As part of global efforts to combat climate change, the European Steel industry is required to undergo great transformation in order to contribute to the decarbonisation process. Reducing emissions through innovations in energy and improving material circularity will be key. Construction sector accounts for over half of demand and emissions for steel globally. Experience in this sector is desired.
In our digitalised and tech-hungry world, the amount of electronic and electrical devices is ever increasing. Sooner or later, all of these devices are discarded due to early replacement or defects. E-waste is one of the most problematic waste streams globally because of its large volume and the environmental risks it poses, largely due to hazardous substances . In 2016, more than a quarter of the 44,7 Mt of e-waste produced worldwide was generated in the EU with an average of 16,6 kg/person. So what happens with this mountain of e-waste?
The Alliance for Flame Retardant Free Furniture (www.safefurniture.eu) - where ECOS is an active partner - is releasing a policy paper calling on EU-wide action against the use of flame retardants in furniture and bedding and for the EU institutions to tap into the potential of toxic-free safe fire safety in support of a circular economy.
Almost 90% of material resources used in the EU are lost after their first use. A lot more effort is needed to accelerate a systemic transition to a circular economy, to drastically reduce the EU’s absolute natural resource use and greenhouse gas emissions, respecting the planetary boundaries and striving towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals. To achieve this, the Prevent Waste coalition of European civil society organisations advocate for the improvement and enforcement of EU policies on waste prevention and product design.
In October, ECOS successfully co-initiated the launch of an advisory group at the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The group will focus on environmental aspects of standards related to lighting products and systems and will inform the work of the dedicated technical committee at the international level.
ECOS Policy Director Christoforos Spiliotopoulos has joined the Advisory Council of EPEAT, an ecolabel with global outreach focusing on IT products, including computers, televisions, servers and mobile phones.
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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EISMEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.