In this article, we’ll dive into the European Green Deal, exploring its key objectives, strategies, and the political and social challenges it faces.

What is the European Green Deal?

The European Green Deal, launched in December 2019, is a bold plan to make the EU the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. This initiative aims to tackle the urgent threat of climate change and environmental damage, transforming the EU's economy and society in the process. However, the journey is not without its challenges. The rise of right-wing populism in Europe, public skepticism, and protests from farmers and other groups present growing hurdles to achieving these ambitious goals.

👉 In this article, we’ll dive into the European Green Deal, exploring its key objectives, strategies, and the political and social challenges it faces.

The European Green Deal is the EU’s roadmap to a sustainable economy. It aims to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, addressing the pressing issues of climate change and environmental degradation. 

The Green Deal includes a wide range of policies and initiatives designed to transform various sectors of the economy. Its core objectives include achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, decoupling economic growth from resource use, and ensuring no person or region is left behind in the transition. This plan also aligns with the EU's commitment to the Paris Agreement, aiming to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

However, the context in which the Green Deal was first established has shifted dramatically. The COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and rising geopolitical tensions have added layers of complexity to its implementation. Additionally, the results of the 2024 European Parliament elections, which saw significant gains for the centre-right and far-right parties, could significantly impact the Green Deal’s future. The new political landscape introduces uncertainties, as rising right-wing sentiments and public protests could threaten to derail these efforts.

Ready for a greener future? Discover the European Green Deal, a bold plan to transform Europe into a sustainable, self-sufficient leader. Learn about the investment plan, Climate Law, and the Just Transition Fund – key actions for a better tomorrow.

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Transcript
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What is the European Green Deal and what will it change for us?

What are the key goals of the European Green Deal? 

The European Green Deal sets out ambitious targets to transform the EU’s economy and make it sustainable for future generations. The cornerstone of this initiative is the commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050, meaning that any greenhouse gas emissions that are not able to be eliminated will be balanced by an equivalent amount of carbon removal or offset from the atmosphere. 

One of the key intermediate targets is to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. This "Fit for 55" package includes a comprehensive set of proposals across multiple sectors, such as energy, transport, agriculture, and construction, ensuring that each contributes to the overall reduction goals. The plan involves updating existing legislation and introducing new measures to drive significant reductions in emissions.

Financial investment is crucial to achieving these targets. The European Green Deal Investment Plan, also known as the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan, aims to mobilise at least €1 trillion over the next decade. This funding will come from various sources, including the EU budget, national governments, and private investments. Additionally, the Just Transition Mechanism will provide €100 billion to support regions and workers most affected by the transition to a green economy, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Essentially the European Green Deal is a blueprint for transforming the entire European economy and society. This transformation is driven by the urgent need to address climate change while creating new economic opportunities and enhancing the well-being of European citizens.

As already mentioned one of the key focuses of the Green Deal is decoupling economic growth from resource use. This means shifting towards a circular economy where resources are reused and recycled, reducing the overall environmental footprint. It’s hoped that this approach will spur innovation, create green jobs, and boost competitiveness in global markets. By working towards a sustainable economic model, the EU aims to lead by example, demonstrating that environmental sustainability and economic prosperity can go hand in hand.

Investment in green technologies is a key driver of this transformation. The Green Deal encourages substantial investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable infrastructure. These investments are expected to generate significant economic returns, create millions of jobs, and position Europe as a leader in green technology innovation.

The transition to a green economy also promises significant social benefits. The Green Deal aims to improve public health by reducing pollution and enhancing air and water quality. Additionally, it seeks to address social inequalities through the Just Transition Mechanism, which provides financial support to regions and communities most affected by the shift to a low-carbon economy. This ensures that the benefits of the green transition are shared broadly, leaving no one behind.

Social inclusion and equity are central to the success of the EU Green Deal. The EU recognises that the transition to a sustainable economy must be fair and inclusive, ensuring that vulnerable groups and communities receive the support they need. This includes measures to combat energy poverty, provide retraining and re-skilling opportunities for workers, and support small businesses in adapting.

The clean energy transition is another central component of the European Green Deal, aiming to drastically reduce the EU’s reliance on fossil fuels and promote the use of renewable energy sources. Given that energy production and consumption account for 76% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions, the transition to clean energy is essential for achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

One of the key strategies of the Green Deal is to rapidly phase out coal and other fossil fuels. The EU plans to significantly increase the share of renewable energy in its energy mix, targeting at least 42.5% (and ideally reaching 45%) of its energy from renewable sources by 2030, up from the previous target of 32%. This involves major investments in wind, solar, and other renewable energy technologies, supported by the Fit for 55 package and the REPowerEU plan. The REPowerEU plan, in particular, was introduced in response to the energy market disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. It aims to diversify energy supplies and enhance energy security.

Energy efficiency is another critical component of the clean energy transition. The EU has set targets of improving energy efficiency by 11.7% by 2030, which will help reduce overall energy consumption and lower emissions. This includes measures to upgrade buildings, enhance industrial processes, and promote energy-saving technologies. The EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive are key legislative tools driving these improvements.

The transition also focuses on creating a more integrated and resilient European energy market. By enhancing grid infrastructure and promoting digitalisation, the EU aims to ensure that renewable energy can be efficiently distributed across member states. Investments in smart grids and interconnections are crucial for balancing supply and demand, especially as the share of variable renewable energy sources like wind and solar increases.

