"EMAS Newsletter" Newsletter Issues

July 2024 Summer Edition (26/06/2024)

Dear EMAS Community,

EFRAG consultation (26/06/2024)

The public consultation within the framework of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) has concluded, and EFRAG is now consolidating the received comments. This consultation was particularly significant for EMAS, given the focus on sustainability standards for SMEs.

Webinar: How EMAS can support Improving the Sustainability of the Tourism Sector (26/06/2024)

Friday, 27 September 2024, 10:00 - 12:00 CEST

Green claims directive (26/06/2024)

On 17 June 2024, the Council of the European Union announced its readiness to begin negotiations with the European Parliament on the Green Claims Directive. This Directive aims to ensure that companies substantiate their environmental claims to combat greenwashing.

Nature restoration law (26/06/2024)

The Council of the European Union has given the final approval to the Nature Restoration Law. Announced on 17 June 2024, this landmark legislation aims to restore damaged ecosystems and improve biodiversity across the EU.

Corporate sustainability due diligence (26/06/2024)

On 24 May 2024, the Council of the European Union approved the political agreement on the Directive for corporate sustainability due diligence, completing the adoption process.

EMAS Award 2024 (26/06/2024)

We are excited to announce that the EMAS Award 2024 is now open for applications in Germany and Austria! The award ceremony will take place on November 5 in Vienna. This is a fantastic opportunity to recognise outstanding environmental management achievements.

National EMAS Day 2024 in Brussels (26/06/2024)

On October 3, 2024, the national EMAS Day will be held in Brussels, focusing on EMAS and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). This event is open to companies, public organizations, and other stakeholders. The meeting aims to share experiences, new developments, and initiatives related to EMAS. Simultaneous translation between Dutch and French will be provided, but there will be no English translation. Registration is free but necessary and can be done until September 15, 2024.

New Publication: EMAS and Eco-labeling Report (26/06/2024)

New Publication

Updated Facts and Figures (26/06/2024)

Exciting news!

#WaterWiseEU Campaign (26/06/2024)

The Directorate-General for the Environment is thrilled to announce the launch of the #WaterWiseEU campaign and is inviting you to become a #WaterWiseEU campaign partner!

EMAS contribution towards higher sustainability in football - FC Porto’s road to EMAS registration (26/06/2024)

FC Porto is the first sports club in Portugal and Europe to achieve EMAS certification, making an important contribution to sustainability. FC Porto has benefited from the support of the FREE KICKS project, co-funded by the European Union to promotes circular economy and environmental sustainability in soccer organizations.

Webinar recap: Shape the new European sustainability reporting-standards for SMEs (26/06/2024)

On April 9, the EMAS Helpdesk, in collaboration with the European Commission (EC), the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG), Club EMAS, the Austrian Federal Environmental Agency and Umweltgutachterausschuss (UGA), hosted a webinar for EMAS-registered small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The webinar focused on the draft of EFRAG on sustainability reporting standards.

CD PROJEKT: First EMAS Company in the Video Game Industry (26/06/2024)

CD PROJEKT, a leading digital entertainment company known for its influential games such as The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077, became the first games company to register to EMAS (EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) scheme. This certification shows the company's commitment to environmental stewardship and showcases CD PROJEKT's dedication to sustainable practices.

Policy paper on the synergies between the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting (CSRD) published (26/06/2024)

As the first companies are getting ready to report in 2025 for the financial year 2024 under the CSRD, the German EMAS Advisory Board (UGA) publishes a policy paper analysing the synergies and differences between the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) and the European Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS).

Sustainable Production and Consumption (26/06/2024)

Check the latest news on Sustainable Production and Consumption!

Empowered Cities: Navigating the EU Elections and the Green Deal (20/06/2024)

20 June 2024, 11:00 - 12:00

Kerava's New Era Building and Housing Festival: Inspiration and Circular Solutions (26/07/2024)

26 July 2024 to 7 August 2024

SEA of Solutions 2024: Delivering Actions to End Plastic Pollution (18/09/2024)

18 - 20 September 2024

6th European Recycling Conference: Recycling Today, Resourcing Tomorrow (26/09/2024)

26 September 2024

Issue 01 / March 2024 Spring Edition (11/03/2024)

Dear EMAS Community, welcome back to the EMAS Newsletter in 2024! Enjoy its content and all the latest updates within and around our community. Wishing you a great start to the spring season!

