The European Union is committed to environmental protection worldwide, and this includes environmental policy within its own institutions. The ECA therefore has a duty to apply the principles of sound environmental management in its day-to-day work.
Environmental Policy
On 28 November 2014, the European Court of Auditors adopted an environmental policy formalising its participation in a high-quality environmental management initiative. Through this policy the ECA commits itself to:
- introducing measures to reduce carbon dioxide emissions;
- promoting the efficient use of energy and taking steps to reduce its consumption of electricity, water and paper;
- including environmental criteria in its public procurement procedures;
- applying best practices in waste management;
- encouraging all staff to act sustainably and contribute actively to achieving the objectives of this policy.
Environmental standard ISO 14001:2015
The ECA complies with the certification requirements of international quality standard ISO -14001:2015 (Environmental management system) and is officially ISO 14001 certified.
Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS)
The ECA takes part in the EU’s Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS), which enables organisations to evaluate, report on and improve their environmental performance. We achieved EMAS registration in March 2017 and successfully operate an environmental management system in line with EMAS Regulation (EC) No 1221/2009 (as amended by Regulation (EU) No 2017/1505 and ISO -14001).
For further information, please see the ECA's environmental statement, which is validated by an accredited verifier. The statement sets out our environmental performance results and future plans for improvement.
Report on the ECA's carbon footprint
In 2014, the ECA produced its first carbon footprint report. Its aim was to measure the greenhouse gas emissions we produce as an institution with a view to systematically reducing our CO2.
The report is reassessed and published every year to keep track of the impact of our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint.
The ECA is currently working on a roadmap to reduce emissions by 2030, in order to meet the targets set by the European Green Deal.
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