Sustainable consumption: Commission publishes the first progress reports under the Green Consumption Pledge

Today, a year after its launch, the European Commission published the first progress reports of enterprises participating in the Green Consumption Pledge. This initiative encouraged companies to take a voluntary pledge to further support sustainable consumption, beyond the requirements imposed by law. Several companies, such as Ceconomy, Colruyt Group, Décathlon, Engie, Erste Group, LEGO, L’Oréal, Phillips and Renewd delivered reports to show their progress towards the core pledges to which they committed. Some of the practices introduced include increasing the use of renewable energy in their electricity generation and fostering the visibility of sustainable products for retailers. Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, said: “Last year, we invited companies of all sizes to join our efforts in helping consumers make more green choices. Today, I am glad to see the first progress reports – thanks to them, consumers have more transparency on companies’ actions towards reducing their carbon footprint and improving product sustainability. I encourage more companies to join our Pledge: it is only by working together that we can further boost sustainable consumption across the EU.” Building on this success, the Commission is now inviting more companies to reduce their carbon footprint, while also committing to at least another aspect of sustainable consumption under the Sustainable Consumption Pledge: reducing their environmental footprint, switching to a more circular business model, and/or respecting social sustainability aspects. The Pledge was the first project delivered under the New Consumer Agenda. For more information on how to apply to the Sustainable Consumption Pledge, please visit the dedicated webpage.