Green Deal
With every new development in technology all over the world, either a brand new product starts to be offered to consumers or an existing product enters service with different versions or editions. Along with this, production methods also differ. The most important point overlooked throughout this whole process is nature. Every action taken within this cycle causes irreversible damage to nature at the end of the day. On the other hand, unconscious use of natural resources, emission of greenhouse gases, emission rates are increasing and the climate is changing. The most important step to prevent this trend and reduce the unconscious consumption of natural resources is the European Green Deal policy.
What is the EU Green Deal?
The European Green Deal is a step carried out by the European Commission, prepared by EU countries, aiming to make the climate neutral in 2050 in order to leave a cleaner, more livable and better world for the future. The green deal agreement emerged in 2019 to minimize the effects of the climate crisis. Within the scope of the green deal agreement, a number of targets have been determined and the focus has been on the implementation of these targets. It is stated that as a result of the deal, emissions will decrease and the quality of life of people will increase by creating new business areas and opportunities. With the European Green Deal, not only a new system concerning the environment is being established, but a new international trade system.
Green Deal Action Plan and Strategy
Within the scope of the EU green deal action plan, it is primarily aimed to use natural resources consciously and to minimize emissions that cause the climate crisis. In this direction, reducing environmental pollution is one of the prominent actions. The strategies covering the green deal action plan are as follows:
- Biodiversity
- Farm to Fork
- Clean Energy
- Sustainable Industry
- Building and Renovation
- Sustainable Mobility
- Eliminating Pollution
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and Its Effects on EU Trade
Within the framework of the European Green Deal, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) has been announced as an EU regulation by making tax mechanism arrangements. They think that every place that has commercial relations with this region, especially the European Union countries, and especially cement, structure, construction, retail, textile, agriculture, food, energy and industry, where carbon emissions are high, will be seriously affected by these changes.
‘’The start date of CBAM covers a 3-year transition period starting from January 1, 2023. It is planned to be fully implemented as of January 1, 2026. During this transition period, the relevant sectors must submit a CBAM declaration. This declaration will cover the calculation of direct greenhouse gas emissions for products imported into the EU (Scope 1-2). Carbon costs are currently approximately €60 per ton. Determined sectors should track and report the amount of greenhouse gases generated per product as soon as possible to provide a cost advantage.’’ (www.sgs.com.tr)
‘’Carbon Footprint Inventory and Verification: You can calculate your corporate-based carbon footprint in accordance with the ISO 14064 Standard and ensure its verification through independent organizations. All activities that create a greenhouse gas effect originating from your institution are included in the inventory scope and reported and verified. It is in your hands to measure and control the carbon footprint. Show your shareholders the improvements you have made regarding climate change and benefit from increased environmental efficiency and reduced costs. An accurate assessment can reveal improvement opportunities that will contribute positively to your brand's image. Emission reduction is an investment in your company. Reducing the carbon footprint is a good investment for both your business and the environment.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): With LCA, you can determine the environmental impact of your products or services from raw material extraction to the waste stage. You can find out exactly which environmental impacts occur at all specific moments in the chain. Every stage from energy and material consumption, raw material extraction, production to transportation and recycling is included in the inventory. And remember: the results of an LCA also form the basis for transparent communication in the market about your product's carbon footprint.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD): EPD is based on the ISO 14025 Standard and verified by an external expert. Every stage from energy and material consumption, raw material extraction, production to transportation and recycling is included in the inventory. You can publish the result of your LCA as an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).
Although the scope of the European Green Deal and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism is currently based only on corporate greenhouse gas calculation, there is a high probability of being able to provide the product carbon footprint in the future.
Water Footprint Inventory and Verification: Water footprint studies are a process based on ISO 14046. The water footprint of an organization shows the amount of water it uses directly or indirectly, along with its impact on water. All activities of your institution that cause direct or indirect water consumption are included in the inventory study. With these inventory and verification studies, you can measure your water footprint and reduce it by taking it under control.
With the EU Green Deal, water footprint calculations and reporting are envisaged for water-intensive sectors such as leather and denim in the future.’’ (www.sgs.com.tr)
