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European Sustainable Consumption and Production Policies To live sustainably, the Earths natural resources must be used at a rate

at which they can be replenished. However, our consumer-driven society is putting enormous pressure on the planet. The way we produce and consume is contributing to many of todays environmental problems, such as global warming, pollution, the depletion of natural resources and biodiversity loss. The impacts of our consumption are being felt globally: the EU is dependent on imports of energy and natural resources and an increasing proportion of products consumed in Europe are produced in other parts of the world. [1] The great challenge faced by economies today is to integrate environmental sustainability with economic growth and welfare by decoupling environmental degradation from economic growth and doing more with less. This is one of the key objectives of the European Union, but the consequences of climate change and the growing demand for energy and resources are challenging this objective. It is now time to move towards an energy and resource efficient economy.[3] Businesses and civil society have also shown to be dynamic actors in the promotion of SCP. Indeed, many information-based policies and schemes are voluntary and based on principles of corporate social and environmental responsibility (CSER). An increasing number of businesses have implemented resource efficiency, safer and cleaner production and environmental management programmes. Similarly, civil society worldwide civil society organizations are important channels for informing, training, enabling and empowering citizens.[2] Sustainable development requires radical and systemic innovations. Such innovations can be more effectively created and studied when building on the concept of business models. This concept provides firms with a holistic framework to envision and implement sustainable innovations. For researchers,

the concept provides an analytical tool that allows them to assess the interplay between the different aspects that firms combine to create ecological, economic, and social value. In addition, the business model concept provides a link between the individual firm and the larger production and consumption system in which it operates.[4] Consuming sustainably concerns our lifestyle, buying behavior and how we use and dispose of products and services. Sustainable production focuses on reducing the environmental impacts of production processes and designing better products. Resource and energy efficiency are the basis of Europes future competitiveness. Sustainable consumption and production maximizes the potential of business to transform environmental challenges into economic opportunities while providing a better deal for consumers. The European Union and its Member States recognize that a shift to more sustainable economies and lifestyles is vital and is taking action. In July 2008, the European Commission presented an Action Plan on Sustainable Consumption and Production and Sustainable Industrial Policy. EU measures on sustainable consumption and production focus on four main objectives: better products, smarter consumption, leaner and cleaner production, and supporting global efforts.[1] Sustainable consumption and production (SCP) is an overarching objective of and an essential requirement for sustainable development, as recognised in the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPOI) of the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002. That Summit called on all stakeholders to encourage and promote the development of a 10-year framework of programmes (10YFP) in support of regional and national initiatives to accelerate the shift towards sustainable consumption and production to promote social and economic development within the carrying capacity of ecosystems by addressing and, where appropriate, delinking

economic growth and environmental degradation through improving efficiency and sustainability in the use of resources and production processes; and reducing resource degradation, pollution and waste. During the last two decades, much progress has been made towards sustainable consumption and production, following action by governments and wide range of other stakeholders. For example, the Marrakech Process a bottom-up multi-stakeholder process - was launched in 2003 in order to respond to JPOI call. It identified regional SCP needs and priorities, and supported the development of regional SCP strategies, and the implementation of 70 SCP initiatives worldwide, including many national SCP policies and action plans. Capacity building, training and SCP tool kits in the areas of sustainable procurement, tourism, buildings and construction, products, education and lifestyles, as well as various communications tools and awareness raising activities have also undertaken. [2] The Marrakech Process is a global process to support the elaboration of a 10-Year Framework of Programmes (10YFP) on sustainable consumption and production, as called for by the WSSD Johannesburg Plan of Action.[6] The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) acted as the Secretariat of this global process, with an active participation of national governments, private sector, civil society, development agencies, UN Agencies and other stakeholders. The Marrakech Process identified regional SCP needs and priorities, and supported the development of regional SCP strategies in most regions as well as the implementation of 33 demonstration projects worldwide. These included national SCP action plans, capacity building and SCP tool kits in the areas of sustainable procurement, tourism, buildings and construction, products, education and lifestyles, as well as various communications tools and awareness

