No solution without a balanced and coherent worldwide policy
The chemical and life sciences industry is willing to take its responsibilities and provide a fair contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions as long as the effort is global, supported by all the actors and taken within the framework of sustainable development.
Context
In 1997, over 180 countries signed an agreement known as the Kyoto Protocol. Thereby, the industrialised countries made a commitment to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions (CO2, N2O, HFC, CH4, SF6 and PFC) by 5.2% between 2008 and 2012, compared with 1990 emissions. Flexible mechanisms (Joint Implementation, Emission Trading, Clean Development Mechanism, Carbon Sinks) allow signatory countries to meet some of their commitment by investments abroad. Belgium undertook to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 7.5% during the same time period.
In 2005, the European Union established a greenhouse gas emission trading system for energy intensive industries (EU ETS), including many chemical facilities. The European Union recently set more ambitious goals for 2010 :
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% (2020/1990)
• Producing 20% of the total electricity supply with renewable energies
• Of which 10% of biofuels
• Improving energy efficiency by 20%
Belgium developed its own climate policy at federal and regional levels, mostly centered on «pre 2012». But it also takes part in European and international negotiations for « post 2012».
Importance for chemistry and life sciences industries
The challenges are huge for the chemical industry for two main reasons: the large consumption of energy in the sector coupled with energy efficiency potential on one hand and the numerous emission reduction solutions that the sector can provide to other actors such as transport, building insulation… in order to solve this global issue.
Sector’s position
The chemical and life sciences industry is willing to honour its responsibilities and provide a fair contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. It has approached European, national and regional authorities for flexible implementation of the Kyoto Protocol and related flexible mechanisms in order to maintain industry competitiveness and potential for development.
In Belgium, benchmarking and audit voluntary agreements have been signed with regional authorities. These are voluntary agreements whereby the industry commits itself to specific energy efficiency improvement objectives. In turn, the industry benefits from certain taxes and greenhouses gas emission reduction constraint exemptions as well as the free allocation of the required emission permits in order to carry on and develop its activities in Belgium.
Recommendations for Post 2012
Recommendations of essenscia for Post 2012 can be summarised in four key messages :
1. Worldwide approach to worldwide issues.
2. European « level playing field » by a) sectorial approach ; b) harmonisation of climate, energy and security of supply policies.
3. Approach based on economic and scientific aspects for a) renewables, rational use of energy, demand side management, co-generation ; b) technological innovations, R&D (preventive and curative) ; c) advantages related to nuclear.
4. Balanced implication of all actors (countries, but also other actors such as transport and households).
It is only with respect of these four conditions that climate change policy can be efficient.
Contacts :
Els Brouwers, ebrouwers@essenscia.be, tel 02 238 97 38
Isabelle Chaput, ichaput@essenscia.be, tel. 02 238 97 67
Peter Claes, pclaes@essenscia.be, tel 02 238 97 35
Patrick Degand, pdegand@essenscia.be, tel. 02 238 98 51