What does the EU strategy of Sustainable Consumption and Production cover?

                                                                                         

At the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in 2002, all countries committed themselves to promoting sustainable patterns of consumption and production, while developed countries took the lead. More specifically, countries make a commitment to promote the development of a 10-year framework of programs on sustainable consumption and production, in support of national and regional initiatives.

In March 2003, The European Council identified sustainable consumption and production and the development of 10-year framework as one of the key priorities for the EU in the follow-up to the WSSD. Climate change, loss of natural resources, extinction of species and environmental damage caused by emissions and waste are results of unsustainable patterns of consumption and production. Such patterns, especially in developed countries, can threaten the global environment as well as social and economic welfare.

Technological development and innovation have increased resource efficiency and enabled environmental gains, increased consumption and changes in lifestyles, such as increasing mobility. There are also growing disparities in consumption levels between developed and developing countries as well as a widening gap between the wealthy and the poor.

The inventory covers and aims at giving a comprehensive picture of EU-level policies, instruments and activities currently in place or being developed, with specific relevance to achieving the WSSD goals on sustainable consumption and production (SCP). The following list is a list of strategies and topics that are being covered and developed under the SCP:

1.Sustainable consumption and production in the European Union
2.Strategy on the sustainable use of natural resources & urban environment progress
3.Education, awareness raising and public information
4.Research and development / Biotechnology
5.Environmental- labeling / Consumer information
6.Regulatory framework on air and water pollution / Integrated pollution prevention and control
7.Environmental management systems and EMAS / Housing and construction
8.Eco-design requirements for energy-using products
9.Energy / Climate Change / Household energy efficiency, energy performance of buildings
10.Agriculture and forestry / Fisheries
11.Transport / Tourism
12.Waste reduction, reuse and recycling / Waste disposal / Waste shipment
13.Chemicals / Chemicals legislation - REACH / Placing on the market and use of pesticides and biocides

A detailed review is to be taken of the EU Sustainable Strategy, which will result in an overall strategy recommendations on sustainable development at the level of the European Council.

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For further information on MSDS and EU SDS please visit http://www.nexreg.com/

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