The conference organized by CSR Cyprus in collaboration with the Office of the Environment Commissioner and with the support of the Municipality of Paralimni entitled "How to measure and reduce the environmental footprint of my business" took place today, Tuesday 16 January 2024 at Paralimni Town Hall.
In his greeting, the Mayor of Paralimni, Mr. Theodoros Pyrillis, emphasized the importance of measuring and reducing the environmental footprint of businesses and local authorities, pointing out the fact that "in Cyprus, the right measures have begun to be taken in order to ensure sustainability of businesses but at the same time to protect the environment". In addition, the Mayor of Paralimni noted that "the Municipality of Paralimni has planned the creation of two composting plants for organic waste, organic sludge and prunings", while he expressed his optimism for the course that the Municipality of Paralimni has followed in matters of circular economy management. Finally, he did not fail to applaud the initiative of CSR Cyprus and the Office of the Environment Commissioner for organizing the Conference.
For her part, the Environment Commissioner, Ms. Antonia Theodosiou, in her greeting, thanked the Municipality of Paralimni and the Mayor of Paralimni Mr. Theodoros Pyrillis for the support they provided in the organization of the workshop and for the hospitality in the event hall of the Municipality, as well as the speakers of the workshop and the audience who took part. Among others Ms. Theodosiou noted that "our goal, through these workshops, is to prepare businesses so that they can respond to the new framework that is formed through the European Green Agreement. Today's lab gives businesses the right tools to measure and reduce their carbon footprint. At the same time, it is a practical proof of our Office's commitment, in the context of its mission, to promote sustainability in businesses and contribute to the achievement of the national goals established on the basis of the European Green Deal and the interim legislative package "Fit for 55". "Fit for 55" refers to the EU's target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, which is not far off.
During the conference, presentations were made on financial tools for reducing the carbon footprint of small and medium-sized enterprises, on the methodology for measuring and verifying the environmental footprint, on the greenhouse gas index and financial risks for enterprises, while a presentation was also made by two enterprises of the free province of Famagusta, Cyprus Millers with the theme "Combining tradition and sustainability", and Delicacy Foods with the theme "The practice of the circular economy through the total utilization of agricultural products in the Cypriot company Delicacy Foods". Mr. Kyriakos Siakalli also addressed a greeting on behalf of CSR Cyprus. At the end of the conference, questions and discussion followed.
This is the speech of the Environment Commissioner:
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to today's workshop co-organized by the Office of the Environment Commissioner and the Cyprus Network for Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility-CSR Cyprus on the topic "How to measure and reduce the environmental footprint of my business".
First of all, allow me to thank the Municipality of Paralimni and the Mayor of Paralimni, Mr. Theodoros Pyrillis, for the support they provided us in organizing the workshop and for hosting us in the event hall of the Municipality. At the same time, I would like to thank the speakers of the workshop for the presentations that will follow and also all the participants for your presence here today.
Today's workshop, on the topic of reducing the carbon footprint of small and medium enterprises, is the third in a series of green skills development workshop for small and medium enterprises organized by our Office in collaboration with CSR Cyprus, with the aim of promoting green skills. At this point I would like to thank Dr. Marino Vouki and CSR Cyprus for the kind cooperation with the Office and my predecessor and current Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Dr. Maria Panagiotou and assure you that I look forward to the continuation of this cooperation for completion of our common initiative and effort, but also in strengthening it with its thematic enrichment in the context of new actions.
Our goal, through these workshops, is to prepare businesses so that they can respond to the new framework that is formed through the European Green Agreement. Today's lab gives businesses the right tools to measure and reduce their carbon footprint. At the same time, it is a practical proof of our Office's commitment, within the framework of its mission, to promote sustainability in businesses and contribute to the achievement of the national goals established on the basis of the European Green Deal and the interim legislative package "Fit for 55". "Fit for 55" refers to the EU's target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, which is not far away.
The reduction of the carbon footprint, beyond its ethical dimension, is a practical and strategic need for businesses. Through this, businesses ensure their environmental governance, actively participating in the protection and preservation of the environment. They also ensure legal compliance with the EU's ambitious zero-emission targets. This compliance enhances business access to markets that emphasize sustainability. At the same time, the adoption of sustainable practices usually leads to increased energy efficiency, reduced energy bills and waste management leading businesses to savings. Finally, in an era where consumers are increasingly making choices based on ethical and environmental criteria, businesses that demonstrate environmental responsibility are more likely to attract customers and investors.
That is why we await with great interest today's presentations of the financial tools available to businesses, the methodology for measuring the environmental footprint and the greenhouse gas index, as well as the presentations of good corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices and the application of circular economy principles from two Cypriot companies, Cyprus Millers by Hadjigiorkis and Delicacy Foods.
Thank you all for your participation and I hope you gain useful information and knowledge that will help you reduce your business's environmental footprint and actively contribute to the collective effort to transition to a low carbon economy.