The production and use of fossil fuel-based energy currently accounts for over 75 % of the EU’s total greenhouse gas emissions. If Europe is to achieve its goal of becoming the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050, it must start by reducing its dependency on fossil fuels.

Unfortunately, Europe can’t quit fossil fuels cold turkey. Crucially, it needs to increase its use of renewable resources, which itself will require new technologies and innovative infrastructure.

The transition to clean energy also requires an increase in energy efficiency home renovations, the decarbonisation of industry and the adoption of climate-conscious lifestyles by citizens – not to mention public-private cooperation, community engagement, sustainable transportation alternatives and integrated smart grids.

That’s quite the laundry list of requirements, but one that the 33 EU-funded projects highlighted in the new CORDIS Synergy Info Pack, Clean Energy Transition to REPower the EU, are tackling head-on.

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Clean energy transition to Repower the EU

Sustainable industrialisation is a key pillar of the European Green Deal, aiming to modernise Europe's industries while reducing their environmental footprint. This approach focuses on promoting a circular economy, enhancing resource efficiency, and fostering innovation in clean technologies.

A crucial component of this transformation is the Green Deal Industrial Plan, which includes the Net-Zero Industry Act. This act aims to scale up the manufacturing of clean technologies within the EU, such as batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, and hydrogen technologies. By supporting these industries, the EU aims to enhance its competitiveness and secure its place as a leader in the global green technology market.

Additionally, the plan focuses on enhancing resource efficiency across various sectors. This involves reducing the energy and materials used in production processes, promoting the use of recycled materials, and extending the lifecycle of products. For example, the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan outlines measures to ensure that products are designed to last longer, are easier to repair, and are more recyclable. This not only helps reduce environmental impacts but also drives innovation and creates new business opportunities.

The Green Deal also addresses the challenge of decarbonising energy-intensive industries such as steel, cement, and chemicals. These sectors are crucial to the European economy but are also significant sources of emissions. To support their transition, the EU is investing in research and development of breakthrough technologies like carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) and green hydrogen. These technologies have the potential to drastically reduce emissions from industrial processes.

The transport sector is another significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the EU, accounting for nearly 25%. The European Green Deal sets ambitious goals to make transport more sustainable, aiming to drastically reduce emissions from road, rail, air, and maritime transport.

One of the key initiatives is the transition to zero-emission vehicles. Recently proposed legislation targets a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions from cars and a 50% reduction from vans by 2030. It also aims to achieve zero emissions from all new cars and vans by 2035, as part of the ‘Fit for 55’ legislative proposals. To support this transition, the EU is investing in the necessary infrastructure, including the installation of electric charging and hydrogen refuelling stations. 

The Green Deal also addresses emissions from aviation and maritime transport. For the aviation sector, the EU has introduced measures to increase the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), setting a minimum share of SAF to be blended with kerosene. Additionally, carbon pricing for aviation will be expanded to cover more flights, encouraging airlines to adopt cleaner technologies and fuels. In the maritime sector, new targets for reducing the greenhouse gas intensity of fuels used by ships are being implemented, promoting the adoption of renewable and low-carbon fuels. The EU Emissions Trading Scheme has also been expanded to cover CO2 emissions from all large ships (of 5,000 gross tonnage and above) entering EU ports, regardless of the flag they fly.

Another important aspect of making transport sustainable is the shift towards more efficient and cleaner modes of transportation. The Green Deal encourages a shift from road transport to rail and inland waterways for freight transport, which can significantly reduce emissions. Investments in modernising and expanding rail infrastructure are crucial for achieving this shift. The EU aims to improve public transportation systems by making them more accessible, reliable, and affordable. This will help reduce the reliance on private cars and lower overall transport emissions.

The Green Deal also addresses the importance of urban mobility. Cities play a critical role in achieving transport sustainability, as they are often hotspots for traffic congestion and pollution. The EU supports initiatives to promote cycling, walking, and the use of public transport in urban areas. Sustainable urban mobility plans are being developed to integrate these modes of transport, reduce traffic congestion, and improve air quality.

Additionally, from 2027, emissions from road transport will be included in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). This will put a price on carbon emissions from road transport, incentivising a shift to electric vehicles. 

Buildings account for about 35% of the EU’s energy-related GHG emissions, making this sector a key target for achieving significant emissions reductions. This is why the European Green Deal sets ambitious goals to at least double the annual rate of energy-efficient renovations in the next decade. This initiative, often referred to as the ‘Renovation Wave’, aims to upgrade both public and private buildings, enhancing their energy performance and reducing their carbon footprint. By improving the energy efficiency of buildings, the EU aims to cut emissions, lower energy bills for consumers, and create healthier living environments.

The public sector is also playing a leading role in the renovation wave. The revised Energy Efficiency Directive mandates that Member States renovate at least 3% of the total floor area of buildings owned by public bodies each year. This not only reduces emissions from public buildings but also sets an example for the private sector and citizens to follow.

A key strategy in this effort to make buildings more energy efficient is the revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). The revised Directive establishes zero-emission buildings as the new standard for all new constructions. Starting from January 1st, 2028, all new publicly-owned buildings must have zero on-site emissions from fossil fuels, and from January 1st, 2030, this requirement will extend to all other new residential and non-residential buildings (with specific exemptions).

