Commission leads by example on energy and resource efficiency

Following the presentation of an ambitious Circular Economy package at the beginning of the month and the historic climate deal in Paris last week, the European Commission is marking ten years of reducing its own environmental footprint. Thanks to European Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (“EMAS”) – one of the top environmental management tools in Europe – the European Commission is continuously reducing its environmental impact. For example,  since 2005 in Brussels it increased energy efficiency by 65%, and made better use of natural resources (by using 59% less water, 58% less paper and generating 28% less waste), while reducing CO2 emissions by 88%. Vice-President KristalinaGeorgieva in charge of budget and human resources said: “The ambitious climate deal reached at COP21 in Paris needs everyone to take the right measures. At the European Commission we have reduced our environmental footprint substantially will continue to do so in the years to come.” By the end of this year, most Commission sites – covering 92% of its office space – should be applying the EMAS standards. Environment Commissioner Karmenu Vella, in charge of overseeing EMAS, said: “As the European economy begins the transition to a more circular economy I am delighted that the Commission can hold its head up high and say we are committed to following our own advice.” More information is available under the following link. You can learn more about EMAS here.