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MEEF |
The European
Commission adopted a Communication setting out its agenda for revising
the EU emissions trading scheme (EU ETS) in the light of experience
gained since it began operating in January 2005.
The Commission wants to promote the environmental impact of emission trading by expanding it to new sectors and gases and further its global application as a key tool to combat climate change. The review will also seek to give greater predictability to investors and strengthen harmonisation by streamlining how it is applied in the various Member States.
These and other issues will be discussed extensively with stakeholders before the Commission makes a legislative proposal to revise the Emissions Trading Directive in the second half of 2007. The changes will take effect in 2013 at the start of the scheme’s third trading period. The EU ETS enables energy-intensive industry and power generators to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions cost effectively, and is stimulating emission-saving projects around the world.
Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said:
“Climate change is the gravest challenge facing mankind and emissions trading is the most effective policy instruments for tackling it. The EU Emissions Trading Scheme is a clear proof of the EU's commitment to take resolute action against climate change and reach the EU’s Kyoto targets. We now need to see how we can further improve the scheme. The better its design, the easier it will be for other countries to adopt similar policies.”
The operation of the EU ETS to date has already generated position papers and studies by stakeholders which will feed into the review. Further consultations will take place under the European Climate Change Programme (ECCP), where Commission officials, Member States, industry, non-governmental organisations and academics work together to identify the most cost-effective and environmentally efficient measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The ECCP working group on the review will
report by 30 June 2007.
44% of packaging recycled in Spain
Fedemco (Spanish federation of manufacturers of wooden crates and their components) has collaborated with Ecoembes (a government-mandated company which finances, coordinates and promotes recycling of waste) on an analysis of the status of waste from containers, packaging and wooden pallets in Spain in 2005 with regard to the goals included in the 2004/12/CE Directive. This specified a minimum figure of 15% for recycling of wood, and 55% for other materials by 2008.
The recycling rate was 46.5% in 2005, representing 438,000 tonnes re-used out of a total of 942,000 tonnes of waste, with 44% recycled (an increase of 1% on the preceding year) and 2.6% energy generation (25,000 tonnes).
Businesses report a 7% increase in the volume of new and re-used
containers and packaging. More re-use of packaging and pallets, and
aslight increase in imports compensated for a lower export volume. The
balance of payments, less favourable to exports, showed a significant
increase in the volume of waste in Spain.
Waste collection saw a 14% increase in volume, due mainly to the
increase of 30% in recycling, mainly in the form of agglomerate sheets,
contrasting with a possible stagnation in the repair and resale of
packaging and used pallets.
Compared to the previous year, the volume of recycling increased from
9,856 to 24,662 tonnes, and the volume of waste going to approved
landfills increased by 6%.
The pallet is the major form of wooden packaging managed by users and recyclers, especially in terms of re-use. Info: www.ecoembes.com - www.fedemco.com.