The built environment accounts for at least 40% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. For the Alps, it is key to use local resources effectively while upholding EU rules and promoting the adoption of common standards across the building value chain.
The European Interreg Alpine Space project BAUHALPS is endeavouring to meet these challenges by developing and testing a model that combines New European Bauhaus concepts with sustainability measurements and indicators in an innovative way.
INN-PRESSME is a consortium of 27 partners from nine countries helping European SMEs and companies develop bio-based solutions in the packaging, energy, transport and consumer goods sectors.
The project will shortly be holding its final event, bringing together investors, industry, policy makers, clusters, universities and research centres. It will be an opportunity to discuss the project results, technologies, market services and lessons learned, focusing on the innovativetest cases.
Businesses in Spain and around the world are adopting the circular economy as a new production paradigm. However, while the economic and environmental dimensions of the circular economy have been explored, its social impact (decent pay, gender equality, labour conditions) has been overlooked.
By surveying more than 210 workers in three countries and interviewing 90 stakeholders in Spain, the authors developed an inventory of circular jobs. They found that circular jobs in Spain follow the same pattern as the linear value chain, where women in resale, repair and recycling are the most vulnerable. Startups in resale and rental based on internet platform models have the highest earning quality but also high job insecurity, especially for women workers.
The sustainability certification TCO Certified has been driving social and environmental sustainability in the IT industry for over 30 years. Every third year, the certification criteria are updated to push sustainability where it matters most.
They are organising an event where they will discuss the steps needed to drive sustainability in four key areas (climate, substances, circularity and supply chain) and present their new Roadmap for Sustainable IT.
The European Commission is opening a call for membership applications for a new Ecodesign Forum under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation. The forum will play an important role in the implementation of the ESPR by involving all stakeholders in developing rules for more circular, energy-efficient and sustainable products.
The European Commission's Joint Research Centre is organising a second consultation meeting with stakeholders as part of its ongoing work on a preparatory study on textile products. This will support the implementation of the recently adopted Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation.
Renewaball introduced the world’s first fully circular tennis and padel balls, designed with recycled materials sourced from used balls collected across European clubs.
This project embodies eco-friendly design by reusing rubber from old balls and using biodegradable wool felt to replace conventional polyester and nylon, which reduces microplastic pollution.
Both the RE-PLAN CITY LIFE and LIFE SILENT projects support the use of recycled rubber in asphalt. Experiences and demonstration projects in various countries have confirmed that this solution is technically viable and more sustainable.
This workshop will involve a visit to an asphalt plant which produces and lays rubberised asphalt and a seminar exploring the most recent experiences and innovations in the use of recycled tyre materials in asphalt and road infrastructure.
INN-PRESSME helps European SMEs and companies develop bio-based solutions in the packaging, energy, transport and consumer goods sectors. They are organising a webinar to provide information about their services, test cases, new opportunities to test-before-investment, and network with industry players. The webinar will focus on transport and consumer goods.