Global Resources Outlook 2024 (08/03/2024)

On the 1st March, the International Resource Panel (IRP) of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), published the 2024 edition of the Global Resources Outlook. The report brings together the best available data, modelling and assessments to analyze trends, impacts and distributional effects of resource use. It shows how demand for resources is expected to continue increasing in the coming decades.

Waste Management Europe Conference, WME2024: the European exhibition and conference on waste management and the circular economy (09/04/2024)

Bergamo, Italy | 9 - 11 April 2024

Public consultation on new Sustainability Reporting Standards for SMEs under the CSRD (11/03/2024)

EFRAG has published two Exposure Drafts on sustainability reporting standards for SMEs and invites feedback until May 21st, 2024. EMAS stakeholders are encouraged to provide input, emphasizing the need to recognise EMAS Environmental Reporting in these standards.

Annual Single Market and Competitiveness Report (08/03/2024)

On February 14th, the Commission released the Annual Single Market and Competitiveness Report, tracking Europe's Single Market developments based on nine competitiveness drivers. One of these drivers is circularity. Europe is slowly progressing towards a more circular economy.

SAVE THE DATE (08/03/2024)

April 9th, 2024, 10 am – 12 pm

World Circular Economy Forum 2024 (WCEF2024) (15/04/2024)

Brussels, Belgium or online | 15 – 18 April 2024

Circular Economy in the Healthcare Sector (11/03/2024)

We are looking for EMAS companies in the healthcare sector to share ideas and solutions in the field of circular economy.

EMAS events across Europe (08/03/2024)

In Romania, a series of seminars aims to improve information access and provide training on EMAS and the EU Ecolabel.

Provisional Agreement on Carbon Removal Certification (08/03/2024)

On February 20th, the Commission welcomed a provisional agreement establishing the first EU-wide voluntary framework for the certification of high-quality carbon removals, enhancing the EU's ability to quantify, monitor, and verify carbon removal authenticity.

International Conference on Water and Sewage in the Circular Economy Model (22/04/2024)

Krakow, Poland | 22 – 24 April 2024

In Europe across the EMAS community (11/03/2024)

This winter, the EMAS Helpdesk released a new success story featuring Epson Ibérica, a prominent manufacturer of printers and imaging equipment based in Spain. Epson Ibérica is renowned for its commitment to creating innovative, efficient, and precise products, all while prioritising sustainability practices as a central tenet of its philosophy.

Provisional Agreement on Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (08/03/2024)

On 4th March, the Council presidency and the European Parliament’s representatives reached a provisional political agreement on a proposal for a regulation on packaging and packaging waste. The aim is to tackle the increase in packaging waste generated in the EU, while harmonising the internal market for packaging and boosting the circular economy.

Interinstitutional EMAS Days 2023: Main highlights (11/03/2024)

Our heads are still buzzing with new ideas and inspired by all the newly gathered information from the Inter-institutional EMAS Days!

EMAS Gala in Poland (11/03/2024)

EMAS expands in Poland with the inclusion of Domel and Aneks Polska, celebrated at a Gala featuring expert insights on the new EU directive for corporate sustainable reporting.

Green Claims Directive (11/03/2024)

On the 12th of March, the European Parliament voted on the Green Claims Directive, regulating environmental marketing claims and enforcing a pre-approval process to reduce misleading information and boost consumer confidence in sustainable products. This directive requires companies to have their environmental claims such as "biodegradable" or "less polluting" pre-verified. Violations can lead to penalties, including exclusion from public procurement and fines of at least 4% of annual turnover. This significant measure aims to end greenwashing and create a fair competitive environment.

News on Sustainable Production and Consumption (11/03/2024)

Check out the latest news!

CALL TO ACTION (11/12/2023)

On January 4, 2024, EFRAG will publish for public consultation the European standards for sustainability reporting applicable to both listed and non-listed SMEs. These standards will be mandatory for listed SMEs reporting under CSRD starting from the financial year 2026. For non-listed SMEs a set of voluntary standards will also be proposed.