The Social Climate Fund, a part of the European Green Deal, provides financial support to vulnerable households and small businesses to help them manage the costs of the green transition. This fund is crucial for ensuring that energy efficiency improvements do not disproportionately impact those with limited financial means. It also aims to tackle energy poverty by supporting measures such as the installation of insulation, the replacement of old windows and doors, and the upgrade of heating systems.

The European Commission’s Farm to Fork strategy was originally hailed as a highly ambitious initiative that would transform European agriculture. This strategy aimed to address the environmental and health impacts of food production while ensuring food security and supporting farmers. Key targets included reducing the use of chemical pesticides by 50% and fertilisers by 20% by 2030 and increasing the area of organic farming to 25% of total agricultural land by 2030. These reductions were seen as essential for protecting biodiversity, improving soil health, and reducing pollution in water bodies.

However, four years on little is left of this ambition. Intense pressure from farming lobby groups, food industry associations, and centre-right politicians has forced the commission to drop most of the proposals. Farmers across Europe argued that the restrictive measures would decrease food production, resulting in widespread protests. As a result, the European Commission decided to abandon the targets set out in the legislation to cut pesticide and fertiliser use by 50% by 2030. This decision represents a significant rollback of initiatives aimed at curbing pollution, and environmentalists have voiced concerns about the potential negative repercussions for wildlife and sustainability.

The rollback of the Farm to Fork strategy represents a significant shift in the EU's approach to agricultural transformation. As the political debate over strengthening climate and biodiversity regulations continues, a clear divide remains on balancing agricultural needs with sustainability objectives. The future of the EU’s agricultural policy will depend on finding a more unified approach that addresses the concerns of all stakeholders while promoting environmental sustainability. Critics argue that the EU needs to become more realistic about the ambitions of the Farm to Fork strategy and that the agricultural sector should be more involved with its development.

RESTRICTIONS SUMMARY: 

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Strasbourg - 6 February 2024
1. Various of farmers and their tractors outside European Parliament building 
STORYLINE:
Dozens of farmers gathered outside the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Tuesday as agriculture protests continued across Europe. 

The latest rally came as the EU’s executive arm shelved an anti-pesticide proposal in yet another concession to farmers after weeks of protests that blocked major capitals and economic lifelines across the 27-nation bloc. 

Although the proposal had languished in EU institutions for the past two years, the move by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was the latest indication that the bloc was willing to let some environmental concerns slip to keep the farming community on its side. 

Farmers have insisted that measures like the one on pesticides would increase the bureaucratic burden and add to the price gap between their products and cheap foreign imports. 

Farmers are demanding fair prices for their products, the retention of the tax reduction for agricultural diesel fuel, stricter controls on imports from non-EU countries, a reduction in bureaucracy and other concessions.

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Farmers rally in Strasbourg as EU scraps pesticide proposal in concession to protesters

Protecting biodiversity and natural resources is another component of the European Green Deal. The EU’s Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 aims to halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems, promoting biodiversity recovery and enhancing the resilience of the natural environment. 

One of the key targets of the Biodiversity Strategy is to protect at least 30% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030. This includes expanding existing Natura 2000 areas - the EU-wide network of protected lands and marine regions - and creating new protected areas. These efforts aim to safeguard habitats and species, ensuring that ecosystems can continue to provide essential services such as pollination, water purification, and climate regulation.

The strategy also focuses on restoring degraded ecosystems across the EU. The Nature Restoration Law aims to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030. Restoration activities include reforestation, wetland restoration, and river free-flowing initiatives. These measures not only enhance biodiversity but also increase carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate climate change.

In addition to protecting and restoring natural areas, the Biodiversity Strategy addresses the sustainable use of natural resources. The Soil Monitoring Directive is a key initiative aimed at improving soil health across the EU. Healthy soil is essential for food production, water regulation, and carbon storage. The law will establish a framework for monitoring soil health and promoting practices that prevent soil degradation and enhance soil biodiversity.

The Green Deal also emphasises the importance of sustainable bioenergy. While bioenergy plays a role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels, it must be produced sustainably to avoid negative impacts on biodiversity and land use. The EU has introduced sustainability criteria for bioenergy, ensuring that it does not lead to deforestation, habitat loss, or other harmful environmental effects.

The European Green Deal not only aims to transform Europe but also positions the EU as a global leader in climate action. The EU has a long history of setting ambitious climate policies and leading international efforts to address climate change. With the Green Deal, the EU seeks to further enhance its role on the global stage, promoting sustainable development and encouraging other countries to increase their climate ambitions.

One of the key aspects of the EU’s global climate leadership is its commitment to international climate agreements. The EU played a pivotal role in the negotiation of the Paris Agreement and continues to be a strong advocate for its implementation. The Green Deal aligns with the Paris Agreement's goals of limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The EU’s leadership is crucial for encouraging other nations to commit to similar targets and take meaningful action to reduce emissions.

The EU also leverages its market power to promote global climate action through initiatives like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The CBAM aims to prevent carbon leakage by ensuring that imported goods are subject to the same carbon pricing as products manufactured within the EU. This mechanism not only protects the competitiveness of European industries but also incentivises other countries to adopt comparable carbon pricing measures, promoting global emissions reductions.

In addition to regulatory measures, the EU provides significant financial and technical support to developing countries to help them address climate change. The EU and its Member States are the largest contributors to international climate finance, providing billions of euros annually to support climate mitigation and adaptation projects in developing countries. This funding helps vulnerable nations build resilience to climate impacts, transition to renewable energy, and implement sustainable land-use practices.

