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The EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS)
Newsletter
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Summer Edition
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July 2024 Summer Edition
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Dear EMAS Community,
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With the arrival of summer, we are pleased to share with you the latest progress and events within the EMAS community. This season has been marked by significant events, both politically and in sports. The recent EU Parliament elections were a defining moment for our continent highlighting the importance of active participation in the democratic process to shape the policies that affect us all.
In addition, the summer brought the excitement of the Football European Championship – including EMAS-registered sports clubs (see news below) and fans from all over Europe enjoying exciting matches.
Now, let's dive into the latest updates and exciting developments within the EMAS community. Discover the progress we've made, upcoming events, and the plans we have for the future!
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Policy updates
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EFRAG consultation
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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.
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Two exposure drafts were under review: ESRS LSME ED, targeting SMEs classified as public interest entities with mandatory implementation from January 1, 2026, and VSME ED, proposing voluntary standards for non-listed SMEs. In the EFRAG calendar for upcoming meetings you will find public meetings at the beginning of July, where a strategic summary of the consultation will be presented.
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Save the date
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Webinar: How EMAS can support Improving the Sustainability of the Tourism Sector
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Friday, 27 September 2024, 10:00 - 12:00 CEST
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The EMAS Helpdesk invites you to a webinar for EMAS-registered and non-EMAS-registered organizations from the tourism sector to:
Join us to learn how EMAS can support your journey towards more sustainable tourism practices. Click here for more information and to register.
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New legislative proposals and agreements
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Green claims directive
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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.
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The initiative is part of the EU's broader strategy to promote sustainable and transparent business practices. The upcoming discussions will focus on finalising the Directive's details to enhance consumer trust and environmental protection.
Check out the press release here!
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Nature restoration law
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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.
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The law sets binding targets for the restoration of various habitats and species, contributing to climate resilience and environmental sustainability. This decision signifies a major commitment by the EU to combat biodiversity loss and ensure the preservation of natural habitats.
For more information, visit European Council Press Release.
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Corporate sustainability due diligence
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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.
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This Directive requires companies to identify, prevent, and mitigate adverse human rights and environmental impacts throughout their supply chains. Additionally, large companies must develop climate transition plans. These measures will increase transparency, ensure responsible business practices and promote sustainable development.
More details are available here.
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EMAS events across Europe
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EMAS Award 2024
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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. The deadline for applications was June 28th, though it may be extended.
For more details, please visit here (in German).
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National EMAS Day 2024 in Brussels
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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.
For more information and to register, please visit this link.
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New Publication: EMAS and Eco-labeling Report
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A new publication explores the integration of EMAS and eco-labeling. Developed by Ihobe and the Department of Economic Development, Sustainability, and Environment of the Basque Government, the report highlights the synergies between the EU Eco-label and EMAS. It provides practical insights and recommendations for businesses aiming to enhance their environmental performance through these frameworks.
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In Europe across the EMAS community
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Updated Facts and Figures
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Exciting news!
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The EMAS Facts and Figures page has been refreshed with the latest data up to June 2024. EMAS now covers over 4,000 registered organizations and around 13,300 sites across Europe, an increase of almost 600 sites compared to November 2023, reflecting the commitment to environmental management. Highlights are the large increase in registrations in Slovakia with 43.01% and wholesale trade is new among the leading sectors. These updated statistics highlight the remarkable progress and dedication of EMAS participants towards achieving sustainability goals.
Check out the new data!
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#WaterWiseEU Campaign
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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!
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The campaign aims to encourage people across Europe to “See Water Differently”. It will raise awareness of the key water issues we face, encourage people to learn about the solutions, and show how we can all value, use and manage water differently. Together, we can inspire change and secure a future where water is respected, protected, and accessible to all.
Are you interested in becoming a campaign partner and joining the #WaterWiseEU community?
We would love to have you on board. We have developed a campaign toolkit https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/water-wise-eu/join_en, now available in all EU languages, that you can use to spread and amplify the key messages of the campaign and adapt these to your target audience. It includes visuals, videos, key messages and more. If you use social media, don’t forget to use #WaterWiseEU so we can reshare your posts and boost the visibility!
By becoming a partner, you will also have the exclusive opportunity to join the European Commission DG ENV’s #WaterWiseEU community. By joining our purpose-made Teams group, you can access different materials, be informed about the latest campaign and policy updates, exchange with a community of water ambassadors across Europe, share your successes, and participate in webinars.
If you are interested in becoming a partner reach out to the team at EU-WATERWISE@ec.europa.eu. We will provide further information and add you to the #WaterWiseEU community.
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EMAS News
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EMAS contribution towards higher sustainability in football - FC Porto’s road to EMAS registration
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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.
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Webinar recap: Shape the new European sustainability reporting-standards for SMEs
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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.
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Click here to access the recording and the material
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CD PROJEKT: First EMAS Company in the Video Game Industry
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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.
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Click here for further information
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Policy paper on the synergies between the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting (CSRD) published
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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).
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Click here for further information.
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Sustainable Production and Consumption
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Check the latest news on Sustainable Production and Consumption!
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Events
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