Leuven sees transport CO₂ emissions fall by almost 26%
POLIS member Leuven has recorded a 25.9% reduction in transport-related CO₂ emissions, with the city continuing to invest in shared mobility, cycling, and more sustainable transport infrastructure.
Leuven's latest emissions figures show that transport-related CO₂ emissions fell by 25.9% in 2024 compared with 2023. Overall CO₂ emissions in the city decreased by 12%, bringing Leuven's emissions 31% below 2011 levels.
The city attributes the transport reduction to a substantial decrease in car kilometres, alongside more residents choosing to walk, cycle, use shared cars, or take public transport. The growth of electric vehicles is also contributing to lower emissions from the vehicles that remain on the road. Leuven specifically points to the expansion of its Zone 30 and the mobility plan in Kessel-Lo as important developments behind the reduction.
At the same time, Leuven is continuing to expand the alternatives to private car use. In 2025, the city increased its electric Blue-bike fleet from 56 to 76 bikes and added three new locations, including Hoppin points at Leuven station, Philipssite, and Parking Bodart. In 2026, the city announced a further expansion of its electric shared-bike network, adding 54 Blue-bikes at ten locations. Between January and April 2026, the number of electric Blue-bike trips reached 7,626, compared with 2,914 during the same period in 2025.
Leuven is also investing in longer-term improvements to active and public transport connections. In March 2026, the city selected the design team for the redevelopment of the Knoop van Kessel-Lo, a major mobility node near Leuven station. The plans include safer cycling connections and a new bridge for pedestrians and cyclists, alongside improvements to public transport and traffic flows.
These measures form part of Leuven's broader approach to sustainable mobility, combining reductions in car travel, active mobility, shared transport, public transport, and electrification. The latest emissions figures provide a first indication of the impact of this continued transition.