The Green Deal also addresses the importance of sustainable trade and supply chains. The EU is working to ensure that its trade policies and agreements support climate and environmental objectives. This includes promoting sustainable production practices, reducing deforestation, and enhancing the transparency and traceability of supply chains. By setting high environmental standards, the EU aims to influence global trade practices and encourage other countries to adopt sustainable policies.

EU elections and the future of the Green Deal

The European Green Deal now stands at a critical juncture following the 2024 European Parliament elections. The political landscape and the balance of power within EU institutions will significantly influence the future direction and implementation of the Green Deal. With the recent election results, which saw significant gains for center-right and far-right parties, the next few years will be crucial for the EU’s climate agenda.

The 2019 European Parliament elections saw a surge in support for parties advocating strong climate action, which helped pave the way for the Green Deal. However, the 2024 elections have shifted the balance. Far-right and populist parties, generally skeptical of ambitious climate policies, have gained considerable ground. This shift could pose substantial challenges to the continued progress of the Green Deal.

One significant concern is the impact of rising energy prices and economic instability on public support for the Green Deal. The COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have exacerbated these issues, leading to increased energy costs and supply chain disruptions. These economic pressures have fueled public protests and opposition, particularly from sectors like agriculture and energy-intensive industries, which fear the financial burden of the green transition.

The political dynamics within the EU are also shifting. The center-right European People’s Party (EPP), which emerged stronger in the 2024 elections, traditionally supports market-based climate solutions. However, internal divisions within the EPP regarding the Green Deal’s ambitious targets may surface. The far-right and populist parties are likely to push back against new regulations and targets, framing them as detrimental to national sovereignty and economic interests. This could complicate efforts to pass new climate legislation and implement existing policies.

Moreover, the potential re-election of Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission remains uncertain, adding another layer of complexity. Her leadership has been pivotal in driving the Green Deal, and her re-election would be critical for its continuation.

Despite these challenges, several factors could bolster the Green Deal’s prospects. The growing public awareness of extreme weather events and their link to climate change has heightened the demand for urgent action. Additionally, the decreasing costs of renewable energy technologies make the economic case for the green transition more compelling. Businesses and investors are increasingly recognizing the long-term benefits of sustainable practices, which could drive further support for the Green Deal.

The next few years are critical for the European Green Deal. The political, economic, and geopolitical challenges ahead require strong leadership, effective policies, and broad-based support to ensure that the EU remains on track to achieve its climate goals and lead global efforts to address climate change. The outcome of the 2024 elections underscores the need for strategic alliances and innovative approaches to sustain the momentum of the Green Deal in this evolving political landscape.

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If reading this article has inspired you to consider your company’s own carbon footprint, Greenly can help. Learn more about Greenly’s carbon management platform here. 

In this article, we’ll recap the pros and cons of vinyl records, why they are bad for the environment, and what adjustments could be made to vinyl records in the midst of climate change.

Is the Return of Vinyl Records Ruining the Planet?

A vinyl record used to be the most common way to purchase and hear a new album decades ago, but clearly – almost all “retro” trends come back around – as collecting vinyl records started to grow in popularity in the mid 2010s with the return of vinyl records making a full comeback in the 2020s.

Primarily, vinyl records are being used for artists seeking to boost their commercial sales – often offering different variations of vinyl records with various hidden bonus tracks.

The vinyl record trend is great for singers looking to keep fans on their tiptoes, but is it as good for the environment?

A vinyl record is a now popular form to listen to music, and for massive fans of an artist to start a collection of their music and bonus tracks from albums. Although the start of vinyl records dates back to the 1930s, there has been a recent surge in popularity for vinyl records – with nearly 50 million vinyl records being sold in 2023 alone.

A vinyl record not only serves as a tangible souvenir for an artist’s musical era, but it often allows fans to hear and receive bonus songs not available for streaming and enjoy a richer sound quality.

💡 Vinyl records have exploded in popularity, with reports revealing that the vinyl record industry is helping the United States to generate $467 million dollars in retail revenue and with a staggering 94% increase in vinyl record purchases in 2021 alone!

Over 100 years after the technology's invention some people still consider vinyl as the only proper way to listen to music but how does vinyl work? Greg Foot explains the science behind a record.

Footnotes
1: http://www.museumoftechnology.org.uk/...
2: http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/guides...
3: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/27/art...
4: http://standardvinyl.com/vinyl-pressi...  and http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/...
5: http://www.wired.com/2015/03/hot-stam...
6: http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/...
7:    • Electron microscope slow-motion video...  
8: http://electronicdesign.com/site-file...
9: http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/guides... and http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/...
10: http://www.wired.com/2015/03/hot-stam...
11: http://gizmodo.com/why-vinyl-is-the-o...

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How Do Vinyl Records Work? | Earth Science

In fact, prior to MP3 players, CDs, and streaming – a vinyl record was the most desired way to listen to music – as vinyl records provide a nostalgic and earnest feel to music that cannot be replicated with modern media.  

A vinyl record, which is made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), works seeing as small micro-grooves are imprinted on the record itself. Then, once the vinyl record is spinning on the record player – the ridges are then turned into sound as the needle passes over each groove.  

👉 Some of the main reasons why people will opt to purchase a vinyl record over streaming music or purchasing a CD is for the improve sound quality, physical momentum, and for bonus songs that artists are often choosing to incorporate onto their vinyl records.

What are the pros and cons of listening to music on a vinyl record?

