ECDC Environmental Statement 2024 published

In 2024, ECDC focused on the following environmental targets: 

• reducing CO2 emissions, 

• limiting single-use catering items,

• lowering paper use, and 

• increasing green-label product purchases

Despite an increase in staff, CO2 emissions decreased in the ECDC facilities, with a drop in electricity use per employee by 1.5%, and a decrease in heating consumption by 35% overall (36% per person). CO2 emissions from corporate travel increased overall, but when considering the number of meetings and missions, CO2 emissions per instance of corporate travel decreased by 3.3% compared with 2023, achieving the target to reduce emissions by 2%.

While more on-site meetings led to increased water use—mainly due to replacing plastic bottles with glass flasks of tap water— the use of porcelain in catering increased, reducing reliance on single-use items. 

The goal to purchase only green-label office supplies was fully met.

In addition, in procurement, green criteria were added to tender templates and evaluations, resulting in more green procurement procedures compared to 2023.

ECDC’s environmental work extends to all ECDC activities, including staff missions, travel, and the work of contractors. The implementation of EMAS also supports ECDC’s broader values of excellence, integrity, and accountability. It aligns with the European Union’s Green Deal and the growing expectation that public institutions lead by example in the transition to a more sustainable future.

By adopting EMAS, ECDC has taken a proactive step toward integrating environmental sustainability into daily operations and long-term strategic planning.