New legislative proposals and agreements (11/12/2023)

On 16th October, the Commission is proposing for the first time measures to prevent microplastic pollution from the unintentional release of plastic pellets. The proposal includes a proposal for a Regulation on preventing pellet losses which will now be discussed by the European Parliament and the Council. The Regulations introduces an exemption for EMAS registered companies and also recognises the possibility that EMAS environmental verifiers check the compliance with the requirements of the Regulation.

EMAS events across Europe and around the world - COP 28 (11/12/2023)

COP 28

Issue 04 / December 2023 (11/12/2023)

Dear EMAS Community, As winter settles in Europe and 2023 slowly comes to an end, please find below the main policy highlights and events from within and outside the EMAS community from the past three months.

In Europe across the EMAS community (11/12/2023)

In Europe across the EMAS community

Revisiting past news and events (11/12/2023)

What has happened since September 2023? Take a look and let's relive them together!

People: your best resource in environmental management. How to involve them? (11/12/2023)

On October 26, the EMAS Helpdesk, in collaboration with the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ECESP), hosted a webinar focusing on employee and stakeholder involvement in environmental management.

Interinstitutional EMAS Days 2023 (11/12/2023)

Let’s get more sustainable together – Welcome to the Interinstitutional EMAS Days. As it gets colder outside, we are getting warmer from the inside – by sharing sustainable strategies, plans, and initiatives between our institutions. Eighteen EU institutions and agencies (6 more than last year) are already committed and are registered by the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS). Together they fight against climate change, increase environmental protection, and reduce greenhouse gasses. All to lead by example and help the European Union reach its ambitious climate neutrality target by 2050.

Improve the environmental performance of your business: consult the new EMAS User’s Guide (11/12/2023)

The European Commission adopted a new version of the EMAS User’s Guide streamlining participation to EMAS on November 3rd.

EMAS Day 2023 Showcases Environmental Excellence in Belgium (11/12/2023)

The Belgian EMAS Day marked its 14th edition on October 4, 2023. This year, the event was hosted in Wallonia, Belgium, focusing on the theme, “The Added Value of EMAS in Wastewater and Household Waste Management”.

Latvian EMAS Seminar for Public Authorities and NGOs (11/12/2023)

This October, the Latvian Environment State Bureau, hosted a seminar on EMAS, aimed to educate environmental expert’s on EMAS’s opportunities, benefits, and comprehensive approach to sustainable development.

CIRC-HOTEL: Pioneering Circular Economy in the Hotel Industry (11/12/2023)

Hotels often generate avoidable waste, far from the EU’s benchmark. CIRC-HOTEL, an initiative by the EMAS Club and the Catalan Waste Agency, is redefining sustainability in the hotel sector.

News on Sustainable Production and Consumption (11/12/2023)

Check out the latest news!

Circular Economy: Reverse Thinking (06/02/2024)

Düsseldorf, Germany | 6 – 7 February 2024

Improving environmental performance with the EMAS environmental management system (15/02/2024)

Ettelbruck, Luxembourg | 15 February 2024

Procura+ (13/03/2024)

Lisbon, Portugal | 13 – 14 March 2024

Issue 03 / September 2023 (27/09/2023)

Dear EMAS Community,

Upcoming EMAS webinar (28/09/2023)

This autumn, we're thrilled to announce an upcoming EMAS webinar!

AI-Driven Solutions for EMAS Organisations: Talking to ReLearn a pioneer-company in the waste sector (27/09/2023)

How can AI technology reshape the future of work for EMAS organisations? We spoke with ReShape on how to tackle big problems like the waste crisis while making environmental monitoring and reporting less burdensome, through education, community commitment, and AI.

ECOPROFIT and EMAS (27/09/2023)

On July 24, 2023, the European Commission made a decision (EU 2023/1533) partly recognising key aspects of the Austrian ECOPROFIT (ÖKOPROFIT) environmental management system for its compliance with EMAS requirements.

Earth Overshoot Day and EMAS: Moving the Date for a Sustainable Future (27/09/2023)

On August 2nd, it was Earth Overshoot Day, marking the point where humanity exceeds the planet's yearly regenerative capacity of natural resources. How can EMAS contribute to #MoveTheDate?

