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Agency passes eco-management test with flying colours

News Published 30 Apr 2008 Last modified 21 Jun 2016

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The European Environment Agency has successfully passed the EU's Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) for the second consecutive year. The annual external audit concluded that the EEA passed with zero deviations.

The EEA was the first EU body to gain registration under EMAS. In 2004, the Agency introduced its own environmental management system to make sure that it worked in an environmentally sound manner. The system included staff campaigns to promote 'good office habits' on paper waste and energy efficiency.

This year's audit focused on how well management integrates environmental thinking into overall planning and decision-making. The auditors were particularly impressed by the Agency's 'project procedure', whereby programme managers assess the possible negative environmental effects of EEA projects before approving them.

Four European Commission departments also received EMAS registration this year - the Secretariat General, DG Personnel & Administration, DG Environment and the Office for Infrastructure and Logistics.