CEDFEDOP achieves EMAS registration and publishes first Environmental Statement

The European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) has been officially registered under EMAS, marking a significant step towards climate neutrality and environmental excellence. 

The agency’s first Environmental Statement, validated in January 2024, outlines CEDEFOP’s comprehensive approach to environmental management and its commitment to the EU Green Deal objectives. CEDEFOP’s environmental strategy is built around ambitious targets, such as reducing water consumption from public supplies by 50 % by 2026 compared to 2019, increasing the share of renewable energy in total electricity consumption, and implementing a climate neutrality strategy by 2030. 

In 2023, CEDEFOP achieved a 67,5 % reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from staff business travel and a 21,8 % reduction in emissions from heating, relative to the 2019 baseline. The agency also invested in photovoltaic panels, resulting in 47 % of its total electricity consumption coming from renewable sources in 2023. In addition, water consumption at CEDEFOP was reduced by 38.8% in 2023 compared to 2019. This was achieved, among other things, by redesigning the garden irrigation system and replacing the current taps with sensor taps. 

The agency’s environmental management system covers operational impacts at its headquarters in Thessaloniki, Greece, including building operations, business travel, procurement, and green area maintenance. Furthermore, CEDEFOP actively involves staff through training, awareness-raising, and a “Green Ambassadors” programme. The environmental governance is structured across oversight, management, and operational tiers, ensuring that responsibilities are integrated into the agency’s daily work and continuous improvement is encouraged by each and every employee.

By joining EMAS, CEDEFOP strengthens its transparency and accountability, aligning with other EU institutions committed to high environmental standards. The agency’s initiatives not only reduce its direct environmental footprint but also support green transition in vocational education and training across Europe, in line with its core mission. 

The full Environmental Statement of CEDEFOP is available here. Further information about the agency can also be found on the CEDEFOPs website.