Antwerp in top 30 of global Sustainable Cities Index
Antwerp has debuted on the index of the top 100 sustainable cities at number 29, as Brussels tumbles 27 places
Solid employment rate
The list contains the top 100 cities, evaluated on the basis of 32 social, ecological and economic criteria. Arcadis takes into account the quality of education, affordability of products and services, employment, environment and congestion, among other factors. The top 10 this year includes eight European countries, with the Swiss city Zurich in first place.
Antwerp’s score is mainly based on social factors like equality of income, the balance between work and free time and health care. The city can be particularly proud of its employment rate; it’s a global leader in the area. Arcadis also noted, however a high emission of greenhouse gases, increasing congestion and lack of green space in the city.
Brussels much lower score this year is partially a result of a negative evaluation of the labour market. According to the researchers, productivity in Brussels is hindered by mobility problems. Unemployment is also relatively high at 17.5% – compared to 5.5% in Flanders, 10.8% in Wallonia and an average of 8.7% in the 28 EU member states.
Photo courtesy Visit Flanders
