Brief Description

With the Greek National Climate Law (L. 4936/2022) the European goals of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 (Green Deal) are adopted at the national level along with intermediate reduction goals of 55% in 2030 (Fit for 55) and 80% in 2040 (base year in 1990). According to the Greek National Climate Law, from March 2023 onwards, municipalities and gradually all medium and large enterprises in the country will have to prepare annual carbon emission reports and be verified by accredited verification bodies.

Article 20 – Reduction of emissions from businesses

In accordance with the National Climate Law, until 31 October 2023, the legal entities listed below submit a report on their carbon footprint with a reference year of 2022. The report is submitted annually, with a reference year of the previous calendar year, and must be verified by an accredited verifier.

The legal entities to which it applies are:

• public limited companies with shares or other securities listed on a regulated market in Greece,
• credit institutions of par. 1 of article 3 of Law 4261/2014 (A’ 107),
• insurance companies of paragraph a of paragraph 1 of article 3 of Law 4364/2016 (A’ 13),
• investment companies of paragraph a of paragraph 1 of article 4 of Law 4514/2018 (A΄ 14),
• fixed and mobile telephony companies,
• water supply and sewerage companies,
• courier companies,
• electricity and natural gas supply companies,
• chains of retail stores, which employ more than 500 workers,
• companies providing supply chain services, of paragraph d of article 1 of Law 4302/2014 (A’ 225),
• urban transport service companies.

Small and very small enterprises are excluded from the scope.

Article 19 – Reduction of emissions from facilities

Until 2030, projects and activities with category A environmental licensing are required to reduce emissions by at least 30%, compared to the year 2019. It applies to the following groups of activities:

• Environmental infrastructure systems (4th Group)
• Tourist facilities and projects of urban regeneration, building sector, sports and recreation (6th Group)
• Poultry breeding facilities (7th Group)
• Aquaculture (8th Group)
• Industrial and related facilities (9th Group)

Until January 1, 2026, for all existing projects and activities belonging to the above groups, a report is submitted to the competent authority for their environmental licensing, in order to capture the way of compliance with the emission reduction target. The report is included in the file of amendment of the Decision on the Approval of Environmental Terms.

From 2026 and until October 31 of each year, the facility shall submit to the licensing environmental authority a report on the previous year’s emissions. The audit of the facilities is assigned by the operator of the project or activity, to a verifier, natural or legal person, who is officially recognized.

Article 16 – Municipal Emission Reduction Plans

Until March 31, 2023, each Local Government Organization prepares a Municipal Emission Reduction Plan.

The Municipal Emission Reduction Plan:

• Includes a detailed inventory, with a base year of 2019, of energy consumption and emissions for buildings, public facilities, especially for sports, culture, lighting of municipal streets and public spaces, as well as municipal water supply, drainage, irrigation and municipal vehicles.
• Takes into account the Building Energy Performance Plan
• Sets a target of reducing net emissions by at least 10% for the year 2025 and 30% for the year 2030, compared to the base year 2019. For the calculation of the target, absorptions are also taken into account.

The progress of the implementation of the Municipal Emission Reduction Plan is monitored annually with a technical progress report.

The verification of the carbon footprint is assigned by the Local Government Organization, to a verifier, who is officially recognized.

From January 1, 2025, the preparation of the Municipal Emission Reduction Plan and its updates are a condition for the evaluation of proposals of first grade local authorities, regarding the implementation of programs through financial tools in the field of energy saving and climate change.

What are the benefits of verification?

• ensures compliance with legal requirements related to GHG emissions reporting.
• Compliance with the Law: The verification ensures that the greenhouse gas emissions of the business or organization comply with the legal requirements set out in the Greek Climate Law.
• Achieving Emissions Reduction Targets: Verification helps businesses and organizations monitor and achieve emission reduction targets.
• Enhancing Trust and Transparency: Emissions verification ensures the reliability and transparency of the data used to calculate emissions, enhancing public and stakeholder confidence.
• Enhanced Reputation: Verification enhances an organization’s reputation by highlighting its commitment to environmental responsibility.
• Promotion of Best Practices: The verification process provides opportunities to identify and promote best environmental practices that can lead to more efficiency and sustainability.

What is the certification procedure?

Who do I contact for more information?

Customer Service Department Contact Person: Anna Topaltziki Phone: +30 210 5220920, ext. 2064