The Environment Department has the following tasks:
- the realization of a high-quality living environment, which makes use of various stocks and the available space in a sustainable way
- the development of an integrated environmental policy (space, environment, nature and energy) aimed at policy preparation and implementation, support broadening, enforcement of regulations and policy evaluation
- cooperation with cities, municipalities and provinces for local environmental policy. Cities and municipalities are the first point of contact for citizens.
The Environment Department came into being on 1 April 2017 from a merger of the Department of Environment, Nature and Energy and Space Flanders.