Greening the ETF: a strategic approach to sustainability
As governments around the world embark on ambitious pathways towards net-zero emissions, the European Union (EU) and its Member States are fully dedicated to integrating the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals into their policies. The European Climate Change Act binds the EU to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
The European Training Foundation (ETF) is committed to making the world a greener place by sustainably using resources, following environmental regulations, involving staff in reducing our own environmental footprint, and inspiring others to do the same.
As part of our own commitment to environmental responsibility, at the European Training Foundation we have implemented an environmental management system in line with the EU's Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) and ISO standards. The journey began in 2019 and culminated in 2021, when the ETF received its first EMAS and ISO 14001 certificates. These recognise organisations that continuously improve their environmental performance. Since then, annual audits have followed, with the last 2024 certifications having extended their validity until the end of 2026.
Beyond formal certifications, a notable ETF achievement in this field is our reduction of carbon emissions. From 2019 to 2023, we reduced our carbon emissions by 40% (from 1000 tonnes in 2019 to 602 tonnes in 2023), putting us on track to meet the EU's target of a 50% reduction by 2030 and net zero by 2050. This commitment is outlined in the ETF’s new 2024 Environmental Policy.
A concerted effort was made to achieve these reductions, notably through the implementation of a new waste management system but complemented by the efficient use of utilities through water and electricity sensors. LED lighting was introduced, and plastic bottles were removed from canteens and vending machines in favour of water fountains. Other measures include the introduction of badge-capable printers to reduce paper consumption and the expansion of the online meeting infrastructure. These efforts were accompanied by a robust internal communication strategy that raised staff awareness.
While these initiatives help to reduce the carbon footprint of the ETF as an organisation, there are more ways in which we contribute to the global green transition. ETF impact is particularly pronounced in our work in partner countries, where we promote awareness and raise skills levels in navigating the green transition landscape.
Towards a broader commitment to sustainability
In its work with partner countries, the ETF is pursuing a strategic approach to sustainability, acknowledging the interconnectedness of economic, social and environmental objectives. To this end, the ETF's new environmental policy is explicitly aligned with the EU green transition objective and targets, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
To support the broader commitment to sustainability, a new cross-cutting and multi-disciplinary group has been formed: the Green Environment and Management for Sustainability (GEMS) working group. The group is exploring how the ETF can contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals through a mid-term sustainability plan, which rests on three pillars:
- improving diversity and inclusion;
- implementing green and socially responsible public procurement (GPP); and
- promoting environmental protection through environmental management systems.
Public procurement as leverage for greener behaviours
Any sustainable policy must address the supply chain of services and products. Indeed, procurement can be used as a strategic tool and Green Public Procurement (GPP) has become an instrument for the ETF to advance its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and align with the strategic vision outlined in its 2027 strategy.
Incorporating green practices into service delivery is critical to achieving sustainability goals. Such green practices include the use of environmentally friendly cleaning products, sourcing energy from renewable sources, travelling more sustainably and using sustainable and responsible hotel chains.
However, ensuring compliance throughout the supply chain, particularly for services that may involve multiple suppliers, is a complex task. Effectively monitoring data from all suppliers is a major challenge.
The ETF's role is not only to ensure and monitor the compliance of suppliers with environmental standards for the products and services it purchases, but also to promote collaboration and transparency in service delivery to ensure that green practices are consistently applied. The development of robust monitoring mechanisms and the establishment of clear channels of communication with service providers are critical steps in promoting sustainable practices within the ETF's service supply chain.
Increased staff awareness and inter-agency cooperation
Until now, the ETF has measured its environmental impact using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). EU institutions are moving towards the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GGP). This transition presents both opportunities and challenges. While the GHG Protocol provides a broader perspective on emissions, including not only internal but also external factors, the shift from one monitoring method to another may result in an increase in calculated emissions. This highlights the need for robust mitigation strategies. Addressing major sources of emissions, particularly those related to missions and events, which are the core business of the ETF, is a significant challenge.
Here, staff awareness emerges as key to fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, both at the individual level and to drive collective action towards achieving the agency's sustainability goals. Results of a staff consultation are opening doors to further action on the ETF’s daily operations. These could include targeted training on sustainability issues, creating platforms for sharing best practice among staff, improving communication channels for environmental updates and organising engaging events that focus on sustainability, such as tree planting activities or green innovation showcases.
The ETF is not alone on its journey towards sustainability: more and more EU agencies are taking up the same challenge. The Greening Network of the EU agencies is a valuable forum for discussing, comparing and sharing good practice and inspiration for further improvement in this area.
The ETF is ready to adopt the EU Agencies Network charter on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and responsible environmental management, which underlines the commitment of the entire network to achieve climate neutrality among all EU agencies by 2030, in line with the EU's goal to make Europe the first climate neutral continent by 2050.