An Exploration of Bruges’ SDG Performance Using the Flemish SDG Monitor

This analysis reviews the performance of Bruges on reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) using the 2020 SDG Index for Flemish Cities. Overall, Bruges performs well, especially when compared to other regions and cities with similar characteristics. In particular, it exceeds expectations on SDG7 Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG10 Reduced Inequalities, SDG8 Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG17 Partnership for the Goals. In contrast, Bruges' scores are near the bottom of the distribution on SDG12 Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG1 No Poverty. Nevertheless, it performs significantly better on the latter goal than expected for a city of its size and population. Vice versa, for SDG2 Zero Hunger and SDG15 Life on Land, its scores are higher but lie well below the expectations. Our analysis looks at how and why the scores have changed over time. We suggest a few possible paths for improvement for those indexes where Bruges is still lagging. These include additional investment in organic agriculture (SDG2b), reducing non-recycled waste (SDG12a), and increasing environmental protection (SDG15a).