raising activities. The Marrakech Process informed the elaboration of the 10YFP, which was one of five themes at CSD 18 and CSD 19.[5] The Goals of The Marrakech Process are: to assist countries in their efforts to green their economies to help corporations develop greener business models to encourage consumers to adopt more sustainable lifestyles.[6] The 10YFP was one of five themes reviewed and negotiated at CSD 18( Commission on Sustainable Development) and CSD19. The willingness of both developed and developing countries to develop and implement a 10YFP was clear during these meetings. Unfortunately, while an agreed draft of this framework was developed at CSD 19, it was not adopted due to differences between countries on other issues. It is, however, currently proposed for adoption at the UNCSD (Rio+20). Rio+20 is a unique opportunity, two decades after the Earth Summit, to strengthen worldwide cooperation on SCP, to achieve this central objective of sustainable development. Adoption of the 10YFP at the Rio+20 Summit would provide broad, solid, inclusive and coherent framework for this cooperation, implementation of which could follow quickly after the Summit.[2]

3.1.The Sustainable Consumption and Production and Sustainable Industrial Policy Action Plan

EU policies have achieved a good deal of success in cleaning up industrial production and encouraging more efficient processes, leading to significant reductions in pollution and waste and higher levels of recycling. However, more needs to be done to promote the efficiency of materials and propel the most innovative technologies into the mainstream. Improving resource efficiency reduces dependency on raw materials, encourages optimal resource use and recycling, and can significantly reduce running costs for businesses. Resource productivity how much economic value is created per resource used has improved in the EU by 2.2% annually over the last ten years, largely through improvements in efficiency and the growing role of services in the economy. Under the action plan, further tools are being developed to monitor and benchmark resource efficiency. Green technology environmentally friendly and resource-efficient technologies has an important role to play in contributing to environmental protection and to a more efficient use of resources in Europe. Activities in this field are implemented by the EUs Environmental Technologies Action Plan (ETAP). The ecoindustries are one of the fastest growing sectors of the EU economy and an area where Europe is a global leader. Europe has roughly onethird of the world market for eco-technologies, which is projected to be worth more than 2200 billion by 2020. These industries provide solutions for measuring, preventing and correcting environmental damage to water, air and soil, and for problems such as waste, noise and damage to eco-systems. This includes sectors such as waste and wastewater management, renewable energy sources, environmental consulting, air pollution and sustainable construction.

One way we can measure innovation levels is by looking at the number of patents awarded. Eco-innovation patents in the EU are on the rise and the bestperforming Member States grant 3.5 patents per 1 billion of GDP. Tools will be developed to monitor benchmarks and boost uptake of eco-innovation in the European Union as part of a wider EU innovation policy. These will include patent-based indicators, statistical tools and annual surveys. The European Commission is carrying out a study to discover the main barriers to the expansion of the eco-industries. This will look at administrative burdens and obstacles to financing innovation. The objective is to foster growth in eco-industries through the creation of a business-friendly regulatory environment and by exploring the potential for other sectors, such as information and communication technology (ICT).[1]

The Action Plan The Action Plan for sustainable consumption and production (SCP) and sustainable industrial policy (SIP) aims at ensuring EU continued leadership in environmental performance by:

creating a new sustainable product policy, in order to improve the environmental performance of products on the market and help consumers to buy more eco-friendly products

encouraging eco-innovation so that EU businesses adapt to the markets of the future

supporting the competitiveness of eco-industries contributing to a low carbon economy internationally.

The Action Plan on Sustainable Consumption and Production and Sustainable Industrial Policy details the list of actions:

Ecodesign standards for a wider range of products improved energy and environmental labelling

incentives rewarding eco-friendly products, including green public procurement

work with retailers support to environmental industries promotion of sustainable industry internationally.[9]

a. Sustainable product policy The European Union (EU) Integrated Product Policy (IPP) developed by the European Commission takes a "holistic" approach to stewardship in the development, use, and disposition of products and services. Its goal is to help policy makers identify when and how to take actions in integrated ways that most effectively achieve sustainability goals. As described by the EU, the IPP is based on five environmental management principles: 1) life-cycle thinking; 2) working with the market; 3) stakeholder involvement; 4) continuous improvement; and 5) flexibility in the use of a variety of policy instruments. This fact sheet is not comprehensive; rather is provides a starting point for readers interested in investigating the topic.[27] Product policy is a key factor for a sustainable future. The focus of sustainable production varies across the world. In developed economies the focus lies on environmental improvements under acceptable socio-economic conditions, whereas the focus in the bottom of the pyramid economies is on socio-economic improvements under acceptable environmental conditions. The core of the Action Plan is a new product policy which rewards consumers' eco-friendly behaviours and producers' best products. Most consumers are aware that their purchases can contribute to protect the environment. But they need to know which products are eco-friendly or energy efficient, to make the right choice: Labelling Consumers may also be put off by higher purchasing price for these products compared to other products. Manufacturers, if uncertain about the

