Sustainability

The European Union is leading the global transition toward sustainability through three key initiatives: the EU Green Deal, the EU Taxonomy Regulation, and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) 2022/2464/EU.

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 EU 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 EU 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:

- 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 (CSRD) 2022/2464/EU

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) 2022/2464/EU 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 demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability and is actively engaged in adhering to and complying with all applicable EU climate and environment laws and regulations.

To meet these commitments, Sentera shall

Utilize this policy as a foundation for establishing objectives and targets aimed at environmental improvement
Implement a procurement and contracting policy that aligns with these objectives to ensure sustainability in the supply chain
Implement robust environmental impact management practices to effectively address and mitigate our ecological impact
Publicly disclose and make this policy readily accessible to all employees, suppliers and partners, fostering a shared commitment to environmental responsibility.

At Sentera, the core principles of sustainability are reflected in every aspect of our operations. Embracing green energy sources is not just a choice, it is our responsibility.

We have taken significant steps towards reducing our carbon footprint by incorporating solar panels to power our production facilities and administrative buildings.
Our commitment extends to our transportation fleet, where electric cars are the norm, aligning with our dedication to eco-friendly practices.
In our waste management practices, through diligent waste separation, we ensure that recyclables, organics and other materials are appropriately sorted, contributing to the reduction of landfill waste.
Furthermore, we recognize the value of water conservation, and rainwater harvesting has become an integral part of our daily operations as part of our dedication to responsible resource management. We use the harvested water for the industrial processes, for landscaping, irrigation and other non-potable purposes.
Understanding the impact of air travel on the environment, at Sentera we meticulously calculate our flight emissions in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and play our role in safeguarding the global climate.