In her speech on 16 September 2020, the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the European Commission has decided to propose to increase the 2030 emissions reduction target from 40% to at least 55%.
Among those pushing for the increase, and hopefully influencing this decision, was the Corporate Leaders Group who coordinated an open letter signed by CEOs from leading European businesses, investors and business and investor networks, urging EU heads of state and the European Commission to support an emissions reduction target of at least 55 per cent by 2030, and calling for an ambitious implementation of the EU recovery package focused on achieving a green and digital transition.
Among the signatories were 13 EiiF Member Companies' CEOs, showing their support and commitment to sustainability and green values.
The CEO letter was mentioned in President von der Leyen's speech and thus proving that we can have an impact by joining forces.
She said:
“[…] On this basis, the European Commission is proposing to increase the 2030 target for emission reduction to at least 55%. I recognise that this increase from 40 to 55 is too much for some, and not enough for others. But our impact assessment clearly shows that our economy and industry can manage this. And they want it too. Just yesterday, 170 business leaders and investors – from SMEs to some of the world's biggest companies - wrote to me calling on Europe to set a target of at least 55%. […]“
This is an excellent result and the 55% emissions reduction target for 2030 is pivotal in order to reach net zero by 2050.
It is, however, just a proposal by the EU Commission and the European Council with the heads of member states will have to agree on it and decide for 55%. EiiF strongly supports this proposal and will not miss any opportunity to support the EU Commission and a minimum target of 55% for 2030.
A call similar to the CEO letter was coordinated by the Coalition for Higher Ambition, addressed to EU Heads of State, aiming to put pressure on the Member States ahead of the October Council to support the most ambitious 2030 target, while showing the readiness of European stakeholders to implement a higher 2030 climate goal. EiiF has joined this open letter with a planned publication date of 1 October 2020.
EiiF will continue to raise awareness of the benefits and the untapped potential of industrial insulation. Industrial insulation could contribute towards the 2030, and subsequently, the 2050 climate-neutrality target if insulation standards in industry were improved. By introducing mandatory performance requirements for industrial insulation, the CO₂ emissions in the EU can be reduced by 45 Mt every year, as shown in the upcoming EiiF White Paper "Decarbonising Industry with Rapid Payback".