future demand for eco-friendly products, are not encouraged to invest in such products, although this is the key to make them cheaper in the mid term:Incentives. Consumers' behaviour also depends on the range of products available on the market, and of their environmental performance. The worst products should be phased out, and environmental standards should be updated regularly: Ecodesign. In the future, as energy and natural resources become scarcer and more expensive, and as climate change becomes a growing concern, those companies manufacturing eco-friendly products will benefit from huge market opportunities. They will also contribute to global stability. Firms investing sooner rather than later in eco-friendly products and technologies will therefore be first movers and benefit from competitive advantages.[10]

a.1. The Ecodesign standards Ecodesign seeks environmentally friendly solutions in product design and development. It considers both economic and environmental aspects associated with the entire life cycle of products. Ecodesign has been defined as a concept that integrates multifaceted aspects of design and environmental considerations into product development in order to create sustainable solutions that satisfy human needs and desires (Karlsson & Luttropp, 2006).

Fig.1. Origins of the Word Ecodesign

The factors that motivate adoption of ecodesign are not confined to environmental benefits. Companies that implement ecodesign practices can also save costs, gain competitive advantage, improve their corporate image, enhance the quality of their products, and sometimes even lessen the legal requirements to which they are subject. Companies in the automotive electronics industry adopt ecodesign initiatives for a number of reasons, such as responding to regulatory requirements and meeting the demands of innovation.[13] The Ecodesign Directive provides a coherent and integrated framework which allows setting mandatory ecodesign requirements for some products. For instance, the Ecodesign Regulation on standby requires that many domestic electrical and electronic products such as washing machines, TV or personal computers do not consume more than 0.5W in off mode as of 2013.[14] The ecodesign of products is a crucial factor in the Community strategy on Integrated Product Policy. As a preventive approach, designed to optimise the environmental performance of products, while maintaining their functional qualities, it provides genuine new opportunities for manufacturers, consumers and society as a whole. A coherent framework for the application of Community ecodesign requirements for energy-related products should be established with the aim of ensuring the free movement of those products which comply with such requirements and of improving their overall environmental impact. Such Community requirements should respect the principles of fair competition and inter-national trade. The Directive 2009/125/EC seeks to achieve a high level of protection for the environment by reducing the potential environ-mental impact of energyrelated products, which will ultimately be beneficial to consumers and other end- users. Sustainable development also requires proper consideration of the health, social and economic impact of the measures envisaged. Improving the

energy and resource efficiency of products contributes to the security of the energy supply and to the reduction of the demand on natural resources, which are preconditions of sound economic activity and therefore of sustainable development.[15]
a.2.The Labelling of Products

The European Ecolabel is a voluntary scheme, established in 1992 to encourage businesses to market products and services that are kinder to the environment. Products and services awarded the Ecolabel carry the flower logo, allowing consumers - including public and private purchasers - to identify them easily. Today the EU Ecolabel covers a wide range of products and services, with further groups being continuously added. The eco-label covers a broad range of products including most of those subject to energy labelling. The directive is being revised with the intention of: adding more product groups / quicker criteria development process / product group development by the Commission reduction of annual fees simplification of assessment procedure more focus on the most significant environmental impacts of products, while keeping the ambition levels high.[16]

Fig.2. EU refrigerator energy labels[16]

a.3. Promote Green Public Procurement Public authorities are major consumers in Europe, spending some 16 % of the EUs gross domestic product (which is a sum equivalent to half the GDP of Germany). By using their purchasing power to opt for goods and services that also respect the environment, they can make an important contribution towards sustainable development. Green public procurement covers areas such as the purchase of energy-efcient computers and buildings, of ce equipment made of environmentally sustainable timber, recyclable paper, electric cars, environment-friendly public transport, organic food in canteens, electricity stemming from renewable energy sources, and air conditioning systems complying with state of the art environmental solutions.