EMAS for Sustainable Tourism (27/09/2023)

EMAS for Sustainable Tourism campaign has been launched, making it easy to plan an unforgettable yet sustainable summer holiday.

Sustainable Production and Consumption (27/09/2023)

News from the web:

People: your best resource in environmental management. How to involve them? (26/10/2023)

26 October 2023, 10.00 am – 12.30 pm Online

European Urban Resilience Forum – 10th Anniversary Edition (18/10/2023)

18 – 20 October 2023 Cascais, Portugal

2023 Circular Week: Put economy in circular motion (23/10/2023)

23 – 29 October 2023 Online, Onsite in Warsaw, Poland

ECOMONDO – The green technology expo. (07/11/2023)

7 – 10 November 2023 Rimini Expo Centre, Italy

EMAS Newsletter – Issue 02 / July 2023 Summer Edition Dear EMAS Community, (03/07/2023)

As the season of sunshine, endless days, and adventure approaches, we bet that most of your thoughts already wander to relaxing at the beach rather than focusing on the work at your desk.

EMAS and Biodiversity (05/07/2023)

What are the benefits of biodiversity, what are the Kumming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, and why should companies be concerned with biodiversity? Moreover, the article talks about the publication of the revised EMAS and Biodiversity guidance and how EMAS is a tool for biodiversity management.

ReSet the Trend and EMAS (26/06/2023)

The European Commission has launched the ReSet the Trend, #ReFashionNow campaign to engage Europeans in the battle against fast fashion and raise public awareness on the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles. The campaign features inspiring stories of change from two EMAS companies in the textile sector.

Webinar Summary: The EMAS Social Media Campaign 2023 (28/06/2023)

Although this year’s campaign has already ended, it is still worthwhile to check the article as it provides valuable insights into how companies can discover an efficient and sustainable approach to using social media, thereby accelerating their impact. Additionally, it offers access to all the presentations, recordings, and other materials from the webinar.

EMAS and the Green Claims initiative (28/06/2023)

On March 22, 2023, the European Commission proposed a Directive on Green Claims putting forward new rules to stop misleading environmental claims and ensure trustworthy information on the sustainability of products. The rules support EMAS as a credible environmental management scheme.

News on Sustainable Production and Consumption from the Web (28/06/2023)

8th International Cradle to Cradle Congress (08/09/2023)

The International Cradle to Cradle Congress 2023, the world's leading platform for Cradle to Cradle and Circular Economy, returns with its eighth edition. With approximately 1,000 participants, the event offers panel discussions, best practices, inspiring keynotes, and networking opportunities. High-ranking speakers from business, politics, and science will share insights on societal transformation.

World Water Week 2023 (20/08/2023)

The World Water Week wants to raise awareness about the importance of water and promote sustainable water management practices. This year’s theme is Seeds of Change: Innovative Solutions for a Water-Wise World. The aim is to explore ideas, innovations, and governance systems needed to address the challenges of an increasingly unstable and water-scarce world.

#EUCircularTalks – Packaging: Waste or valuable resource? Harnessing the value of packaging in the food system (01/09/2023)

The event focuses on the role of food packaging in the circular economy. It explores the proposed Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) by the European Commission, its impact on sustainable packaging solutions, and how to view food packaging as a resource rather than waste. The specific date and time are yet to be determined.

Dear EMAS Community, welcome back to the first EMAS Newsletter edition for 2023! (23/03/2023)

Already one quarter in and a lot has happened for EMAS in the last months. In January, the year started with the launch of the new EMAS website. The site is now located on the European Commission’s page for Green Business next to initiatives like the EU Business & Biodiversity Platform or the Eco-Innovation instrument.

EMAS and the European Climate Pact (23/03/2023)

The European Climat Pact is an initiative of the Green Deal that invites different stakeholders, from individuals to organisations, to make a pledge taking steps in their on world to build a more sustainable Europe. To support organisations with the implementation of their pledge the European Commission refers to EMAS as a premium tool to systemise environmental action.

World Wetlands Day and EMAS (23/03/2023)

Every year, on February 2, it is World Wetlands Day to call attention to the most endangered ecosystem on Earth. This year’s theme is “Revive and restore degraded wetlands”.

