| July 2024 |.
In our northern neighbors, the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) is working to collect more detailed data to meet the growing information needs of policymakers. This includes data on CO2 emissions per ton-kilometer and vehicles entering zero-emission zones. Carriers are required to provide trip data such as loading and unloading locations, type and weight of goods. This data helps calculate distances traveled and link vehicle characteristics to emission classes (source: TTM.nl and TNO).
Belgium is also seeing a growing appetite for vehicle data. The Belgian government is introducing increasingly stringent regulations, such as the Low Emission Zones (LEZ) in cities like Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent, where detailed emissions data from vehicles is required to access certain urban areas. This data not only helps with environmental compliance but also supports policy making and air quality improvement in urban environments (source: LEZ Brussels and Urban Access Regulations).
Starting in 2025, municipalities in the Netherlands will be allowed to establish zero-emission zones, where polluting trucks and vans are not allowed to drive. These zones are intended to reduce CO2 and particulate matter emissions in urban areas and improve air quality. Electric vehicles, hydrogen vehicles and other vehicles that do not produce harmful emissions are allowed in these zones).
To make the transition to zero-emission zones feasible, municipalities must announce the introduction of these zones at least four years in advance. Subsidies are available to business owners to make the purchase of clean vehicles more attractive. This helps small business owners in particular transition to zero-emission logistics.
For fleet management, this means an increased need for accurate recording and reporting of CO2 emissions and the use of sustainable vehicles. Tools such as carbon footprinting and the Decamod toolbox help map and reduce CO2 emissions. This provides better insight into the impact of various measures and helps with strategic decision-making (tno.nl/en).
For deeper insight and concrete figures, check out these sources:
In Belgium, several measures have already been taken in the area of emission reduction and data collection, similar to what you see in the Netherlands.
Belgium currently has four active Low Emission Zones (LEZ) in cities such as Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent and in the Wallonia region. These zones restrict the access of the most polluting vehicles to improve air quality and reduce health problems. Starting in 2025, these rules will be further expanded and tightened, including regulating trucks and other high-emission vehicles.
The Belgian government has plans to phase out conventional vehicles from the commercial vehicle fleet starting in 2026. This initiative encourages the use of electric vehicles and helps reduce greenhouse gases and air pollutants. This change is intended to make the tax treatment of company cars more environmentally friendly.
In addition, measures are being taken to better monitor and record vehicle CO2 emissions, similar to obligations in the Netherlands. This will help policymakers gain better insights and take targeted measures to further reduce emissions.
For more information, consult the following resources:
Starting in 2026, Belgium will adjust the tax treatment of company cars to promote the use of electric vehicles. Companies will be required to register and transmit data on their fleet's CO2 emissions to the government. This is similar to the registration rules already in place for vehicles in Low Emission Zones (LEZ).
Companies can use online platforms to enter the required data. This includes information such as vehicle type, fuel type, Euro standard, and miles driven. Most LEZ registrations already require vehicles to be registered through official websites.
Many companies are implementing telematics and Transportation Management Systems (TMS) that can automatically collect and transmit trip data to the relevant authorities. These systems can be linked to government online registration tools to reduce the administrative burden.
A number of companies use XML links between their TMS and government platforms, such as the VESDI platform in the Netherlands. This facilitates automated transmission of trip data and ensures accurate and detailed data collection.
* Accuracy: Theoretical data, such as fuel economy and CO2 emissions, are often measured under standardized test conditions by the manufacturer. These data are intended to provide a uniform basis for comparisons between vehicles.
* Limitations: Conditions during testing may differ greatly from actual driving conditions, leading to discrepancies between claimed and actual emissions and consumption.
* Actual Conditions: Actual recorded data is collected during actual trips under varying conditions. This provides a more accurate picture of a vehicle's actual fuel consumption and emissions.
* Policymaking: These data are crucial for policymakers to take effective environmental action. They can help identify areas where improvements are needed and monitor the impact of measures already taken.
* Compliance and Enforcement: It is important for companies to collect real data to comply with regulations and avoid possible penalties. Using accurate data helps create credible reports and supports companies during audits and inspections.
By combining telematics and advanced data collection, AllConnects helps companies not only comply with regulations, but also gain valuable insights for optimizing their operations and reducing their carbon footprint.
Our Fleet & Asset Management solution reads the vehicle data and presents it in a clear way. You not only see the CO₂ emissions per trip driven, but also detailed information about fuel consumption. This enables you to recognize patterns and take targeted measures to reduce your emissions.
In addition, we help you monitor compliance and ensure that you are always up-to-date with the latest changes and calculation methods. As a result, you can rest assured that your company is compliant with all regulations while contributing to a more sustainable world.
Click here to read the blog on CO₂ emissions with some practical examples.
Want to learn more about our industry-leading data capture solutions or get a quick no-obligation quote? Contact us by phone or email: +32 3 289 55 35 | service@all-connects.be or click HERE for more information.
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