Green purchasing is also about setting an example and in uencing the market place. By promoting green procurement, public authorities can provide industry with real incentives for developing green technologies. In some product, works and service sectors, the impact can be particularly signi cant, as public purchasers command a large share of the market (in computers, energy-ef cient buildings, public transport, and so on).

b. Eco-innovation Action Plan The Eco-innovation Action Plan (EcoAP) comprises seven actions to help build stronger and more stable market demand for eco-innovation. These actions focus particularly on market supply and demand, on research and industry, and on policy and financial instruments. They will bring together stakeholders, the private and public sectors, and the European Commission.[7] The EcoAP will therefore focus on boosting innovation that results in or aims at reducing pressures on the environment and on bridging the gap between innovation and the market. It will, inter alia, take further some actions identified in the Resource Efficiency Roadmap. Eco-Innovation is any form of innovation resulting in or aiming at significant and demonstrable progress towards the goal of sustainable development, through reducing impacts on the environment, enhancing resilience to environmental pressures, or achieving a more efficient and responsible use of natural resources. [8] 1. Environmental policy and regulation European environmental policy has moved European industries towards greater sustainability. The goal now is for eco-innovation to be at the heart of the revision of EU legislation from air and water to waste and infrastructure. The Commission wants to perform a selective screening of European regulations in these areas, leading to specific and evidence-based recommendations for action. 2. Demonstration projects

However promising they may look on paper, many eco-innovation technologies still fail to make the leap from lab to market. Starting in 2012, the Commission will fund eco-innovation demonstration projects. Participation is open to all industrial sectors and themes from demolition waste and soil remediation to pesticides and climate change adaptation. This approach will be continued under the Horizon 2020 programme, the next EU research and innovation framework programme, from 2014 to 2020. 3. Standards Eco-innovation benefits from ambitious standards and performance targets. Working with Member States and international standardisation bodies, the Commission is to launch a dialogue to identify and prioritise areas where standards and targets could have the biggest impacts. Areas likely to be included are waste treatment, drinking water, sustainable construction materials, and building insulation. 4. Funding and SME support Public sector finance is crucial to accelerate eco-innovation in the private sector, especially in SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises). To bring new investors onboard, the Commission will create a European network of ecoinnovation financiers. It will also launch new funding instruments, in order to offer targeted debt and equity facilities in support of eco-innovative businesses, and expand other services to SMEs, so they can find and exploit eco-innovation opportunities in the EU and beyond. 5. International cooperation Emerging economies such as China, India and Brazil offer new market and partnership opportunities for European eco-investors. To capitalise on these opportunities, the Commission will promote the establishment of European business and technology centres in support of European businesses seeking to expand their market. 6. Skills and knowledge

EU Skills Panorama is a Commission initiative mapping out current and future skills needs in Europe, with a focus on green jobs. The aim is to drive forward the transition to a green economy by equipping tomorrows labour force with relevant skills and knowledge. The Commission will also facilitate information exchange between Member States on training schemes targeted at ecoinnovation. 7. European Innovation Partnerships European Innovation Partnerships are initiatives that aim to bring together public and private actors in key sectors where eco-innovation could contribute to create greater resource efficiency. Partnerships are being set up for raw materials, sustainable agriculture, and water.[7]

c. Eco-industries Identifying and addressing market failures and regulatory barriers that hinder the competitiveness of environmental industries and influence the uptake of more sustainable solutions by other industries is a key objective of the Action Plan on Sustainable Consumption and Production and Sustainable Industrial Policy. A first step in the process of developing policy initiatives for environmental industries consists of carrying out acompetitiveness analysis of environmental industries in Europe, with the view to identify areas for future policy initiatives. Analysing which key factors influence the competitiveness of these industries is of utmost importance. All enterprises, including service enterprises, having energy and environment issues as the core source of income are considered part of ecoindustries. Two broad categories of eco-industries can be considered, one of small and innovative companies acting in the field of, e.g. renewable energy, waste recycling, environmental auditing and consultancy; the other of more capital