Creating a liveable future (23/03/2023)

Taking the beginning of the year as a fresh start to re-think of habits and practices for our environmental future. By imagining a vision for a green world and we can take our resolutions on how to act in 2023 and the upcoming years.

EMAS in the construction sector of the Basque country (23/03/2023)

The number of EMAS-registered construction companies continues to grow in the Basque Country thanks to the advantages of the construction waste regulation framework.

ReSet the Trend for sustainable textiles – EMAS in the textile sector (23/03/2023)

The ReSet the Trend campaign launched by the European Commission aims to engange Europeans in the battle against fast fashion and raise public awareness about the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles. In this context, inspiring stories of change were published highlighting pioneering businesses, organisations, institutions and individuals across Europe in the fashion industry.

News on Sustainable Production and Consumption from the Web (23/03/2023)

EMAS Campaign Webinar - #ECOchallenge: how to become an #EMAShero! (19/04/2023)

Get ready for the social media campaign 2023. Take the opportunity to give visibility to the environmental efforts and results within the next EMAS campaign that will take place between the end of May and the beginning of June 2023, coinciding with the World Environment Day. As in previous editions, the German Advisory Board (UGA) is organizing and leading this campaign that will be open to all EMAS registered organizations.

European Environmental Bureau (EEB) Annual Conference 2023 (08/05/2023)

The hybrid conference addresses where Europe is standing in the transition to living within planetary boundaries, the progress of the Green Deal and Europe’s role in the world.

EU Green Week 2023 (06/06/2023)

Debate European environmental policy with policymakers, leading environmentalist, and stakeholders from Europe and beyond and hear the latest from the world of the EU environmental policies, in particular on biodiversity, circular economy, and zero pollution. Furthermore, throughout the week, partner events organised by schools, universities, business associations, environmental organisations, civil society, and government agencies will take place across Europe.

European Sustainable Energy Week 2023 (20/06/2023)

Annually, the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) addresses renewable and efficient energy use in Europe. This year’s EUSEW 2023 will be held under the theme “Accelerating the clean energy transition – towards lower bills and greater skills”. The programme includes a policy conference, the EUSEW Awards, the Energy Fair with stands, the fourth edition of the European Youth Energy Day.

Dear EMAS community, (15/12/2022)

The days are short, Christmas is just around the corner and the year 2022 is slowly coming to an end. Therefore, we want to take this time to look back on the year and the achievements it has brought for EMAS.

The Limits to Growth (15/12/2022)

The Limits to Growth

How to preserve the ozone layer (15/12/2022)

How to preserve the ozone layer

Extension of the EMAS family among EU institutions (15/12/2022)

Extension of the EMAS family among EU institutions

Upcoming events for the end of the year and for the start of 2023, so you can get right into it with new input. (16/12/2022)

Upcoming events for the end of the year and for the start of 2023, so you can get right into it with new input.

The Circular Economy: a driver for strategic autonomy, resilience and recovery (16/12/2022)

The Circular Economy: a driver for strategic autonomy, resilience and recovery

The way forward for the EU economy (16/12/2022)

The way forward for the EU economy

Masters of Digital – A resilient digital Europe in times of crisis (16/12/2022)

Masters of Digital – A resilient digital Europe in times of crisis

News on Sustainable Production and Consumption from the Web (15/12/2022)

The latest news:

In the press (12/08/2022)

Find out all about the news on Sustainable Production and Consumption from the Web. A selection of articles in the press to keep you busy during the summer.

Dear EMAS Community, (12/08/2022)

Where the birds are singing, the sun shines brightest and the coast is clear .... To kick off the summer season, here are a few thoughts to pack in your travel bag. While we would like to make this summer edition of the newsletter very sunny, we are opting for a more honest tone in this editorial.

Events (23/08/2022)

Upcoming events to mark in your agenda. Read more about World Water Week in Stockholm and the European Sustainable Energy Week in Brussels.

EMAS News (12/08/2022)

Read the latest EMAS Summer Updates. In this edition we feature Climate Management, Circular Economy, Earth Day and more. Stay up to date when it comes to the impact of EMAS.

Invitation: Webinar on ‘EMAS and Climate Management’, EU Green Week 2022 | 31st May 2022, 11.00 – 12.00 (CEST) (19/05/2022)

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