The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has released its inaugural Climate Transition Plan, committing to a 15.4% reduction in gross greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2027 and 31.4% by 2030, using 2023 as the baseline. This initiative reinforces ESMA’s alignment with the EU Green Deal, the Paris Agreement, and broader ESG objectives while advancing its internal carbon neutral strategy toward net-zero by 2050. 

ESMA identified key emissions sources—business travel, energy consumption, and food services—as primary focus areas. The plan outlines actions such as: 

• Introducing an annual GHG budget for air travel 

• Optimizing office space by closing underused floors 

• Shifting catering to lower-carbon food options 

• Promoting eco-friendly staff practices 

“As regulators hold markets accountable, we must apply the same standards internally,” said ESMA Executive Director Natasha Cazenave, emphasizing the agency’s leadership role in operational sustainability. 

Up to 72% of ESMA’s 2027 reduction target can be achieved through direct measures, including replacing long-haul business flights with premium economy, increasing energy efficiency, and renegotiating office use. Beyond 2027, greater collaboration with external stakeholders—landlords, caterers, and the aviation sector—will be essential to meet the 2030 target. 

While carbon credits and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) may be explored in the future, the plan prioritizes gross emission reductions in the short-to-medium term. Financial modeling suggests annual savings of €85,000–€120,000 by 2030 through reduced travel, energy use, and space optimization. 

ESMA will publish annual updates in its Environmental Statement and Annual Report, with oversight from its Management Board and Eco-management Steering Committee. The strategy also supports the CSRD and CSDDD directives, offering a blueprint for sustainable operational governance across EU institutions. 

Source: 

https://esgnews.com/esma-sets-emissions-reduction-targets-for-2027-and-2030-in-first-climate-transition-plan/