Sustainability in the European Parliament: how do we reduce our environmental footprint?
The European Parliament is committed to using resources responsibly and reducing its environmental footprint. From energy consumption to carbon emissions, mobility, water and waste, Parliament has established best practices to reduce its environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.
As part of this commitment, the Parliament is registered under the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) since 2007, with the aim of continually improving its environmental results.
Read more about the European Parliament’s sustainability commitments in its Environmental Policy, or discover more about the EMAS certification.
Key achievements in reducing the European Parliament’s environmental impact
The European Parliament has come a long way since EMAS was introduced in its three places of work.
More key numbers and in-depth analysis about the Parliament’s performance can be found in the latest Environmental Statement .
Energy efficiency
The European Parliament strives to use energy in the most efficient way:
- 100 % of the electricity purchased is obtained from certified renewable sources.
- 473 MWh of the energy used is generated on-site from renewable resources, such as photovoltaic panels.
Circular approach
The European Parliament has put in place a number of measures for a sustainable re-use of its resources:
- Used IT equipment such as PCs, laptops, screens and furniture is donated to charities for re-use.
- Parliament reduces its own waste and improves recycling rates, by setting up five-waste-compartment-bins, and adapting the waste streams to different national requirements.
- Bio-waste of the European Parliament has been made into biogas since 2013, which can be used for producing heat and electricity.
- In 2016, the Parliament became the first EU institution to implement a comprehensive food donation programme that donates surplus food to charities.
Sustainable public procurement
Public procurement is the process through which Parliament buys goods and services, from office supplies to hiring contractors.
Guidelines and training courses help Parliament’s staff to choose products and services with a low environmental impact, fair labour conditions, ethical sourcing, and improved durability.
Sustainable Mobility
In the European Parliament, everyone is encouraged to adopt environmentally friendly habits such as sustainable modes of commuting.
In 2023, 30% of staff cycled or walked to work and there are more than 2,100 bike parking spots available in the three places of work of the European Parliament. The European Parliament in Brussels is certified as a cycle-friendly employer.
Sustainability in the European Parliament’s liaison offices
The goal of improving environmental performance is not limited to Parliament’s main workplaces in Brussels, Strasbourg and Luxembourg. In each EU country, there is a European Parliament liaison office, which engages with organisations and citizens at the local level.
Read more about the work to reduce the environmental impact of the operations of liaison offices in the Environmental Statement of European Parliament Liaison Offices.
For additional information on how the European Parliaments applies sustainability in its places of work, contact the EMAS and Sustainability Unit at: [email protected].