2013年-ECB欧洲央行_ECBs_environmental_statement_2013_31页_1mb

ECB Environmental Statement 2013 Summary

Core Content

The European Central Bank (ECB) published its fourth Environmental Statement in 2013, covering data from 2012. The document outlines the ECB's environmental policy, management system, and initiatives aimed at improving environmental performance across its operations.

Main Objectives of the ECB

• The ECB, along with national central banks of euro area countries, forms the Eurosystem, whose main objective is to maintain price stability and safeguard the value of the euro.
• The ECB is responsible for the strategic planning, coordination, and harmonisation of banknotes within the euro area and has the exclusive right to authorise their issuance.

Organisation and Structure

• The ECB's decision-making bodies include the Governing Council and the Executive Board.

• The Governing Council adopts environmental policy and oversees monetary policy.

• The Executive Board is responsible for daily operations and risk management.

• The ECB is structured into business areas (directorates and stand-alone offices), divisions, and sections, with additional structures such as project teams, working groups, and committees to ensure interdisciplinary collaboration.

• In 2012, the ECB had 2,399 occupied workplaces, including 1,464 for permanent/fixed-term staff and 935 for non-ECB staff.

ECB's Premises

• The ECB currently rents three high-rise buildings in Frankfurt am Main: the Eurotower, the former Commerzbank building, and the Eurotheum, covering a total gross surface area of around 133,000 square metres.
• The ECB also has official representative offices in Washington and Brussels and rents computer space in the Frankfurt area.
• The new premises, to be completed in 2014, will be more energy efficient and sustainable, with a design that is 29% more efficient than the 2007 German energy-saving directive standards.
• The new premises will include a sustainable design, natural ventilation, rainwater capture, and the use of recycled and geothermal heat.

Environmental Management at the ECB

• The ECB has implemented an Environmental Management System (EMS) certified under EMAS, following the EN ISO 14001 standard.
• The EMS is fully integrated into the ECB's governance framework and is outlined in the Business Practice Handbook (BPH) and Environmental Management Handbook (EMH).
• The EMS includes internal and external environmental verifications to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
• The Green ECB initiative coordinates all environmental activities and promotes awareness and participation among staff.

Environmental Policy and Objectives

• The ECB is committed to improving its environmental performance and minimising its ecological footprint.
• Key policy objectives include:
  • Raising awareness and promoting sustainable behaviour through training and communication.
  • Reducing carbon emissions and using resources efficiently.
  • Integrating environmental considerations into procurement processes.
  • Ensuring transparent communication with stakeholders.
  • Complying with applicable environmental regulations.

Environmental Management Organisation

Environmental Aspects and Impact

The ECB monitors and evaluates the following environmental aspects annually:

• Energy consumption (heating, cooling, and electricity)
• Office paper and publications
• Office supplies
• Cleaning agents and hazardous substances
• Water and waste water
• Waste and recycling
• Business travel
• Biodiversity
• Banknotes
• Public procurement
• CO₂ footprint

Energy Consumption

• Heating and cooling energy consumption increased by 11.1% in 2012 compared to 2011 due to a cold winter and increased working hours during the financial crisis.
• Electrical energy consumption per workplace decreased by 8.7% in 2012 compared to 2011, although total electrical energy consumption remained almost unchanged since 2009.
• The ECB has made efforts to use renewable energy sources:
  • Since 2009, the Commerzbank building has used 100% renewable energy.
  • Since 2011, the Eurotower and Eurotheum have used hydropower for their electricity supply.
  • The ECB's new premises will also use renewable energy sources.

Key Environmental Initiatives

• The ECB promotes sustainable procurement and has adopted a sustainable procurement guideline in 2012.
• It encourages the use of public transport and bicycles and provides facilities such as bicycle stands and showers.
• The ECB participates in global environmental initiatives like "Earth Hour" and organises "car-free day" events to promote sustainable mobility.
• The "Plants for Printers" campaign, initiated by the Green ECB team, replaced office printers with plants to reduce energy use and promote a greener work environment. In 2012, 50 plants were given out as part of the first phase of the campaign.

Environmental Communication and Awareness-Raising

• The ECB provides internal and external communication channels to promote environmental awareness.
• Training sessions and awareness campaigns are used to engage staff in the EMS.
• The Green ECB intranet page and interactive communication platform are central to internal environmental communication.
• The ECB has launched employee engagement campaigns to demonstrate the importance of individual actions in reducing environmental impact.

Conclusion

The ECB's Environmental Statement 2013 highlights its commitment to environmental protection through the implementation of an EMS, sustainable practices, and employee engagement. The document reflects the ECB's efforts to reduce its ecological footprint while maintaining its core functions and promoting a sustainable corporate culture.