The Covenant of Companies launches pledging scheme to support European companies on their decarbonisation journey

The European Commission’s Covenant of Companies for Climate and Energy (CCCE) launched on 8 May 2023 a call for European companies to sign a pledge and commit to reducing their carbon emissions, thus paving the way to a net zero future.

By signing up for the Covenant, companies will benefit from a wide range of benefits including individual technical assistance, step-by-step guidance and support to achieve their climate goals.

In addition, applicants will be recognised for taking action and be awarded a Bronze, Silver, or Gold Seal of Approval, depending on the magnitude of their efforts.

Applications are now open. Companies from all EU countries are eligible, regardless of their size, sector, and the stage they are on their journey in their energy transition. Businesses from Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Ireland, Lithuania, Romania, and Spain will be able to request technical assistance in their national language.

Interested applicants can also participate in the upcoming webinar on How to pledge and apply for Technical Assistance with the Covenant of Companies, to take place on Tuesday 23 of May from 10:00 to 11:00 CEST. More details can be found on the CCCE website.

Companies that make a pledge will join a community of environmentally conscious businesses working to reduce their emissions. Thanks to the Covenant, many companies have already embarked on a net zero journey.  

“There can be no net zero without SMEs. The Covenant of Companies is an important tool to encourage and support companies, particularly smaller ones, across the EU to take action to decarbonise and cut their costs all at once,” says Karen Clements, CCCE Project Coordinator.

Also, from DG ENER:

Covenant of Companies for energy and climate - Social Media Working Group - EC Extranet Wiki (europa.eu)

Background

The Covenant of Companies is a pilot initiative to encourage and support companies to step up their contribution to a clean energy transition, energy savings and related climate objectives as set out in the European Green Deal. The initiative aims to provide practical, step-by-step guidelines and technical assistance to European companies to help them take concrete actions resulting in the decarbonisation of their businesses. The initiative is currently in a pilot phase for two years.

This second trial period of pledging, assistance and recognition will run until September 2023.