Sustainability
The EU is leading the global sustainability through the European Green Deal, the EU Taxonomy Regulation, and Directive (EU) 2022/2464 (CSRD).
Sustainable business
Sustainability is not just a goal for the future — it's our responsibility for today! The European Union is taking a global lead in sustainability and responsible business practices. Three key initiatives form the foundation of this transition: the European Green Deal, the EU Taxonomy Regulation, and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) 2022/2464/EU. Together, these regulations create a coherent framework that encourages—and obliges—companies to operate in a more sustainable, transparent, and future-oriented way.
What is the current legal framework in the European Union?
1. European Green Deal
The European Green Deal is the European Union’s strategic action plan to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. This ambitious agreement aims to transform the EU’s economy into a sustainable, resource-efficient, and competitive system, ensuring no net emissions of greenhouse gases, economic growth decoupled from the use of natural resources, and no person or region left behind. In summary, it’s both a climate action plan and a major economic reform agenda.
Key goals of the EU Green Deal:
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- Climate neutrality by 2050: achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors of the economy, making Europe the world’s first climate-neutral continent.
- Cut emissions by 55% by 2030: reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
- Clean energy transition: shift to renewable energy sources, improve energy efficiency, and phase out fossil fuels.
- Sustainable industry: promote circular economy principles: reduce waste, recycle more, and redesign products to last longer. Promote sustainable agriculture and food systems.
- Zero pollution: clean air, water, and soil — reduce harmful chemicals and industrial emissions.
- Sustainable transport: promote electric vehicles, public transport, and clean fuels.
- Protect biodiversity and ecosystems: restore degraded ecosystems and increase protected natural areas.
- Fair and inclusive transition: support workers and regions most affected by the transition
2. EU Taxonomy Regulation
The EU taxonomy is a cornerstone of the EU’s sustainable finance framework and an important market transparency tool. It helps direct investments to the economic activities most needed for the transition, in line with the European Green Deal objectives. The taxonomy is a classification system that defines criteria for economic activities that are aligned with a net zero trajectory by 2050 and the broader environmental goals other than climate. It is designed to combat greenwashing and help investors identify truly sustainable investments.
In order to meet the EU’s climate and energy targets for 2030 and reach the objectives of the European green deal, it is vital that we direct investments towards sustainable projects and activities. The taxonomy outlines six environmental objectives, including climate change mitigation, climate change adaptation, and the protection of biodiversity. For companies, this means assessing their activities against clear technical screening criteria and reporting transparently on their alignment with these goals.
3. Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (EU) 2022/2464 (CSRD)
The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (EU) 2022/2464 (CSRD) significantly expands the scope and depth of sustainability reporting. As of 2024, large companies are required to report on environmental, social, and governance factors, including risks and opportunities related to sustainability. This helps investors, civil society organisations, consumers and other stakeholders to evaluate the sustainability performance of companies, as part of the European Green Deal.
The first companies subject to the CSRD have to apply the new rules for the first time in the 2024 financial year, for reports published in 2025. Reporting must comply with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) and follow the principle of double materiality: both the company’s impact on people and the environment, and the impact of sustainability issues on the company, must be addressed. The CSRD promotes comparability, reliability, and transparency.
How does Sentera makes a difference?
Sentera sets clear environmental goals and continuously manages and reduces its impact through effective practices and controls. We apply sustainable purchasing and contracting practices and work closely with suppliers and partners to build a responsible, transparent supply chain and promote a shared commitment to sustainability. At Sentera, the core principles of environmental responsibility and sustainability are reflected in every aspect of our operations:
Reduce carbon footprint
• We power our production facilities and offices with solar energy.
• We use mainly electric cars in our vehicle fleet.
• We carefully calculate and work to reduce emissions from air travel.
• We preferably collaborate with European suppliers to shorten transport distances and improve traceability.
• We also consolidate shipments to avoid unnecessary transport.
Waste management and water conservation
• We use our resources wisely to produce as little waste as possible.
• We carefully sort our waste to maximise recycling and minimise landfill use.
• We reuse or recycle packaging wherever possible.
• We harvest rainwater and reuse it for industrial processes, irrigation, and other non-drinking purposes.