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Responsibility and sustainability

A just energy future begins with responsibility—toward the environment, toward each other, and toward those who will inherit the outcomes of today’s decisions.

Sustainability is not an add-on, but a guiding principle—embedded in operations, policy support, and regional cooperation. A major milestone was reached in 2021, when the Energy Community Secretariat became EMAS-certified, marking a formal and lasting commitment to environmental excellence.

This page sheds light on these commitments—environmental management, gender equality, and youth participation—each shaping a more inclusive and sustainable energy transition.

 

 

REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

Useful links

  • Environmental Management

    Environmental Management

    Certified under the EMAS (Regulation EC 1221/2009) since 2021, the Energy Community Secretariat applies rigorous environmental standards to reduce its ecological footprint.

    Key actions include:

    • Use of 100% renewable electricity, energy-efficient LED lighting, and a smart heating system at the Vienna office

    • Waste separation and responsible disposal throughout the premises

    • Hybrid event formats to reduce travel emissions, with flight distances tracked

    • Procurement from EMAS-certified catering, printing, and cleaning providers

    • Preference for environmentally responsible hotels when events are held off-site

    The Secretariat also holds webinars to share its EMAS experience with stakeholders and uses selected external events to demonstrate how EMAS principles can be applied beyond its own premises.

    EMAS remains a key milestone in advancing operational sustainability.

  • Gender Equality

    Gender Equality

    Launched in 2021, the Gender Equality Initiative embeds equity across the Secretariat’s internal operations and regional energy policy dialogue. Key milestones include gender-responsive procurement guidelines, a commitment to gender-balanced panels, and the systematic collection of gender-disaggregated data.

    The Secretariat contributes to global platforms such as the EU Equality Platform for the Energy Sector and the Gender and Energy Compact. Gender is also mainstreamed across Just Transition and regional capacity-building efforts.

    These actions promote inclusive participation in the energy transition at all levels.

  • Young Voices Awards

    Just Transition Young Voices Awards

    Since 2016, the Energy Community Summer School has brought together over 350 students and young professionals to deepen regional knowledge and collaboration. Building on this legacy, the Just Transition Young Voices Awards 2025 is a new initiative to engage emerging journalists.

    This year, the Award invites young people to submit video applications (starting 16 April 2026) under the theme: “What a Just Energy Transition Means to You and Your Community.” The video submissions should raise awareness and deepen understanding of Just Transition topics in the region, while amplifying young people’s perspectives on local realities, challenges, and solutions.