intensive enterprises providing goods and services in specific areas, e.g. waste, wastewater, transport. Different policy options are required to address the specificities of each of these categories. Consulting business and other stakeholders is important, notably regarding, the barriers that may hamper growth on the Internal Market; and the mechanisms and incentives to help SMEs to adopt more environmentally friendly and energy efficient solutions.[10]

d. Exporting European green and low carbon solutions Pollution and climate change do cross boundaries. Growing demand for energy and natural resources is a global challenge which calls for global solutions. Exporting European green and low carbon solutions to other parts of the world - in particular emerging countries, will help them to adapt to the finite resources of our planet and contribute to the fight against climate change. Sectoral agreements Industry sectors have already started to develop agreements globally: companies of a sector in emerging as well as developed countries commit to greenhouse gas reductions or energy-efficiency targets. In sectors where energy and CO2 are major concerns, such as steel, cement and aluminium, it avoids that some companies suffer from carbon constrain while others benefit from carbon havens depending on their location country. Such voluntary agreements can significantly contribute to greenhouse gas reduction in the developing world. They should be duly taken into account during the international negotiation of a post-Kyoto agreement. Other international action The EU will also promote good practice internationally, notably within the United Nations and the G8 framework.

The EU will continue to support the liberalisation of trade of environmental goods and services in WTO negotiations, so that green technologies are disseminated in more countries.[11]

3.2 Cleaner production Used in conjunction with other elements of environmental management, cleaner production is a practical method for protecting human and environmental health, and for supporting the goal of sustainable development. Production with no regard for environmental impacts creates water and air pollution, soil degradation, and large-scale global impacts such as acid rain, global warming and ozone depletion. To create more sustainable methods of production, there needs to be a shift in attitudes away from control towards pollution prevention and management. Cleaner production activities include measures such as pollution prevention, source reduction, waste minimization and eco-efficiency. They involve better management and housekeeping, substitution of toxic and hazardous materials, process modifications, and reuse of waste products. At its heart, the concept is about the prevention, rather than the control, of pollution. The concept of cleaner production questions the need for a particular product, and looks at other ways to satisfy the demand. It is a slowing down of the rate at which we use resources, and a gradual shift from linear to more circular processes, similar to those found in nature. The eventual goal of clean production is to achieve a 'closed loop' operation in which all excess materials are recycled back into the process. The four elements of cleaner production are: 1. The precautionary approach - potential polluters must prove that a substance or activity will do no harm;

2. The preventive approach - preventing pollution at the source rather than after it has been created; 3. Democratic control - workers, consumers, and communities all have access to information and are involved in decision-making; 4. Integrated and holistic approach - addressing all material, energy and water flows using life-cycle analyses.[12]

3.3.Works towards global Markets for sustainable Products Thus the goals of economic and social development must be defined in terms of sustainability in all countries - developed or developing, marketoriented or centrally planned. Interpretations will vary, but must share certain general features and must flow from a consensus on the basic concept of sustainable development and on a broad strategic framework for achieving it.[17] Retailers are in a strong position to influence more sustainable consumption through their own operations, supply chains, and consumer behaviour. Retailers and producers are increasingly recognising sustainability as a considerable opportunity for their businesses to grow, compete and innovate. However, further effort is needed to reduce the environmental footprint of the retail sector and its supply chain, promote more sustainable products, and better inform consumers. To achieve this, other stakeholders, such as producers as well as consumer and other non-governmental organisations, will also be involved. A Retail Forum is being set up. It will serve as a platform to: - identify key areas to be tackled and define the baseline of existing initiatives;

- share best practices, extend the geographical coverage of existing initiatives and look to launch new initiatives; and - report on progress of their actions on an individual basis. The objective is that individual large retailers commit to a series of ambitious and concrete actions with clear objectives, timelines, deliverables, and monitoring indicators. These commitments respond to the Commission's call on business to step up its Corporate Social Responsibility, as set out in the Commis sions Communication of 2006. The EU consumer policy can provide the market tools to empower citizens, as consumers, to make sustainable environmental choices. The Commission will therefore also support actions to increase consumers awareness and help them to make more informed choices. This will be done, for example, by developing tools to inform young people and increase their awareness and on-line education modules for adults on sustainable consumption.[18]

