Organizations, both large and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), are increasingly aware of the benefits of closing loops by improving resource efficiency: saving on material costs, thereby creating a competitive advantage as well as opening up to new markets.
In this respect, the European Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) is considered to be a driver of the Circular Economy model by encouraging organizations to develop techniques which make better use of resources. This applies to both the production phase as well as retaining the physical goods in productive use for longer and more efficiently, thus increasing the business’ competitiveness.
The main barriers perceived by EMAS-adopting organizations and businesses are, amongst others: a lack of EMAS recognition from the market and the Public Authorities (PA), technical support from PA-s and external incentives and the high cost of joining the EMAS scheme.
In this regard, the role of PAs supporting EMAS as a competent body becomes essential in order to remove these barriers and to encourage organizations to adopt EMAS. PA-ss can also enhance the benefits derived from EMAS, public subsidies and reward EMAS implementers with reduced enforcement (e.g., regulatory relief). Such expected changes shall become effective upon the production of the following project activities:
- Regional studies on supporting EMAS registration
- Methodology to assess the feasibility of good practices on supporting EMAS registration
- Creation of an EMAS Joint Database
- Thematic workshops to exchange experiences
- Regional studies on the exchange process
- Toward EMAS Action Plans
Main beneficiaries from the cooperation will be public administration sector, but direct effects resulting from the project will also affect organizations and businesses as EMAS adopters.
Tõnis Meriste, Environmental Development Manager at Eesti Energia AS
