New guidelines for ensuring the climate compatibility

Aug 25, 2021 Benn-Ibler Rechtsanwälte

On 29 July 2021, the Commission adopted new technical guidelines for ensuring the climate compatibility of future infrastructure projects. This measure aims to promote the integration of climate considerations in future investments and developing infrastructure projects. The main objective is to accelerate the implementation of the European Green Deal.

At the same time, the guidelines comply with and enforce the requirements of the European Climate Change Act, and are intended to help the EU to make its spending more environmentally oriented. They are based on the principle of "energy efficiency first" and should also take into particular account the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

These measures help European institutional and private investors to make informed decisions on the compatibility of a wide range of projects with the Paris Climate Agreement and EU climate targets. The measures contain a very broad definition of "infrastructure projects". Thus, the guidelines are applicable to buildings and network infrastructure up to a wide range of structural systems and assets.

The guidelines contain regulations for joint procedures for ensuring the climate compatibility of future infrastructure projects. In particular, joint procedures for the identification, classification and management of climate concerns have been established for the planning, development, implementation and monitoring phases of infrastructure projects.

The provisions are intended to apply primarily to infrastructures with a lifespan beyond 2050. The operation, maintenance or decommissioning of such projects is to be enabled in a climate-neutral manner with the help of the guidelines.

European Commission, Press Release (29.07.21)