In the age of convenience, many wonder why consumers would opt for a vinyl record over streaming – as a vinyl record is arguably more difficult to transport to a beach party, use while working out, or to listen to while traveling. However, there are also several benefits to listening to vinyl records – such as improved sound quality and the ability to own a tangible momentum from the artist. 

“I remember opening up my first vinyl and seeing the incredible artwork it had. There’s nothing like it. You also get that true gritty sound on vinyl that really makes a rock record sound great, which CDs can never achieve.” – Nikki Sixx, bassist for Mötley Crüe.

It seems like every other day we’re confronted with a new technological wonder that everybody is flocking to, but amidst all the hype there’s a quiet trend towards one of the oldest audio technologies available: vinyl records. But are these relics actually the peak of musical experience, or are we just riding the nostalgia train?

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Why are Vinyl Records SO Popular... AGAIN?

Some of the pros of using a vinyl record to listen to music include:

Nostalgia – Everything seems to have been better before, and vinyl records certainly demonstrate the desire to regress from our modernised ways of listening to music. The thoughtful and ceremonial effort to choose a record to play on the spin table elicits a peculiar feeling for many consumers of vinyl records that cannot be replicated when listening to music digitally. 

Improved Sound Quality – Digital files are often compressed to save storage space, but vinyl records aim to keep all of the idiosyncratic sounds intact – such as the warmth of a vinyl record or the crackling in between listening to songs on an album.

Access to Bonus Songs – These days, several artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, Maisie Peters, and more are offering exclusive tracks for fans that opt to purchase their vinyl records. Several months may pass before these exclusive songs are available on streaming, and that is if the artist ever decides to offer the song digitally. 

Support the Artist – Streaming is infamous for only paying artists a fraction of what they deserve. Therefore, purchasing a record vinyl can ensure that more money is being directly sent to the artist you’d like to support.

Some of the cons of using a vinyl record to listen to music include:

Lack of Portability – Unlike a CD player, MP3 player, iPhone, or even a Walkman from the 1980s – a vinyl record cannot be played on-the-go the way other music players can.

Physical Damage – A vinyl record can easily be broken or scratched, meaning that waste is more likely to be generated with vinyl records as streaming services themselves will never need to be physically replaced. 

Storage Space – Massive music fans these days like to create a wall honoring their favorite artists, such as by hanging up their vinyl records – but people who live in smaller houses or apartments may find it challenging to allocate space for a record player and subsequent vinyl records. 

Extra Attention to Take Care of Vinyl Records – Unlike an iPhone or iPod which uses streaming services or downloaded files to play music, a vinyl record may need to be cleaned and properly stored to ensure the sound quality is preserved. 

👉 Overall, the choice to purchase a vinyl record will ultimately come down to personal preference and the way in which each person prefers to listen to music – on the go, or at home. 

Why are vinyl records bad for the environment?

In the past decade, but especially in the past few years in accordance with Taylor Swift and other popular artists releasing bonus tracks onto vinyl records – the return of vinyl records has demonstrated how over consumption is one of our biggest challenges in the fight against climate change.

One of the main reasons why the return of vinyl records is bad for the planet is because many artists encourage fans to purchase more than one vinyl record, even if the content on the vinyl record remains relatively the same – which ultimately creates waste and spurs superfluous industrial production.

In addition to this, a whopping 50% of Americans that opt to purchase a vinyl record don’t even own a record player in their own home. Sure, the vinyl record can serve as a momentum from the artist’s musical era – but purchasing something that can’t be used further illustrates the issues we are having with over consumption and its relationship to climate change. 

Here are some additional reasons why the return of vinyl records may be ruining the planet:

Plastic Packaging – Vinyl records are larger than CDs, meaning that more single-use, non-biodegradable plastic packaging is required to cover the exterior for the vinyl record. In addition to this, artists will often include several extras inside the vinyl record, song lyric booklets or photographs, that some fans may end up throwing away instead of recycling.

Excess Consumerism – Many popular artists today release exclusive tracks on individual vinyl records, which only promotes the over consumption of single-use plastics and potential waste generation. 

Production of Vinyl Records – Over consumption of vinyl records isn’t the only threat vinyl records pose to the planet, but the production of vinyl records themselves. This is because polyvinyl chloride, or PVC (the main component used to make a vinyl record) isn’t eco-friendly as it can end up in the ocean and even compromise human health. In addition to this, the process to create a vinyl record is energy intensive – as it requires multiple stages of heating and pressing the vinyl to create solid sound grooves. 

💡 Did you know that vinyl records produce 1.9 thousand tons of carbon dioxide for every 4 million records produced? With nearly 50 million vinyl records sold in 2023 alone, this means that vinyl records produced around 23,750 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

What adjustments could be made to a vinyl record to make it more eco-friendly?

There are several ways in which we could make vinyl records more sustainable, and some artists are already taking action – such as Billie Eilish, who is making an effort to use sustainable packaging materials and recycled or eco-vinyl for her vinyl records. 

I can’t even express to you how wasteful it is… I find it really frustrating as somebody who really goes out of my way to be sustainable and do the best that I can and try to involve everybody in my team in being sustainable — and then it’s some of the biggest artists in the world making 40 different vinyl packages that have a different unique thing just to get you to keep buying more.” – Billie Eilish when speaking to Billboard on the unsustainable nature of vinyl records.

