The first effects of the EU Green Deal will start to be felt in less than two years. Because in 2027, ETS 2, the expanded emissions trading scheme for buildings and road transport, will come into force. The question now is: how will you ensure that these turn out positively for your organisation? A future-proof warehouse is a must. In this article, we take you through the Green Deal highlights and introduce our WDP Dialogues to help you benefit from them. 

The EU Green Deal is Europe’s strategy for a cleaner and more circular economy. Its goal is ambitious: Europe as the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. This will enable the EU to meet current climate challenges and create space for a new economic model. With opportunities for investment, innovation and employment. And benefits for everyone’s working environment. 

It is in black and white: the 27 EU member states are going to ensure that emissions are at least 55% lower in 2030 than in 1990. Since 2021, the first EU climate law has been in force, setting binding targets for all relevant sectors. The ​‘Fit for 55’ package ensures that this transition takes place in a fair, cost-effective and competitive manner. 

But en route to 2030, there is already an important interlude that brings urgency to our industry: ETS 2. CO2 emissions for buildings and transport will be priced directly from 2027. This can lead to higher operational costs, especially for fossil fuel-dependent companies. 

The EU Green Deal comes with high expectations from industrial and social partners (employer and employee organisations). They should be at the forefront of sustainable development. But they are under enormous pressure from various geopolitical and economic challenges. That will look familiar to you. That is why there is a helpline. The European Commission introduced the Clean Transition Dialogues. A platform where parties jointly discuss challenges and get support in implementing the Green Deal.

Initial dialogues show that there is definitely willingness to make the Green Deal a reality, but there are some snags. Key issues that emerged: effective and simplified regulation, measures around energy prices, modern infrastructure, better access to finance and a better functioning internal market.

Bright. There is a lot of work to do for 2030 and great initiatives are underway. But what are you actually benefiting from yourself? The Clean Transition Dialogues inspired us to make it practical. WDP is in a position to look for cooperation within the supply chain, sharpening opportunities and risks. This is why we are launching a series of dialogues with our customers. With topics such as automation, electrification, health & safety and employee satisfaction. The output of those dialogues has a clear purpose: to support you in meeting your sustainability targets, complying with regulations and optimising operational processes.