Innovation Policy Copes to Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive: An Interaction Approach

Author(s): Alessandro Cinti,Nicole Lillini / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

This paper explores the implications of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), adopted at first reading by the European Parliament on 24 April 2024, for fostering innovation within businesses operating in the European Union, particularly those engaged in green energy transitions and decarbonisation strategies. The CSDDD introduces stringent requirements for companies to conduct due diligence on environmental sustainability, including the certification of green supply chains. These requirements align with internationally recognised frameworks, such as the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct and sectoral guidance, which provide practical steps for companies to identify, prevent, mitigate, and account for potential impacts across their operations, supply chains, and business relationships. The concept of due diligence is further embedded in the recommendations of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy. Through a narrative, exploratory- qualitative approach, this study investigates the effect of these regulations on innovation processes, using the Alpha company as a single case study. Semi-structured interviews with Alpha’s managers reveal how the company integrates sustainability and innovation, with a particular focus on strategies relevant to energy cooperatives, underscoring the critical role of both internal and external interactions. The findings advance theoretical models that link sustainability regulations with innovation, emphasising the significance of this relationship for both managerial practices and policy formulation within the context of energy cooperatives and green energy transitions.

Economic Model of the Gabrovo Energy Community: Driving Local Sustainable Energy Transition

Author(s): Todor N. Popov / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

In Europe, energy communities are widely acknowledged, rather in Bulgaria are still rather rare, for their capacity to bring together citizens in promoting the energy transition. Energy communities not only implement green transition policies to reduce dependence on fossil fuels in the energy system, but they also make a significant contribution to achieving Sustainable Development Goals. The present study examines the economic framework that governs the functioning of the Gabrovo Energy Community, a pioneering initiative in Bulgaria with the objective of fostering domestic renewable energy generation. Through an analysis of the financial structure of the Energy Community, this study illustrates how localised energy systems can provide substantial cost reductions, energy stability, and a feasible return on investment for both residential and non-residential stakeholders. The economic model adopted in Gabrovo fosters the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by diminishing reliance on fossil fuels, decreasing energy costs, and empowering local stakeholders. The evaluation of key financial results, such as the expected returns of 22% over a tenyear period, is conducted considering the regulatory frameworks and market conditions. The present case study functions as a reproducible paradigm for other municipalities and regions seeking to leverage the advantages of renewable energy communities.

Specifics of Global and Regional Implementation of Renewable Energy Communities

Author(s): Nikolai Nikolov / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

This article explores the increasing interest in Renewable Energy Communities (RECs), a subset of Smart Energy Communities (SECs) that emphasize collaborative energy use through decentralized, often renewable, energy systems. These systems enable citizens, businesses, and public entities to share energy resources, focusing on cost savings, sustainability, and safety, and are shaped by European regulations. It addresses a key gap in existing research by presenting a standardized methodology for REC implementation, adaptable to various contexts. It provides novel contributions, including a process for REC development, legal framework comparisons, and funding guidelines for different project types. Additionally, it proposes comprehensive Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to evaluate energy, environmental, economic, and social impacts. These findings aim to support policymakers and stakeholders in advancing REC initiatives through informed decision-making.

(Nie)sprawiedliwość klimatyczna w Unii Europejskiej

Author(s): Agata Kwiatkowska,Wojciech Rogowski / Language(s): Polish Publication Year: 0

Responsibility for global warming is distributed unequally, and its effects are much more severe for the poor, who emit relatively little, than for the rich. Unfortunately, most climate policies to date have placed the greatest financial burden on the lower and middle classes, translating into a sense of injustice among citizens, as well as opposition to such policies. The following chapter discusses this problem from the perspective of the European Union member states: it describes the said opposition and aims to understand its causes. It seems important to ensure that the costs of future policies are mainly borne by the largest emitters, while less advantaged groups should receive additional support. Otherwise, there might occur a rise in inequality, a loss of trust in the government and opposition to its policies, making it impossible to effectively fight climate change.

Certyfikaty zrównoważonego rozwoju w raportowaniu niefinansowym. Szansa na zrównoważoną transformację rynku?

Author(s): Krzysztof Warych / Language(s): Polish Publication Year: 0

The aim of this chapter was to explain what role information about sustainability certificates can play in the non-financial reports of companies according to Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. The non-financial reports of selected companies of the Warsaw Stock Exchange were analysed. On this basis, it was found that enterprises willingly report on the certificates they have obtained. It was identified that the above information primarily serves to authenticate sustainable practices and may have a direct impact on the assessment of companies’ non-financial reports. They also serve as an essential element of stock exchange announcements and thus building relationships with stakeholders and investors.

Problem konsumpcji i produkcji mięsa w kontekście zrównoważonego rozwoju

Author(s): Eryk Cudnik-Cegielski,Karolina Kaczorek / Language(s): Polish Publication Year: 0

This chapter attempts to provide a comprehensive overview of the impact of industrial meat production on key aspects related to sustainability. Issues such as the ability to feed the expanding population with continued growth in meat consumption, considering the industry’s impact on the environment, with massive greenhouse gas emissions, extensive water use, and widespread deforestation or public health, including health risks related to diets high in meat consumption and the rise of antibiotic resistance caused by excessive antibiotic use in livestock farming, were reviewed. Based on the literature analysis it was concluded that changes in dietary customs leading to the adoption of more sustainable food sources are necessary to secure the future for next generations.

