On Monday, the Parliament’s Bureau, responsible for decision-making regarding the institution’s internal organisation, approved a significant increase in efforts to reduce the Parliament’s ecological footprint further. It has updated its environmental policy and set new targets for the 2024-2029 term. Building on a solid record of environmental measures, the European Parliament commits to enhancing its operational sustainability.
The new objectives to be achieved by 2029 include:
– A reduction of at least 55% in carbon footprint, measured in tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per Full-Time Equivalent (tCO2e/FTE) compared to 2006.
– A 55% decrease in energy consumption (kWh/m²) compared to 2012.
– Increase the share of energy consumed from renewable sources by 80%.
– An 85% reduction in paper consumption compared to 2012.
Additionally, the European Parliament will include a qualitative biodiversity indicator to monitor the size of green outdoor spaces and the activities taking place within them, such as recycling green waste and promoting local plants. The new targets will also address waste management, water conservation, recycling, sustainable procurement, and efforts further to integrate biodiversity considerations into the European Parliament’s operations.
“The new environmental targets equip the European Parliament well to improve its environmental performance further in the next five years. Mainstreaming sustainability into Parliament’s activities is now key for all the planned projects, ranging from building renovation to further digitalisation to advancing more green transport options for its members and staff that need to commute or travel. This way, we aim to set a strong example in sustainability for all houses of democracy around the world,” Vice-President Nicolae Ștefănuță, responsible for the EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS), said.
During the ninth legislative term, the European Parliament achieved notable environmental results. Greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 47% from 2006 to 2023, while energy consumption dropped by 53% since 2012. Water usage fell by 44% per Full-Time Equivalent (FTE). The installation of solar panels increased, enhancing energy efficiency and renewable energy generation. Food waste per meal was reduced by 59% compared to 2016, and non-recycled waste decreased by 43% per FTE. Additionally, paper consumption was cut by 61% from the 2010-2014 average due to accelerated digitisation efforts and initiatives to lower the digital carbon footprint.
The European Parliament launched its environmental policy in 2004 and gained EMAS registration in 2007. Nine out of eleven targets for 2024 have been met.
