EMAS — Community Eco-Management and Audit Scheme

12.1.2009

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0149/09
by Silvana Koch-Mehrin (ALDE)
to the Commission

The European Union has set itself high goals for climate protection. If companies and citizens are playing their part in achieving these goals, they are entitled to expect the same of European institutions, which should set a good example.

The Commission has decided to implement the Community Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS). EMAS standards require the Commission to measure, evaluate and improve its commitment to environmental protection.

The Commission has a number of places of work and staff have to travel to the various locations, including travelling to other European institutions. The European Parliament, for example, has three seats, in Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg.

1. Is the environmental impact of flights by Commission staff to the various locations included in the environmental assessment?

2. Does the Commission have a compensation scheme for offsetting emissions of greenhouse gases caused by flights, for example through donations?

3. With regard to compensation schemes for flights between the various locations, the European Parliament's administration takes the position that a sensible hierarchy of measures is aimed first and foremost at reducing greenhouse gases and that compensation for unavoidable emissions should therefore be treated as of secondary importance. Does the Commission share the view that emissions caused by travel between the various locations should be regarded as of secondary importance?

OJ C 189, 13/07/2010