Overview
The EU Agencies Network (EUAN) places a strong focus on greening and sustainability across all its members.
Beyond the environmental benefits, EU Agencies and Joint Undertakings (JUs) aim to lead by example as EU public bodies committed to reducing their environmental footprint.
Through joint initiatives and shared good practices, the Network supports the EU Green Deal objectives and contributes to making Europe the first climate-neutral continent.
What we aim to achieve
EU Agencies and JUs are working towards climate neutrality by 2030. To reach this goal, they integrate sustainability and environmental responsibility into every aspect of their operations – from facility management and business travel to procurement, ICT, and daily administrative practices.
This collective effort is driven by:
Together, the Network is building greener workplaces that reflect the EU’s commitment to sustainability and responsible resource use.
Greening Sub-Network
The EUAN Greening Sub-Network brings together experts from Agencies and JUs to exchange experience, coordinate initiatives and develop shared tools to advance sustainability.
Its work focuses on:
- Sharing information, good practices, and guidance on sustainable facility management and operations
- Developing a common understanding of environmental management across Agencies
- Creating and using performance indicators to track progress towards sustainability goals
- Exchanging methodologies, templates, and communication materials to support implementation
- Promoting EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) registration and compliance with EU Regulation (EC) No 1221/2009
- Contributing to discussions on the future of work and its link to sustainable practices
The EUAN Charter on environmental management
Adopted during the EUAN Heads of Agencies meeting in February 2024, the EUAN Charter on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and responsible environmental management is the Network’s joint commitment to sustainability.
By signing the Charter, Agencies and JUs commit to:
- Achieving climate neutrality by 2030
- Reducing environmental impact and continuously improving performance
- Setting and monitoring environmental objectives and targets
- Promoting the efficient use of resources in daily operations
- Measuring and reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
- Reducing travel-related emissions
- Using sustainable digital solutions and green public procurement
- Ensuring compliance with EU environmental legislation and reporting frameworks
- Raising staff awareness and encouraging the exchange of best practices
- Allocating resources to implement the Charter’s commitments
- Compensating residual GHG emissions through certified carbon-removal schemes, once EU standards are in place
Impact and results
The Charter’s adoption has given new momentum to the EUAN Greening Network.
The Charter aligns the Network with the EU Green Deal and the EU’s goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
By January 2025, 14 Agencies and Joint Undertakings had already signed the Charter and started implementing its provisions.
The Network also:
- Organised multiple information sessions and ad-hoc meetings on topics such as sustainability reporting, carbon compensation, climate neutrality, and EMAS implementation
- Advanced work on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions calculation methodologies
- Developed guidelines for sustainable meetings and events
- Launched twinning programmes on EMAS and sustainability reporting
Collaboration remains crucial for success. Pooling expertise and resources allow Agencies and JUs to deliver stronger results despite limited budgets, while maintaining full dedication to the EUAN Charter’s objectives.
Additionally, the EUAN members, such as the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) and European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) are producing sustainability reports using the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework.