Sustainability Attitudes & Behavior in Belgium

Sustainability Interest Is Widespread, But Deep Concern Is Lower

In Belgium, around two-thirds express at least some interest in sustainable living, but intensity is limited. Most say they feel only moderate or slight concern about climate change, which often leads to small, low-cost changes rather than bold or high-investment shifts in sustainable behaviors.

High Costs Remain the Main Obstacle

Nearly half of Belgians (48%) point to the high cost of sustainable products as the biggest barrier to greener living. Time constraints, limited public transport, and the lack of affordable, eco-friendly options also make change harder. Belgium’s energy transition tells the story well—solar panels remain an investment many households can’t afford upfront, despite subsidies.

Climate Action Centers on Familiar Habits

With only moderate concern and cost barriers in play, Belgians tend to focus on practical, low-cost steps. Recycling and composting (52%), saving water (46%), using energy-efficient appliances (43%), and opting for public transport or cycling (35%) are the most common actions. These habits are cheap, practical, and fit into daily life. But when the changes require larger investments or cultural shifts like cutting back on meat or installing solar panels adoption falls. Belgium embraces the low-hanging fruit, but struggles with the high branches.

Awareness of the 3Rs Is Low, But Action Is Already Happening

Nearly half of Belgians say they’ve never heard of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” Only 4% feel they fully understand the concept. Yet behavior suggests otherwise. Most are already recycling, cutting water waste, and finding ways to reuse. Awareness is lagging behind practice. The label is weak, but the instinct is strong. This gap suggests campaigns should skip the jargon and instead amplify what Belgians are already doing, making the next steps cheaper and more rewarding.

Belgium is stuck between awareness and transformation. Interest is high, deep concern is lower, and barriers remain stubborn. Still, the baseline habits are there: water conservation, recycling, energy efficiency. Build on these, make sustainable options more affordable, and amplify the sense of collective impact, and the hesitant middle could become the driving force behind Belgium’s green transition.