Postcards from Brussels: Deputy Mayor keen to know more about carbon removal

Benoit Hellings, Deputy Mayor of Brussels responsible for climate (and sport), gave the walk it back campaign a warm welcome. Showing us around the city’s Town Hall — not only a beautiful building, but a living example of the city’s long history — he explained how difficult it is to heat and light ancient buildings in an efficient way. It’s a challenge that so many cities are also struggling with as they try to transform buildings constructed 500 years ago into the Net Zero era.

Benoit shared some of the giant strides that Brussels has made in greening the city. Pedestrianised areas have been created to tackle air pollution, and a large network of cycle lanes criss-crosses the city. The City Hall is trying to tackle energy efficiency in the building sector, while also reducing waste. They have also taken the time to consult with local citizens and businesses in developing the city’s Net Zero plan, which sets out their top priorities.

Benoit confessed that some of the emerging carbon removal solutions are still new to him. We talked through some of the opportunities it offers Brussels to achieve their Climate Plan — about carbon capturing concrete; and how biochar can lock carbon away for thousands of years; and of direct air capture units that can suck tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere.

Benoit was keen to find out more. In fact, he wants to see carbon removal in action — and has committed to visiting carbon removal pilots and applications that could be taken up in a city like Brussels.

So, we’re crowdsourcing the best examples of city based carbon removal around the world. Got an example? We definitely want to hear from you.

Thank you for meeting with us Benoit, we’re really excited about supporting Brussels on it’s journey towards becoming a carbon removal champion.