More than ever, we are all concerned by climate change around the world. Every day, the media tell us about events and disruptions due to climate change; this is why in 2020 we must all feel concerned by the current situation and engage in an eco-responsible approach.
Being eco-responsible is a real challenge every day. Mobi Trainee is committed to this approach by implementing actions within its structure. That’s why we wanted to share with you the commitment of Erasmus+ and the eco-responsible approach implemented within its agency.
What are the benefits of an eco-responsible approach for a company?
- Improving the competitiveness of the company and its brand image
- Reducing expenses by favoring renewable energies
- Allowing a better management of resources
- Getting a head start on measures that will soon be mandatory
- Strengthening the corporate culture
- Sharing strong commitments
What does it mean to be eco-responsible in business?
Being eco-responsible in business means managing the resources necessary for the proper functioning of the company while seeking to reduce its environmental impact as much as possible, at all times. The eco-behavior is a daily attempt to limit the ecological impact.
According to the ADEME (Agency for the Environment and Energy Management), what actions should be taken to become eco-responsible within a regional government ?
- Implementing a purchasing policy that favors eco-products
- Reducing water, energy and paper consumption
- Improving the management of built and unbuilt heritage
- Raising awareness and educating staff about sustainable development
Erasmus+’s eco-responsible approach
The goal to limit the environmental footprint has been taken up by the Agency at the European level in consultation with the other Erasmus+ agencies. The next Erasmus+ program for 2021-2027 will include measures called Erasmus goes green. In 2020, the program has already planned to cover additional expenses related to low greenhouse gas emitting transport.
Not to mention the implementation of the Erasmus+ app, aiming at digitizing administrative procedures.
An eco-responsible charter was drafted including 10 principles to abide by in order to commit the agency and its agents to the eco-responsible approach.
- Optimal conditions for the implementation of eco-measures in the office
- Decreasing waste during lunch and coffee breaks
- Decreasing paper consumption
- Sorting more waste.
- Consuming less energy on a daily basis
- Sharing a commitment to “digital sobriety”
- Reducing and offsetting greenhouse gas emissions from business travel
- Favoring sustainable and eco-responsible purchases.
- Organizing meetings and events in a way to limit their environmental footprint
- Being an influencer
Green transport supported by Erasmus+ in 2020
Thousands of young people travel every year for their Erasmus mobility. This has environmental consequences.
Erasmus+ has therefore set up additional support to promote ecological means of transportation, especially the train. In the Erasmus+ 2020 guide a paragraph called “EXCEPTIONAL COSTS FOR HIGH TRAVEL COSTS” has been added. This section highlights the fact that traveling by “green” transport is a reason to ask for extra money. It will therefore be possible to go beyond the limits of the distance calculator.
Specifically the guide says on page 63: “Applicants for mobility projects will be allowed to request financial support for high travel expenses under the “exceptional expenses” budget line (up to a maximum of 80% of the total expenses: see “What are the funding rules?”), including in cases where participants choose cleaner means of transportations with lower-carbon (e.g. train), resulting in high travel expenses.”
For more information on Erasmus+’s eco-responsible approach, you can read the Erasmus+ Agency’s Eco-Action Charter as well as this presentation to better understand the objectives of the “new Erasmus and the environmental transition”.