Droga do zrównoważonego rozwoju – wyzwania i perspektywy

Author(s): Magdalena Śliwińska / Language(s): Polish Publication Year: 0

Climate Adaptation Readiness of Bulgarian Rural Areas

Author(s): Yanka Kazakova-Mateva / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Adaptation to climate change has been raised on the political agenda since the Paris Agreement (2015). The European Climate Law (2021) recognizes that adaptation as a key component of the long-term response to climate change and requires from member states to enhance their adaptive capacity, strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability as well as maximize the co-benefits with other policies and legislation at both national and regional levels. Local governments thus became an increasing important actor to prepare and act on climate adaptation. The objective of this paper is to assess the climate adaptation readiness of Bulgarian rural municipalities. The study is based on ord and King’s conceptual model (2015) for assessing adaptation readiness at various governance levels based on factors without which adaptation is unlikely to occur. Four factors are assessed in the study: political leadership on adaptation, institutional organisation for adaptation, availability of usable science to inform decision-making, and funding for adaptation planning, implementation and evaluation. Criteria and scores for assessing the factors are developed to address the Bulgarian context. The analytical method applied is content analysis of municipal policy documents. The Municipal integrated development plans (PIRO) for the 2021 – 2027 programming period are required to address their climate mitigation and adaptation needs in a specific section of the plans. By June 2024, 218 rural municipalities have published their PIROs online and 14 were either not available online or not officially adopted. The results show an average adaptation readiness score across the 218 rural municipalities at 3.22, indicating a ‘fair’ level of readiness. No rural municipalities reached a ‘very good’ or ‘e cellent’ level of readiness; 34% scored ‘poor’ level of readiness, 43% – ‘far’ and 23% – ‘good’. The ‘good’ scores are the highest achieved in this assessment and result from several combinations – a priority is given to adaptation and/or a combination of adaptation measures and/or responsible unit(s) defined and/or budget is estimated. The ‘poor’ scores are achieved in PIRO which tick the bare minimum for the PIRO to be approved – only general discussion of climate issues. A comparison of the results for ‘intermediate’ and ‘predominantly rural’ areas indicate no significant differences between these two categories in the EU rural areas typology. Still, the mapped individual adaptation readiness scores indicate certain geographical clustering of ‘good’ and ‘poor’ scores which requires further assessment.

Management and Control of the Regional Development Programme 2021 – 2027

Author(s): Ivelina Petkova / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

The Regional Development Program is a key European Union (EU) policy aimed at reducing regional disparities, fostering economic growth, and ensuring sustainable development in less-developed regions. The program provides substantial financial resources to improve infrastructure, stimulate business activity, and promote social inclusion. A complex institutional framework, involving numerous national and European bodies, ensures the effective and transparent use of these funds. Launching the Regional Development Program during the 2021 – 2027 programming period presented significant challenges. This report examines the program's management and control mechanisms and identifies problematic areas in the preparation of its strategic documents. A crucial aspect of program management is the institutional framework defined within the applicable European regulatory framework. The multi-tiered control framework involves various national and European bodies, with specific functions and responsibilities at European, national, and regional levels. The report also incorporates perspectives from various authors on monitoring and control procedures, informing the development of a conceptual model for managing Structural Funds. Effective control and monitoring, incorporating both internal and external verification mechanisms, are crucial for achieving program objectives and ensuring the efficient use of public funds. Challenges include bureaucratic procedures and inter-institutional coordination. Optimizing procedures and strengthening institutional cooperation are essential for enhancing control effectiveness.

Разширяване на участието за постигане на справедливост при формиране на екологични политики

Author(s): Duhomir Minev,Maria D. Jeliazkova,Veneta Krasteva / Language(s): Bulgarian Publication Year: 0

The paper discusses opportunities for expanding citizen participation in the design and implementation of a green transition. Participatory mechanisms and notions of fairness are crucial for improving the rules for formulating and implementing various public policies and providing support for adequate social changes. More clearly or more muted, directly or indirectly, they could stimulate or paralyze these changes.

Обществени нагласи относно екологичните проблеми и зеления преход в България

Author(s): Veneta Krasteva / Language(s): Bulgarian Publication Year: 0

Climate change and environmental pollution are an undeniable fact and the global community is making significant efforts to combat them. International binding treaties are adopted, requiring a number of changes in the fields of energy, transport, industry, but also in the consumption and everyday life of people. The most significant impact on Bulgaria has the package of policies adopted by the European Union, known as the Green Deal. The text discusses public attitudes in Bulgaria towards climate issues and the country‘s commitments, described as a green transition. Based on data from a nationally representative survey, some of the existing problems and points of tension in the country related to the changes imposed by the Green Deal are identified. It is concluded that only in recent months an opportunity to coordinate the positions of politicians and society appears towards implementing a smoother green transition, considering the consequences not only from ecology point of view, but also from that of the economy, the social sphere and security.

Транспортът и енергетиката като критични за енергийната трансформация на региона в контекста на Зелената сделка

Author(s): Vladimir Zinoviev / Language(s): Bulgarian Publication Year: 0

The interrelationship between renewable power generation capacities and electric mobility is a process that becomes more recognizable in the coming decade. This trend is visible both in Bulgaria and globally. Challenges for the high power, medium and low voltage grid are related to the full integration of this type of non-constant and increasing share in the upcoming years the energy streams with the new generation of consumers associated with electric mobility.