sustainable development in our city.
In September 2023, the College of Mayor and Aldermen outlined in the letter Our City of Tomorrow how this college is combating the climate crisis and what the city can expect in terms of sustainability until 2026. Now, after 2 years, the first progress report is being published: where does Amsterdam stand in achieving its sustainable goals?
What We Have Achieved
The progress is clearly visible in several areas:
- Overall, the use of new, non-sustainable materials by residents and businesses decreased from 23 billion kilos in 2018 to 14 billion kilos in 2023.
- CO₂ emissions in the port and industry have decreased significantly, partly due to the closure of the Hemweg coal-fired power plant:
- 2019: 5,123 kilotons of CO₂ per year
- 2023: 1,269 kilotons of CO₂ per year
- Houses are more energy-efficient: 63 percent of homes now have energy labels A–D (in 2012 that was still 20 percent).
Climate Goals Still Out of Reach
In recent years, we have achieved a lot and the results are visible in our city. However, the climate goals are still out of reach. If we continue on the current course, CO₂ emissions will decrease by 46 percent by 2030 compared to 2018. A significant improvement, but the target is 60 percent. The goal of using 50 percent fewer materials by 2030 is also not yet in sight.
The Next Step
Much of what is needed to achieve the goals, such as upgrading the electricity grid, greening the industry, and investing in heat networks, requires decision-making, legislation, and funding from the national government.
We are investigating which measures we as a municipality can still take to achieve 60 percent less CO2 emissions by 2030. This will mainly involve measures in the areas of mobility, the built environment, and industry, as this is where the largest CO2 emissions still occur.
Together a Step Further
The figures show that we make a difference together: from our eating habits to the way we live and travel. But to achieve the climate goals, we must take another step forward. The faster we become sustainable, the healthier and more livable Amsterdam will become.