4. Environmental Policy for Europe 2020

Environmental policy in the EU is formulated in the EU Environmental Action Programmes, setting the appropriate policy framework in accordance with the priorities adopted during their effective period. This has led to the establishment of legislative acts that cover particular aspects of environmental protection. The Sixth Action Program,6 which will be in effect until year 2012, emphasizes four priorities:

hasis is on the prevention and management of major disasters involving hazardous substances, and on expanding the Natura 2000 Network8 vironment and health, aiming to environmental quality such as that human health is neither threatened nor negatively influenced;and finally,

latter, the EU endeavors to define the objectives and describe the instruments by which it can move towards a better waste management, clarifying also the current legal frame of reference. Waste management is considered a priority field in the general endeavor of simplifying European law. The Sixth Action Plan is followed by the integration of environmental protection issues in the fundamental development strategy Europe 2020.[19] European Development Strategy and the Environment The Lisbon Strategy . In the first decade of the 20th century, the Lisbon Strategy established a strategic goal for the European Union. That is to say, to transform the European Union into a more robust and competitive knowledge-based economy, capable of both sustainable development and social cohesion. The environmental dimension, with particular emphasis on environmental protection

and sustainability, was added on the Lisbon development strategy in 2001, during the EU summit in Gothenburg -Goeteborg. The strategy for sustainable development initiated after Goeteborg, and the Lisbon Strategy, were regarded as being mutually compatible and complementary.[19] Europe 2020 Strategy The EU's new strategy for sustainable growth and jobs, called 'Europe 2020', comes in the midst of the worst economic crisis in decades. The new strategy replaces the Lisbon Agenda, adopted in 2000, which largely failed to turn the EU into "the world's most dynamic knowledge-based economy by 2010" . The new agenda puts innovation and green growth at the heart of its blueprint for competitiveness and proposes tighter monitoring of national reform programmes, one of the greatest weaknesses of the Lisbon Strategy. During a summit on 11 February, EU leaders broadly endorsed a paper by European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, which called for more rigorous implementation and monitoring procedures for the new strategy . The European Commission unveiled the new strategy on 3 March 2010, defining five 'headline targets' that would need to be adapted at national level in order to reflect national differences:

Raising the employment rate of the population aged 20-64 from the current 69% to 75%.

Raising the investment in R&D to 3% of the EU's GDP. Meeting the EU's climate change and energy objective for 2020 to cut greenhouse gas emission by 20% and source 20% of its energy needs from renewable sources.

Reducing the share of early school leavers from the current 15% to under 10% and making sure that at least 40% of youngsters have a degree or diploma.

Reducing the number of Europeans living below the poverty line by 25%, lifting 20 million out of poverty from the current 80 million.[20]

The strategy also includes seven flagship initiatives providing a framework through which the EU and national authorities mutually reinforce their efforts in areas supporting the Europe 2020 priorities such as innovation, the digital economy, employment, youth,, industrial policy, poverty, and resource efficiency. Europe 2020 will only be a success if it is the subject of a determined and focused effort at both the EU and national levels. At the EU level key decisions are being taken to complete the single market in services, energy and digital products, and to invest in essential cross-border links. At national level many obstacles to competition and job creation must be removed. But only if these efforts are combined and coordinated will they have the desired impact on growth and jobs. That is why the delivery of Europe 2020 relies heavily on the new governance structures and processes that the EU has been putting in place since 2010. At the heart of these is the European Semester, a yearly cycle of economic policy coordination involving EU level policy guidance by the European Commission and Council, reform commitments by the Member States and country-specific recommendations prepared by the Commission and endorsed at the highest level by national leaders in the European Council. These recommendations should then be taken on board in the Member States' policies and budgets. [21]

4.1. Flagship initiatives


Europe has identified new engines to boost growth and jobs. These areas are addressed by 7 flagship initiatives. Smart growth

Digital agenda for Europe Innovation Union Youth on the move

Sustainable growth

Resource efficient Europe An industrial policy for the globalisation era

Inclusive growth

An agenda for new skills and jobs European platform against poverty[22]

a. Smart growth Smart growth means improving the EU's performance in:

education (encouraging people to learn, study and update their skills) research/innovation (creating new products/services that generate growth and jobs and help address social challenges)

digital society (using information and communication technologies)

