Home-to-work commuting, spatial structure and energy consumption: a comparative analysis of Wallonia and Flanders, Belgium

abstract
Considering the need to address the sustainability of transport in Belgium, this paper discusses the effects of the urban spatial structure on home-to-work travel energy consumption through a comparative analysis of Wallonia and Flanders (Belgium). A commute-energy performance (CEP) index was calculated at the former municipality scale, evaluating variations of energy use between the two regions for the reference year 2001. Moreover, the evolution of the CEP index between 1991 and 2001 is also assessed. Results highlight an important dichotomy between the two regions: overall, the 2001 CEP index appears to be much better in Flanders than in Wallonia. A comparison of land use, spatial structure and socioeconomic factors allows explaining cross-regional and temporal variations. Finally, population change between 2001 and 2010 stresses current challenges underlying the evolution of the commute-energy performance between 1991 and 2001.