EU institutions and bodies should do more to reduce their carbon footprint

A report published by the European Court of Auditors (ECA) calls for the EU institutions and bodies to develop a common policy for reducing their greenhouse gas emissions (‘carbon footprint’). The report reveals that the 15 audited EU institutions and bodies do not yet make full use of the environmental management tools promoted by the European Commission. Progress in introducing the European eco-management and audit scheme (EMAS) has been slow, information available on the actual amount of emissions is patchy and only a few institutions and bodies use green procurement systematically.

“The EU institutions and bodies need to lead by example to support the upcoming 2030 EU target for reducing emissions,” said Ladislav BALKO, the ECA Member responsible for the report, “Paying careful attention to environmental performance in their daily operations is important not only for their own credibility but also for the credibility of the climate policy of the European Union.”

Special Report n° 14/2014: How do the EU institutions and bodies calculate, reduce and offset their greenhouse gas emissions?

European eco-management and audit scheme (EMAS)

Press release: EU institutions and bodies should do more to reduce their carbon footprint, say EU Auditors

15/10/2014