2020
Environmental performance of products & businesses – substantiating claims
BIBM provided feedback and responded to public consultation to the European Commission’s initiative: Environmental performance of products & businesses – substantiating claims. This initiative will require companies to substantiate claims they make about the environmental footprint of their products/services by using standard methods for quantifying them. The aim is to make the claims reliable, comparable and verifiable across the EU – reducing ‘greenwashing’ (companies giving a false impression of their environmental impact). This should help commercial buyers and investors make more sustainable decisions and increase consumer confidence in green labels and information.
Sustainable products initiative
BIBM provided feedback to the European Commission’s Sustainable products initiative. This proposal will revise the Ecodesign Directive and suggest additional legislative measures as appropriate, aiming to make products placed on the EU market more sustainable.
Consumers, the environment and the climate will benefit from products that are more durable, reusable, repairable, recyclable, and energy-efficient. The initiative will also address the presence of harmful chemicals in products such as: electronics & ICT equipment, textiles, furniture, steel, cement & chemicals.
EU Action Plan Towards a Zero Pollution Ambition for air, water and soil
BIBM provided feedback and will respond to public consultation on the EC’s Communication: EU Action Plan Towards a Zero Pollution Ambition for air, water and soil.
To secure clean air, water and soil, healthy ecosystems and a healthy living environment for Europeans, the EU needs to better prevent, remedy, monitor and report on pollution, mainstream the zero pollution ambition into all its policy developments and decouple economic growth from the increase of pollution, in line with United Nations driven efforts.
Public consultation deadline: 10 February 2021
Water pollution – EU rules on urban wastewater treatment (update)
BIBM provided feedback to the European Commission’s initiative: Water pollution – EU rules on urban wastewater treatment (update). Making sure that urban wastewater is clean and safe is vital for protecting public health and the environment. This key part of EU water policy is covered by the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD). This initiative will revise the Directive after a recent evaluation of it identified certain shortcomings and new societal needs that must be addressed.
Construction products – review of EU rules
BIBM provided feedback on the review of the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). The CPR lays down EU-wide rules for marketing construction products. This initiative will review these rules. It includes: addressing the issues identified in the 2019 evaluation; improving how the single market for construction products functions. The aim is to unlock the sector’s growth and jobs potential, promote environmental goals as part of the Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan, and possibly promote product safety.
Adapting to climate change – EU strategy
BIBM provided feedback and responded to public consultation on the European Commission Communication – “Adapting to climate change – EU strategy”. Despite measures to mitigate its effects, climate change is already having serious consequences in Europe and worldwide. Therefore, as part of its Green Deal, the Commission is launching a new strategy to help the EU adapt to the effects. It will focus on: encouraging investment in eco-friendly solutions; climate-proofing the economy; making key infrastructure more resilient; adding climate factors to risk management practice; stepping up prevention & preparedness.
2030 Climate Target Plan
BIBM responded to the public consultation on the Climate 2030 target action plan. The EU aims to become climate-neutral (net zero greenhouse gas emissions) by 2050. To achieve this, it will propose a cut in greenhouse gas emissions of at least 50% to 55% for 2030 from 1990 levels, rather than at least 40% currently, including an amendment to the recently proposed European Climate Law. The initiative will also assess the economic, social and environmental impacts and possible policy measures.
European Climate Pact
BIBM responded to the public consultation on the future European Climate Pact. The European Commission’s European Green Deal is the new growth strategy for an EU economy that is sustainable, cleaner, safer and healthier. The engagement of the public is critical to instil a new climate culture, awareness and motivation for climate action, bringing together citizens, industry, civil society and authorities at all levels. To achieve this, the Commission will consult the public and interested stakeholders in order to launch a “Climate Pact” in the 3rd quarter of 2020. The roadmap can be found here.
Energy efficiency in buildings – consultation on ‘renovation wave’ initiative
BIBM provided feedback and responded to the public consultation to the European Commission Communication – “Renovation wave” initiative for the building sector. A high proportion of buildings in the EU are energy inefficient. Finding strategies to change this can lower CO2 emissions, in line with EU climate objectives. The ‘renovation wave’ initiative, part of the EU’s Green Deal, would optimise building renovation across the bloc, including by encouraging investment and financing. This consultation aims to gather stakeholder feedback on the types of buildings the initiative should focus on (social housing, schools and hospitals are already covered).
Circular economy – new action plan to increase recycling and reuse of products in the EU
BIBM provides feedback on a New Circular Economy Action Plan. The new action plan will analyse the lifecycle of products and materials to ensure a sustainable use of resources and tackle resource-intensive sectors (e.g. textiles, construction, electronics and plastics). It will also feed into the EU’s industrial strategy. A roadmap can be found here.