Many believed that Eilish was referring to Taylor Swift, who has released five vinyl record variations for her 1989 and The Tortured Poets Department, as Swift recently hit billionaire status late late year – many are starting to recognise the possible capitalist endeavors she has taken to both make money and keep her songs on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. 

For instance, Swift’s most recent album, The Tortured Poets Department, was available in five different variations – with each variation to include a different bonus song, available for pre-order. These variations each included one additional song, such as “The Bolter”, “The Albatross”, “The Black Dog”, and “The Manuscript”. 

However, shortly after the album’s release – Swift revealed that The Tortured Poets Department was a double album, with many of the bonus songs that fans purchased a vinyl record with the intent to listen to “exclusively” being made available immediately on streaming. 

Therefore, one of the best things that can be done to reduce the environmental impact of vinyl records is for artists to release a single, standard deluxe edition vinyl record as opposed to putting a single bonus track on different vinyl record variants.

👉 Remember, the carbon impact created by streaming music or listening on a vinyl record is bound to vary depending on the listening time – meaning it’s important for us to try and make all ways of listening to music more sustainable.

What are other ways to listen to music without harming the planet?

All platforms used to listen to music have their pros and cons, but it's true that more sustainable ways to listen to music may exist as opposed to listening on a vinyl record while still provoking the nostalgia that comes with the experience of playing vinyl record – such as with CD players or cassette tapes.  

Luckily, if reducing your carbon footprint while listening to music is important to you – there are plenty of other ways to listen to music that may prove more eco-friendly than purchasing a vinyl record.

Here are some other ways to listen to music without needing to buy a vinyl record or a turntable:

Streaming – Although streaming comes with its own carbon footprint predicaments, as popular songs such as Olivia Rodrigo’s, “Driver’s License” generated enough streams to create the annual amount of carbon dioxide emissions produced by 500 people in the United Kingdom – streaming remains a viable way to prevent excess consumerism in the music industry. 

Cassette Tapes – Similar to a vinyl record, a cassette tape can help to evoke the nostalgic element often emanated while playing a vinyl record. However, cassette tapes haven’t made the same resurgence yet as vinyl records – and may prove challenging to find contemporary albums on tape.

MP3 Player – This form of listening to music has yet to come back around, but it could – as it evades the carbon footprint created by streaming and also provokes the same nostalgia as a vinyl record.

CDs – While CDs also use single-use plastic packaging and come in a plastic container themselves, the main difference between a vinyl record and a CD is that music from a CD can be copied onto a digital device such as your computer or MP3 player. This allows you to listen to music both digitally and “ceremonially” via a boom box or CD player the same way you would with a vinyl record and a turntable. 

Overall, vinyl records aren’t ruining the planet at this very moment – but their potential environmental impact is evident, and they could overtime if over consumption continues to be encouraged. Therefore, it’s up to both artists and consumers to demand and find new solutions to make this romantic way of listening music more sustainable for their inevitable future in the music industry.

If reading this article about why purchasing a vinyl record may not be the smartest choice for the planet has made you interested in reducing your carbon emissions to further fight against climate change – Greenly can help you!

At Greenly we can help you to assess your company’s carbon footprint, and then give you the tools you need to cut down on emissions. We offer a free demo for you to better understand our platform and all that it has to offer – including assistance with boosting supplier engagement, personalised assistance, and new ways to involve your employees.

Click here to learn more about Greenly and how we can help you reduce your carbon footprint.

In this article, we’ll explain what green coding is, the benefits of using green coding, how it could help boost sustainability, and how to transition to the use of green coding.

What is Green Coding?

You’ve heard of green living, but have you ever heard of green coding?

Technology is one of the most impressive and convenient creations to date, but it also poses a threat to a challenge we have yet to overcome – climate change. 

Luckily, part of the answer to reducing the environmental impact created by software systems may be for companies and their IT departments to implement the use of green coding.

Green coding, also sometimes referred to as green programming, refers to the set of practices employed to create new programs in software development that use less amounts of energy.

Think of green coding as being similar to green living or other “green” practices – it is an effort to reduce the environmental impact created on behalf of technology and software, both of which are important seeing as technology alone is currently responsible for 4% of global GHG emissions.

What is green coding or Green Programming? 
Green coding or Green Programming is an environmentally sustainable computing practice that seeks to minimize the energy involved in processing lines of code and, in turn, help organizations reduce overall energy consumption.

C is considered as most green language and python is considered as least green language.

For More Reference on Green Coding or Programming, Check out these Links.
https://stratoflow.com/efficient-and-...
  / what-are-the-greenest-programming-languages  
  / what-greenest-programing-languages-michael...  
https://hackaday.com/2021/11/18/c-is-...
https://www.itfaq.global/green-coding...
https://geekflare.com/green-coding/
https://curiosum.com/blog/green-codin...


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What is Green Coding or what is Green Programming

Essentially, green coding works to reduce its environmental impact by rewriting a programming code to reduce the energy consumption of a certain software – such as when using iMovie, Logic Pro X, or Microsoft Word. 

When seeing to implement green coding, there are two important factors to consider:

Structural Changes – This refers to the actual units of code, and the potential energy that certain sets of code may use. In addition to this, structural changes can refer to improving overall efficiency in IT and improving cloud-based infrastructure.

Circumstantial & Cultural Changes – This refers to the potential various scenarios in which the coding could have an impact on the energy consumed by the user – such as the difference between uploading a video to YouTube or sending an email. Also, cultural changes may refer to making sure that all management and employees are aware of the changes green coding may bring.

