What works in Ghent

Ghent's Green Roof & Rainwater Subsidy Programme has subsidised over 120,000 m² of green roofs since 2002, with each m² retaining approximately 23 litres of stormwater to reduce peak loads on combined sewers; the programme accelerated significantly in 2020–2021 and expanded in 2023 to include rainwater harvesting and unpaving works. Digitaal.Talent@Gent operates 70+ Digital Talent Points across the city offering free computer and internet access to disadvantaged residents since 2006, supported by a lending service of 100+ digital devices. Every Family Online reached 400 digitally excluded families in poverty with free refurbished computers, internet connectivity and training, with participants reporting benefits in organisation, social contacts and information access. Together, these practices demonstrate Ghent's municipal commitments to environmental sustainability and digital inclusion, though the evidence quantifies reach and infrastructure rather than detailed outcome impacts.