The importance of evaluating the success of publicly funded projects is growing, not only in terms of scientific outcomes but also regarding sustainability.
Sustainability encompasses multiple areas, and human activities' unsustainability manifests itself mainly in anthropogenic carbon emissions and the resulting global warming. Thus, it provides a clear starting point for addressing the issue.
With the ZeroCO2MED project, we aim to create a methodology for carbon footprint calculation and a user-friendly tool that can be applied to Interreg MED projects..
The goals of the project are to:
- Help Interreg MED project implementers better understand their carbon emissions and their current and future contributions to achieving climate neutrality;
- Provide implementers with tools that will help them reduce their carbon footprint whenever possible;
- Provide high-quality options for offsetting remaining emissions when they cannot be avoided.
The partners of the ZeroCO2MED project are UVIC, WWF Mediterranean, CENER21 and Institute for Health and Environment. During the project, another organisation joined the team as an external consultant: Global Footprint Network.
The ZeroCO2MED project aims to develop a methodology and tool to calculate the carbon footprint for all types of projects funded under the Euro-MED 2021–2027 programme. This tool will facilitate decision-making to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote effective CO2 offsetting practices within the Euro-MED programme area.
The results obtained from this project will enhance our comprehension of carbon emissions generated by projects, as well as their present and future contributions towards achieving climate neutrality.
By integrating sustainability into Interreg MED projects, ZeroCO2MED will represent a significant stride in supporting regional territories, national and regional policies, and realising the European Green Deal goals.
Project’s website: https://zeroco2med.interreg-med.eu
Project duration: From 1 June 2021 to 31 December 2022
The project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