👉 Green coding is one of the most logical ways we could reduce the environmental impact created by technology and software without needing to go cold turkey on these programs or devices.

Green coding is important seeing as technology is behind almost everything we do in our everyday lives, from paying with an iPad at a cash register or turning on the TV to watch the news.

As software continues to demonstrate its contribution to unprecedented levels of greenhouse gas emissions, green coding will become more and more imperative to make our habitual use of technology more sustainable – as the world isn’t going to stop using software or technology altogether.

💡 Remember, green coding can be used for more than improved energy efficiency in software – but to help encourage greater sustainable software development elsewhere. 

For instance, if Apple resigns its iCloud system with green coding – it can further help to reduce their overall emissions and make their other products more appealing to consumers concerned about climate change. Therefore, an example of green coding can include seeking the use of renewable energy to power data storage centers. 

Additional benefits of companies who opt to use green coding include:

Reduce Utility Bills – Companies with data storage centers are bound to benefit from reduced electricity bills when implementing the use of green coding.

Attract New Customers & Investors – Companies brave enough to be cutting-edge and make green coding the new norm could intrigue new customers and investors in their software programs or other products and services.

Increased Resilience to Climate Risks – Especially important when trying to engage with your stakeholders, green coding could help companies to avoid several climate risks – such as issues with their supply chain or managing their infrastructure.

👉 Overall, green coding is important because it can allow companies to reduce their energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions while still intriguing new customers and stakeholders and improving their brand reputation.

What are the main pillars of green coding?

Green coding functions on a few main principles, including working towards greener logic, greener methodology, and an overall greener platform.

The main goal of green coding is to reduce the carbon impact created by software, and ultimately, – to encourager “greener” changes elsewhere.

Here are some of the main pillars of green coding:

Green Architecture – One of the main pillars of green coding is green architecture, which refers to the process of optimizing an application for energy use. This adheres to the structural principle of green coding, where the actual units of code can be changed to optimise energy efficiency. In the end, the goal of green architecture in green coding is to reduce the amount of work and energy the hardware hosting the software must usually exert. This could include new coding for automatic shut downs, screensavers, or low power mode to help reduce energy consumption.

Green Logic – This facet of green coding refers to the ideal that each decision can create a ripple effect for green coding and ultimate energy savings. Some of these decisions could include creating improved visuals for content to help improve user speed to save time and energy, striving for “zero-waste” codes by removing old codes that don’t work anymore, using smaller or simpler files to reduce the carbon footprint of additional resources to be used in green coding, and seeking to use web applications that reduce the loading time between the server and the user. 

Green Methodology – This pillar of green coding is focused on improving the process for software development, such as by encouraging swift feedback for quicker adjustments to reduce the carbon footprint created by software development. In addition to this, code that can be reused is encouraged in green coding. 

Green Platform – In a similar way to green architecture, it is important to make the platform your software’s green coding will be hosted on “greener” in order to ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency. This could include seeking to alter the configurations for the platform or overlooking recent metrics to see how servers are handling the current supply and demand.

👉 While all programming languages are different from one another, green coding can often benefit from using coding language C as it is known to be one of the more energy efficient coding languages.  

How could green coding help boost sustainability?

Green coding could do wonders for various sustainability projects, such as by helping companies to reduce energy consumption and even increase their business revenue. 

As technology advances and becomes more apparent in our everyday lives, green coding is imperative to help raise awareness regarding the importance of sustainable efforts.

Some of the ways that green coding could help to boost sustainability include:

Reduced Energy Costs – Green coding strives to make do with less coding, and as a result – it can also help companies to slash their utility bills and reduce their carbon footprint. 

Work Towards Other Sustainability Goals – Indirectly, green coding could help companies to work towards their other goals such as working towards net-zero emissions or inspiring sustainable initiatives elsewhere within the company.

Increased Revenue – A study conducted by IBM in 2022 reveals that companies who work to implement sustainable initiatives, such as green coding, often report an increase in operating margin. As a result, this financial benefit could help companies to fund future sustainable efforts that would not have been possible if the initial sustainable efforts, such as green coding, were not implemented. 

Improved Coding Practices – Green coding encourages programmers to simplify their process, which as a result – can save programmers time on their code writing and allow them to allocate time to think of new ideas to reduce energy consumption elsewhere in the IT department.

👉 Ultimately, green coding could help to invoke other sustainable efforts within an organization – and raise awareness regarding the importance of sustainability in software development and IT.

How can your company get started with green coding?

When it comes to implementing green coding, your company will have to develop a methodical check-list to ensure that all the pillars of green coding have been met throughout the implementation process.

Green coding can make a big difference for companies looking to reduce their energy consumption long-term, but seeing as green coding must be incorporated into several facets of a company’s business model – the process of implementing green coding must be handled strategically to prove successful in the long-term.

Here are some of the most important things to consider when trying to implement the use of green coding into your company:

Sleek Software Design – Green coding will require a makeover on your current coding, meaning that repetitive code and unnecessary loops should be erased to reduce energy consumption. Sometimes, this can prove challenging – so seeking to develop smarter software that can automatically end codes when they aren’t being used is a great way to adhere to the principles of green coding. 

Choose An Energy-Efficient Coding Programming Language – Studies show that language C is the most energy efficient programming language, but other energy efficient program languages include Rust, C++, Java, and Pascal.

