ENVIRONMENT

From 14-16 May 2012, the Cement, Lime and Magnesium Oxide (CLM) Technical Working Group (TWG) met in Seville (Spain) to discuss and agree the draft Best Available Techniques (BAT) conclusions for the CLM BAT Reference Document (BREF).

On 4 May 2012, the Parties to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Air Pollution Convention approved amendments to the 1999 Gothenburg Protocol to Abate Acidification, Eutrophication and Ground-level Ozone (Gothenburg Protocol).

On 9 May 2012, the European Commission’s Implementing Decision in relation to the determination of start-up and shut-down periods for the purposes of the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) was published in the Official Journal.

On 15 May 2012, an agreement was reached between the Council and the European Parliament on the revision of the Sulphur Directive (Directive 1999/32/EC) in relation to the sulphur content of marine fuels.

On 11 June 2012, the Council adopted Conclusions on the Seventh EU Environment Action Programme (7th EAP). In this respect, the document includes a vision for 2050 and objectives for 2020; better implementation, enforcement, monitoring and strengthening of environment policy and legislation; and finally the transition to a green economy.

On 1 June 2012, CEMBUREAU responded to the Public Consultation on the EU environment policy priorities for 2020. In its response, the Association indicates that the new Environmental Action Plan (EAP) should provide the long term certainty and a conductive framework for the private sector to invest in resource efficiency, low-carbon technology and eco-innovation.

The Cement, Lime and Magnesium Oxide (CLM) Best Available Techniques (BAT) Reference Document (BREF) adapted to the provisions of the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED, including the BAT conclusions as discussed in the CLM Technical Working Group [TWG] Meeting held 14-16 May 2012) has been released and sent to the IED Article 13 Forum for its opinion.

On 31 May 2012 the International Labour Organisation published a study (entitled “Working towards sustainable development: Opportunities for decent work and social inclusion in a green economy”) underlining the potential of transforming to greener economy to generate 15 to 60 million additional jobs globally over the next two decades “if the right set of policies are put in place”.

On 11 June 2012, the Council held an orientation debate on Land Use, Land Change and Forestry (LULUCF). In this respect, Ministers welcomed the proposal from the European Commission and the phased approach suggested.

On 31 May 2012, the European Commission issued a call for tender on policy options for an EU 'No net loss' initiative within the field of biodiversity.