EU targets for smart growth include: 1. combined public and private investment levels to reach 3% of EU's GDP as well as better conditions for R&D and Innovation 2. 75% employment rate for women and men aged 20-64 by 2020 achieved by getting more people into work, especially women, the young, older and low-skilled people and legal migrants

3. better educational attainment in particular: reducing school drop-out rates below 10% at least 40% of 30-34year-olds with third level education (or equivalent)[23]

b. Sustainable growth Sustainable growth means:

building a more competitive low-carbon economy that makes efficient, sustainable use of resources

protecting the environment, reducing emissions and preventing biodiversity loss

capitalising on Europe's leadership in developing new green technologies and production methods

introducing efficient smart electricity grids harnessing EU-scale networks to give our businesses (especially small manufacturing firms) an additional competitive advantage

improving the business environment, in particular for SMEs helping consumers make well-informed choices.

EU targets for sustainable growth include: 1. reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% compared to 1990 levels by 2020. The EU is prepared to go further and reduce by 30% if other developed countries make similar commitments and developing countries contribute according to their abilities, as part of a comprehensive global agreement 2. increasing the share of renewables in final energy consumption to 20% 3. moving towards a 20% increase in energy efficiency.[24]

Inclusive growth Inclusive growth means:

raising Europes employment rate more and better jobs, especially for women, young people and older workers

helping people of all ages anticipate and manage change through investment in skills & training

modernising labour markets and welfare systems ensuring the benefits of growth reach all parts of the EU EU target for inclusive growth include:

1. 75% employment rate for women and men aged 20-64 by 2020 achieved by getting more people into work, especially women, the young, older and low-skilled people and legal migrants 2. better educational attainment in particular: reducing school drop-out rates below 10% at least 40% of 30-34year-olds completing third level education (or equivalent) 3. at least 20 million fewer people in or at risk of poverty and social exclusion [25] Europe 2020 is the EU's growth strategy for the coming decade. In a changing world, we want the EU to become a smart, sustainable and inclusive economy. These three mutually reinforcing priorities should help the EU and the Member States deliver high levels of employment, productivity and social cohesion. Concretely, the Union has set five ambitious objectives - on employment, innovation, education, social inclusion and climate/energy - to be reached by 2020. Each Member State has adopted its own national targets in each of these areas. Concrete actions at EU and national levels underpin the strategy.Jos
Manuel Barroso President of the European Commission [26]

Conclusion

Acceptance of environmental issues by the citizens is a major factor toward accomplishing the goals of environmental policy. But it is the citizens that will transform environmental goals into inducing-growth actions. Of critical importance is the particular combination of policy instruments. The EUs long involvement, including policymaking in environmental issues, has endowed the Union with a toolbox of suitable instruments, including legal requirements, technology transfer, marketbased instruments, relevant research, and environmental responsibility regulations.

Bibliography

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[14]http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/sustainablebusiness/ecodesign/files/broc hure_ecodesign_en.pdf [15] Directive 2009/125/Ec of The European Parliament and of the Council, 21 October 2009, Establishing a framework for the setting of ecodesign requirements for energy-related products [16] Overview and Update of the ERP Directive, Energy Labelling Directive and Eco-label in the European Union, http://www.clasponline.org/ResourcesTools/Resources/SLHeadlines/~/media/Files /SLHeadlines/Asia-EESL-Forum/European-Union-SL-Update-PaulWaide-withrefs.pdf [17] http://www.un-documents.net/ocf-02.htm [18]http://eurlex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:52008DC039 7:EN:NOT [19] http://www.rsijournal.eu/ARTICLES/June_2012/151-158.pdf [20] http://www.euractiv.com/priorities/europe-2020-green-growth-jobslinksdossier-280116 [21] http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/europe-2020-in-a-nutshell/index_en.htm [22] http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/europe-2020-in-a-nutshell/flagshipinitiatives/index_en.htm [23] http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/europe-2020-in-a-nutshell/priorities/smartgrowth/index_en.htm [24http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/europe-2020-in-a nutshell/priorities/sustainablegrowth/index_en.htm [25] http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/europe-2020-in-a-nutshell/priorities/inclusivegrowth/index_en.htm [26] http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/index_en.htm [27] http://www.epa.gov/oswer/international/factsheets/200610-ipp-fact-sheet.htm

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