Green deal will benefit business says commissioner

Commissioner of the Environment, Antonia Theodosiou, said it was critical for businesses to align with the newly established framework of the European Green Deal.

At a workshop titled “How do I measure and reduce the environmental footprint of my business,” at Paralimni town hall, Theodosiou praised the workshop’s primary objective of empowering businesses.

This practical approach supported national goals linked to the European Green Deal and the ‘Fit for 55’ package. It provided practical solutions for businesses and was in line with the EU’s aim to reduce greenhouse emissions by at least 55 per cent by 2030.

Thedosiou spoke about the business benefits, including enhanced market access and positive impacts on energy efficiency and cost savings, especially given the growing trend of consumers making choices based on ethical and environmental criteria.

Paralimni Mayor Theodoros Pirillis also spoke about the importance of environmental footprint reduction for businesses and local authorities. He praised Cyprus for taking measures to ensure sustainability, citing plans for two composting plants for organic waste.

“The right measures have begun to be taken in Cyprus, to ensure the sustainability of businesses but at the same time to protect the environment,” Pirillis said, emphasising the dual importance of balancing economy and environment.

Kyriakos Siakallis, Chairman of the Board of Directors of CSR Cyprus, organiser of the workshop, said the initiative to train SMEs in green skills had a positive impact.

“The backbone of our Cypriot economy, the small and medium-sized enterprises, are the ones which are called upon to bear the greatest burden and face dynamically the financial risks, the upcoming as well as the existing challenges,” Siakallis said.

“As we all experience the consequences of the environmental crisis, we must limit, on or our part, the effects of any of our activities, acting both individually and collectively,” Siakallis added.