The Hague leads in CO2 reduction with 12.5% drop, eyes climate-neutral future by 2030
The Hague has surpassed its CO2 reduction target, cutting emissions by 12.5% in 2024. This milestone brings the city closer to its goal of a cleaner, healthier environment and sets an example for other municipalities.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| CO2 Emissions Reduction | 12.5% decrease in 2024 (6,370 tons) compared to 2023 |
| Target for 2027 | 30% reduction compared to 2023 |
| 2030 Ambition | Near-zero CO2 emissions |
| Diesel Vehicle Emissions Drop | Nearly 11% reduction in 2024 |
| Petrol Vehicle Emissions Drop | Over 50% reduction in 2024 |
| CO2 Performance Ladder Level | Level 1 achieved, first major city to receive this certificate |
| Responsible Alderman | Arjen Kapteijns (Energy Transition, Mobility, and Raw Materials) |
| Major Emission Sources | Heating of buildings (e.g., swimming pools, sports halls), municipal vehicles |
The municipality of The Hague plays a pivotal role in driving local sustainability efforts, setting policies and implementing measures to reduce CO2 emissions. As a government body, it also collaborates with other municipalities to share best practices and achieve broader climate goals.
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Municipality reduces CO2 emissions by 12.5 percent
The municipality has reduced its own CO2 emissions by 12.5 percent. This is better than expected. The municipality is thus contributing to a healthy and clean city.
The heating of buildings, particularly swimming pools and sports halls, accounts for the majority of CO2 emissions. Additionally, the municipality’s own vehicles emit relatively high levels of CO2.
The switch to cleaner vehicles has contributed significantly to the overall reduction in CO2 emissions. For example, the municipality’s diesel vehicle emissions dropped by nearly 11 percent in 2024. The reduction in petrol vehicles was even more substantial, with emissions falling by more than half in the same year.
The decrease in CO2 emissions from fuel-powered vehicles is largely due to the increased use of electric vehicles. The electricity used is generated by solar panels and wind turbines.
Minimizing CO2 emissions
By reducing its own CO2 emissions, the municipality is contributing to a cleaner and healthier city. The goal is to achieve a 30 percent reduction in CO2 emissions by 2027 compared to 2023. The ambition is for the organization to emit as little CO2 as possible by 2030.
In 2024, the municipality’s CO2 emissions amounted to 6,370 tons, a 12.5 percent decrease from 2023. This exceeds expectations, as the municipality had aimed for a 10 percent reduction.
The municipality’s CO2 emissions are verified by an independent organization. Other municipalities also collaborate with this organization, enabling them to share knowledge more easily.
CO2 Performance Ladder
The CO2 Performance Ladder is a tool for municipalities to work toward a cleaner and healthier city. It helps municipalities identify where CO2 savings can be made and what measures are required.
The municipality has achieved Level 1 of the CO2 Performance Ladder. The certificate was officially presented to Alderman Arjen Kapteijns, responsible for Energy Transition, Mobility, and Raw Materials, on March 12. The Hague is the first major city to receive this certificate.
Emissions from the municipality’s own organization
To achieve Level 1 of the CO2 Performance Ladder, the municipality examines where emissions occur within its own organization and what measures can be taken to reduce them.
At Level 2 of the CO2 Performance Ladder, the focus shifts to the municipality’s procurement and tendering policies. The municipality can set requirements for suppliers and companies it collaborates with, encouraging them to reduce their own CO2 emissions. This applies to construction companies and their suppliers of materials such as wood, paving stones, concrete, and steel.
Want to know more?
For more information, visit the CO2 Performance Ladder webpage: climate-neutral by 2030.