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Sustainability - Cyprus

Updated 09/2009

Legal requirements

Pioneering businesses can develop environmental practices that go beyond legal requirements.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporate Social Responsibility is when businesses voluntarily incorporate social and environmental concerns within business activities over and above their legal obligations.

Standards

The Eco Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) is a voluntary EU label designed to allow organisations to evaluate, manage and improve their environmental contribution.

The Environment Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment is responsible for administering the European eco labels in Cyprus. Products covered by the label include everyday consumer goods (except for food, beverages and pharmaceuticals) and services.

The law requires businesses to comply with minimum social and environmental rules.

Administrative procedures

Environmental management standards

For a European eco label to be awarded in Cyprus, the manufacturer or importer must submit the appropriate application to the responsible department within the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment.

Occupational safety management standards

In accordance with legislation on Health and Safety at Work issued by the Department of Labour Inspection of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance, employers must use an appropriate risk management system. All organisations complying with the OHSAS            18001   standard are considered to fulfil this obligation.

Resources

The Energy Institute of Cyprus was founded to promote the management and rightful use of energy and also to develop renewable energy resources. The institute aims to increase the use of economically viable energy technologies.

  • Energy Institute of Cyprusελληνικά

Programmes

The Special Fund Management Committee of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism offers grants to businesses for energy saving investments, e.g. substituting conventional fuels with renewable energy sources, use of biomass, etc.

  • Grant schemes for energy saving and encouraging the use of renewable energy sources - application formsελληνικά
  • Grant schemes to encourage the use of wind and solar energy, as well as biomass and biogaspdfελληνικά

Check also the legislation on this topic in:

  • References

    Legal texts

    • Law concering European Union regulation for the Eco Label Award System (189(Ι)/2004) (not available in electronic form)
    • Law concerning Environmental Responsibility with regard to Prevention and Recovery of Environmental Damage (189(I)/2007)pdf [2 MB] ελληνικά

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Further help

Consultants within the Environment Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment advise retailers and provide them with valuable information.

  • Environment Agencyελληνικά