Funding support for the promotion of voluntary environmental management systems
About this good practice
The General Directorate of Environmental Quality and Climate Change of the Department of Territory and Sustainability, Government of Catalonia is the competent body for the management of EMAS in Catalonia, to carry out in its territory the functions of Regulation (EC) no.1221/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, among which the promotion of the participation of organisations in the EMAS system stands out.
This type of aid is aimed at the promotion of voluntary environmental management systems, in this case especially the promotion of EMAS registration for public and private legal organisations, local institutions, associations of local authorities and their autonomous bodies, foundations and other non-profit organisations.
The subsidy includes the cost associated with the verification of system by an accredited environmental verifier.It applies to sites located in the territory of Catalonia. The financial support is provided once the organisation obtains the EMAS registration or the renewal of EMAS registration.
Expert opinion
EMAS is a robust environmental management and auditing system designed to help organizations of all sizes improve their environmental performance. By participating in the scheme, businesses can reduce their environmental footprint, achieve cost savings, and gain a competitive edge. With the requirement for third-party verification and public reporting, EMAS ensures transparency, accountability, and credibility in the way businesses manage their environmental impacts. This good practice is a concrete example how EMAS registration rates can be increased through public grants. It is an easy way to draw the attention of businesses and public organisations to the benefits brought by the formal certification to environmental management systems. Public authorities can also explore ERDF funding to finance these grants. The good practice can be particularly interesting to regions and countries who would like to increase their EMAS registration rates and who can earmark some funding for this purpose.
Resources needed
Evidence of success
Potential for learning or transfer
The measure is transferable in terms of implementation process and can have a relevant impact for the organisations located in Regions/Countries with a certain number of EMAS registered organisations during hard economic circumstances and it also can be a strong incentive in those Regions with a poor implementation of EMAS as - if well communicated - it can improve the dissemination of EMAS
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Regional Government of Cataluña