Green Week 2011

3.3 Every drop counts – tools and tips for better water management

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:03:09 +0200

Water is life, sustaining ecosystems and regulating our climate. But did you know that it is a finite resource, and that less than 1% of the world's fresh water is directly accessible for human use? As demand for water continues to rise across Europe, there is a vital need to heighten awareness of the value of effective water management.

3.2 Soil sealing, floods and fragmentation – an avoidable catastrophe?

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:02:37 +0200

In our efforts to put a roof above our head, or to move from A to B, we are gradually covering the countryside with cement and asphalt. That's bad news for the soil. Every year, an additional 1,000 km² of land is now being claimed for housing, industry, roads and recreational purposes in the EU. Almost 500 km² - an area half the size of Berlin - is completely sealed over.

4.1 The future of Phosphorus – an uncertain road?

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:32:55 +0200

Without phosphorus, life would not exist: it's an essential nutrient for plants, animals and humans. Animals need phosphorous to prosper, and low levels in soils can reduce crop yields by well over 50%.

1.6 Don't waste waste: new business ideas for the ‘circular economy'

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:31:55 +0200

More businesses in Europe are finding that they can convert their bi-products and waste from production processes into a useful resource – for themselves, or for a neighbouring enterprise. The ‘circular’ approach to resources can save money, by eliminating waste disposal costs and reducing bills for energy or raw materials.

"Industrial Symbiosis – getting more from less" in partnership with Kalundborg Industrial Symbiosis

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:22:32 +0200

With the EU Flagship initiative Resource Efficiency, the European Union has made a clear statement with regard to the choice of a circular economy as a method for achieving a synthesis between stimulating sustainable growth and decreasing our use of natural resources including limiting production dependent impacts on the environment and climate.

Roundtable on food: "Waste not, want not – the role of nature and food production in ensuring a better tomorrow"

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:21:35 +0200

Assuring food security to a growing world population implies sustainable management of natural resources: we need to preserve our fish stocks, the fertility of our soils and make sure that we do not overuse or pollute them. Producing food in a sustainable way and reducing food waste from storage, transport, selling practices, packaging and consumer habits would greatly reduce the pressure on resources and our environment.. So what do we need to do to make change happen?

3.9 "Competitive and sustainable transport – pathways to modernisation and decarbonisation" in partnership with DG Mobility and Transport

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:20:57 +0200

In the spring of 2011, the Commission is due to adopt a White Paper on Transport. In line with the flagship initiative "Resource efficient Europe" set up in the Europe 2020 Strategy, European transport policy aims to help establish a system that underpins European economic progress, enhances competitiveness and offers high quality mobility services while using resources more efficiently.

1.9 "Cohesion policy – investing more and better for resource efficiency" in partnership with DG Regional Policy

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:20:16 +0200

The recent Communication "Regional policy contributing to sustainable growth in Europe 2020" underlined the need to invest more and better for sustainable growth.

4.7 Working smarter with nature to safeguard biodiversity

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 17:28:03 +0200

The first part of the session will set out the role of biodiversity and ecosystem services for human societies and economies, and give an overview on the current situation with regards to pressures on the overall health of ecosystems and the resulting consequences. Planetary boundaries for a number of key parameters will be discussed. In the second part innovative and re-discovered solutions which are indispensable for a resource efficient world are explored. It will be demonstrated that investing in nature e.g.

3.5 "The 2011 Energy Efficiency Plan: next steps" in partnership with DG Energy

Mon, 30 May 2011 16:55:50 +0200

The new Energy Efficiency Plan will be out shortly which puts forward energy efficiency measures across the whole energy supply chain. These measures will transform daily life with the potential to generate considerable financial savings for citizens, improve Europe's competitiveness, create new jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Plan will be followed up by legislative action to support the Plan's objectives. This session will address the Plan and the follow-up to it in more detail.