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Ghent subsidies help local suppliers decarbonise deliveries

08/07/2024 17:55 Comments Off

The Belgian city aims to have its centre emissions free by 2030.

Companies making deliveries to Ghent’s central area can join one of two pilot projects: receiving a free electric vehicle, or a financial subsidy for a local emission-free last-mile delivery service. Both incentives are provided by the municipality.

Ghent’s climate goals are notably practical. The city aims to make its central area as emission-free as possible by 2030. While this target may seem less ambitious compared to other cities that promise ’emission-free zones’ or ‘banning fossil fuel cars,’ it appears achievable.

Not just empty words

“By 2030, we want city logistics to be as emission-free as possible, but we’re not leaving entrepreneurs to tackle this alone. We give them time to prepare and offer support to encourage them toward sustainable logistics,” explains Sofie Bracke, Alderman for Economy.

Approximately 7,000 tonnes of goods are delivered to Ghent’s central area (inside the R40 ring road) every week via 40,000 trips by vans and trucks, excluding construction logistics. Daily, 10,000 to 20,000 parcels are delivered to the city center.

This significantly impacts traffic and emissions, prompting the city to start implementing changes now. The phased approach allows entrepreneurs time to adapt.

Two options for entrepreneurs

For the first pilot project, companies, sole proprietorships, or non-profit organizations can test an emission-free vehicle for deliveries in Ghent free of charge for one week. They will also receive advice and customized logistics services.

Options include an electric truck, box truck, refrigerated truck or van, a light electric freight vehicle, or a cargo e-bike. Testing is available from September 23 to December 13, 2024.

The second option involves outsourcing the ‘last-mile delivery’. Logistics companies will bundle deliveries and transport goods from the city’s edge to the center. Participants collaborating with these providers will receive a 6,000-euro subsidy.

Ghent University seeks guest professor for Bicycle chair

30/10/2023 16:21 Comments Off

At the request of Flemish Minister of Mobility and Public Works Lydia Peeters, a new Bicycle Chair will be installed at Ghent University from December 1, with financial and substantive support from the Flemish government.

Experts who want to contribute to cycling policy in Flanders with their academic work can apply for the vacancy of part-time guest professor. With the new chair, the Flemish government and Ghent University want to strengthen the ambitious Flemish cycling policy with academic knowledge and insights.

The Bicycle Chair will start on December 1, 2023 within the Geography department of the Faculty of Science at Ghent University and will run for three years. The chair includes the appointment of a part-time visiting professor ‘Fiets’ at the rank of professor (10%) and a half-time scientific employee. The chair’s promoter will be Professor Frank Witlox of the Geography department, Faculty of Science.

Scientific research for a stronger cycling policy

The aim of the chair is to produce scientific publications and reports that can contribute to policy choices and the social debate on bicycle mobility. The chairholder will play a role in various relevant course units at Ghent University and work closely with the many actors involved in cycling policy in Flanders.

The visiting professor will conduct scientific research into a number of specific themes, which will be determined in consultation with a supervisory committee. Possible themes include bicycle safety, influencing bicycle behavior and use, and the development of smart technology to make cycling more comfortable and safer.

Financial support from the Flemish government

The Bicycle Chair receives a subsidy of a maximum of 249,999 euros from the Flemish government for the operating resources of the chair and the wage costs of the visiting professor and the part-time employee.

How do you apply?

More information about this vacancy can be found on the Ghent University job site.