Work Towards Consistent Improvements – Green programming isn’t as much a ramp up towards success as it is more like a spiral staircase. There is likely to be a series of trial-and-error until you find an approach to green coding most suitable for your company. Therefore, it’s important to remain open minded and rest different components of your green coding ideology to seek consistent improvement.

Determine the Future of Your Data & Networks – Data storage centers are closely related to green coding, meaning it's important to determine new avenues for data usage and to improve certain processes such as caching to reduce energy consumption.

Be Open to New Ideas – Encouraging innovation and facilitating new collaborations are great ways to curate the most suitable green coding strategy for your company. This allows your company to compare and contrast successful tactics and possibly implement new energy-saving ideas. 

Stay Result Focused – Working to implement green coding can be a tedious process at times, meaning it’s especially important to remain goal-focused. At the end of the day, green coding can also help your company grow resilient to other challenges and be more prepared to face them! 

Overall, green coding is a great way to reduce the energy consumption of your software long-term – and it’s becoming especially important as technology continues to suffuse itself into our everyday lives.

If reading this article about green coding has made you interested in reducing your carbon emissions to further fight against climate change – Greenly can help you!

Click here to learn more about Greenly and how we can help you reduce your carbon footprint. 

After starting her career at Greenly in 2022, she started a joined PhD between the startup and CentraleSupélec to improve company sustainabilty performance ratings.

Marine Kohler

Marine has an engineering degree from the French school of CentraleSupélec and a masters in Industrial Management from DTU. After starting her career at Greenly in 2022, she started a joined PhD between the startup and CentraleSupélec to improve company sustainabilty performance ratings.

Kara joined the team at Greenly in 2023 as SEO copywriter for the UK market.

Kara Anderson - Greenly

Kara Anderson holds an undergraduate law degree and a master’s degree in international law from the University of Glasgow and the University of Aberdeen, specialising in human rights and EU law, where she developed strong research and writing skills. After working at Ernst & Young as part of their audit graduate scheme and gaining experience in analytics, she transitioned to advertising, working with major global brands like American Express and Dove.
In 2023, Kara joined Greenly as a writer, focusing on sustainability and climate-related topics for the UK market. Her work spans a wide range of environmental issues, including climate science, sustainable development, and climate policy. Collaborating with climate scientists, Kara has produced data-driven investigations into key climate challenges. With a passion for international politics, sustainable development, and climate change science, she continues to build her expertise in the field and is currently pursuing further training in journalism.

Copywriter specialising in environmental thematics

Ines Gendre is a copywriter specialising in environmental issues. She joined Greenly's team in 2022.

Ines Gendre

Ines Gendre holds a master’s degree in marketing and began her career in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry. After retraining, she joined Greenly in 2022 as a copywriter specializing in environmental issues. Ines brings her expertise to companies and individuals seeking to understand the challenges of climate change, the green transition, and their impact on society and the economy. Trained in key tools for developing climate strategies - such as Carbon Assessments, Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), and carbon offsetting - she will begin studying political science at Oxford University in England in January 2025.

After seeking opportunities to put her various creative passions to good use, she joined Greenly in mid 2022 as SEO copywriter for the U.S. blog to provide her American perspective on the climate change issues we face today.

Stephanie Safdie - Greenly

Stephanie completed a bachelor's degree in English & Multimedia in 2020 at the University of Maryland College Park. She previously worked as a social media content video creator and freelance copywriter. After seeking opportunities to put her various creative passions to good use, she joined Greenly in mid 2022 as SEO copywriter for the U.S. blog to provide her American perspective on the climate change issues we face today. 

Quentin Bourhis, Climate Expert at Greenly

Ben Field, Climate Action Strategist at Patch

Alexis Normand

Alexis is a 37 year-old graduate of HEC and Sciences-Po. After his studies, he spent 2 years working in public policy consulting. He then spent 6 years at Withings, a leading company in connected objects. While there, he continued the companies operations in Boston, USA, and created the company’s health department. After the company was bought by Nokia, he joined the startup Embleema by working through Techstars, one of the best startup incubators in the United States, where he developed a taste for entrepreneurship. His return to France was an opportunity to put all his experience at the service of the environment, during a crucial moment in the climate crisis.

Arnaud Delubac

Arnaud, 26 years old, trained as a designer and in digital communication at INSEEC before joining the Master Entrepreunariat at ESSEC-CentraleSupélec. Passionate about social media since his teenage years, he has created some of the biggest Twitter communities in France before joining the digital communication team of the Prime Minister’s office in Matignon. It was at the Secretaries of State for Digital, Mounir Mahjoubi and Cédric O, where Arnaud directly managed the team, that he developed a strong conviction for the need to use technology to bring awareness to the greatest causes of our time.

Matthieu Vegreville

Matthieu is a 28 year-old graduate engineer from Ecole Polytechnique and Télecom Paris, with a background in data science at Withings. While there, he worked on watch activity detection algorithms, and developed a health study activity so that connected objects could be used to better monitor certain pathologies. He has long been involved in data science projects with his brother, who has the same training. Faced with the urgency of the climate crisis, he decided to put his know-how at the service of the environment. 

Justine Dumont

Justine a toujours été passionnée de lecture et d’écriture. En 2019, elle parvient justement à faire de sa passion son métier, en devenant rédactrice web indépendante. Motivée par ses engagements écologiques, elle rejoint l’équipe de Greenly en 2022 afin de mettre ses compétences au service de la cause environnementale. 

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