Sustainability and environmental regulations: responsibilities and opportunities for companies

Against the backdrop of global concerns for the environment, the European Union, as well as Romania as a member state, have implemented strict regulations to promote sustainable business practices. These measures are designed to encourage companies to adopt greener operations and contribute to the achievement of long-term environmental objectives.

European regulatory framework

The European Union is a leader in environmental policies, adopting multiple directives and regulations aimed at reducing emissions, managing waste and promoting the circular economy, among which we mention:

• The European Green Pact: the EU’s major initiative aims to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. It includes strategies for biodiversity, from “farm to fork” (from farm to consumer), as well as an ambitious plan for clean energy.
• The Ecodesign Directive: establishes mandatory requirements for the ecological design of electronic products and other categories of products, in order to improve efficiency and reduce the impact on the environment.
• Regulation on Sustainable Corporate Governance: aims at the obligation of large companies to integrate sustainability into their corporate strategies and to report on the impact of their activities on the environment.

Environmental Legislation in Romania

Romania, as a member state of the EU, has transposed and applies the European regulations in this domain, but it also has specific national initiatives, among which we mention:

• Law no. 249/2015 on the management of packaging and packaging waste: this law promotes the reduction of the impact of packaging waste on the environment and encourages recycling;
• National Action Strategy for the Environment: this strategy establishes long-term objectives for environmental protection, including the conservation of biodiversity and combating pollution;
• Reporting Obligations: companies are obliged to report greenhouse gas emissions and implement measures to reduce them.

However, the implementation of these regulations is not without challenges. Companies must invest in clean technologies, reconsider supply chains, and adapt to strict reporting and monitoring requirements. The solutions adopted by companies may include:

• Environmental audits and specialized consultancy: to understand and manage the impact of their operations on the environment;
• Investments in sustainable technologies: for example, renewable energy and ecological production processes;
• Partnerships for the circular economy: collaborating with other companies to create sustainable resource use cycles.

Adopting sustainable business practices is not only a legal obligation but also an opportunity for companies to improve their image, innovate, and create long-term value. European and Romanian legislation provides a solid framework for this transformation process.

Our team is here to support you in your efforts to adapt to the complexity of environmental regulations and to implement personalized sustainability strategies.

Photos by Narcisa Aciko and Pixabay on Pexels