People first – Greening the European Commission

Reaching climate neutrality by 2030

Since obtaining the eco-management and audit scheme (EMAS) registration in 2005, the Commission has reduced its greenhouse emissions by 38% by improving the energy efficiency of its buildings, and reducing the use of water, paper and waste.

To continue building on this good practice, and play a leading role as a front-runner in the transition towards a climate neutral society, the Commission has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 60% compared to 2005, and compensating for remaining emissions through carbon removal (by 2030 at the latest).

Through the following measures, the Commission will make large steps towards achieving climate neutrality by 2030. 

Greener buildings, greener ways of working

Using more efficient, sustainable and climate-resilient buildings and working spaces will contribute to a third of the reduction in the Commission’s carbon footprint by 2030 by:

• acquiring more energy efficient and greener buildings
• shifting to dynamic collaborative workspaces
• reducing the number of offices

The New European Bauhaus values - sustainability, aesthetics and inclusion - will also be reflected when developing the Commission’s presence and actions at its sites. For example, the Commission is already actively engaged in a partnership with the Brussels Region in designing the new European Quarter and new mobility plans.

Greener and smarter mobility

Changing the way we organise work-related travel and prioritising greener modes of transport will help reduce emissions in this area by 50% (2019-2024) by:

• better organising staff work-related travel
• using a mix of virtual, hybrid and in-person meetings with external experts

Further developing sustainable behaviour among staff with the aim of reducing emissions by around 45% in this area (2019-2030) by:

• encouraging staff to use greener means of transport when commuting
• increasing remote working
• organising awareness campaigns and events

Greening IT infrastructures and assets

Optimising IT operations and assets will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a third in this area by:

• accelerating the shift to more energy-efficient, reparable devices
• streamlining IT and decommissioning obsolete systems
• gradually reducing the number of local data rooms
• increasing the use of paperless workflows and digitalisation of archives

Setting an example for EU Green Deal policies

The Commission’s actions will also have a driving and transforming effect in other areas of the Green Deal:

• greener catering
• becoming more circular with the use of Green Public Procurement principles
• preserve and restore ecosystem and biodiversity on Commission sites