A Networking Event entitled with the Minister of Environment of Cyprus was held on 28 May 2019 at the Hilton Hotel in Nicosia. The event was organized by the Cyprus Federation of Employers and Industrialists (OEB), the Cyprus Energy Agency and the Energy Service of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry.
The event was open to all businesses that signed their voluntary commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 8% by 2030 through measures and aimed to bring together businesses involved in the Business4Climate initiative and the Energy Efficiency Network.
The Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment, Dr. Kostas Kadis, referred to the importance of such private initiatives aimed at limiting greenhouse gas emissions and hence in addressing climate change. He also stressed the government’s strong support for the Climate Change / Business4Climate initiative. He also stated his readiness to study and make appropriate use of any suggestions and results arising from the whole initiative.
The President of the Federation of Employers and Industrialists (OEB), Mr. George Petrou, said that Cypriot businesses have proved that they can voluntarily commit to and take action against climate change. He welcomed the response of a significant number of businesses and hoped that the initiative would be embraced by an even larger number of businesses.
Dr. Theodoros Zachariades, Associate Professor of the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), presented the goals and vision of the Climate-KIC Business4Climate initiative, which received very good reviews at European level and prepared the transfer of know-how from Cyprus and other European countries.
Finally, an open dialogue and discussion followed, where the participants asked questions and expressed their views on the importance of such actions related to environmental protection and resource saving. The discussion was attended by the Director of the Department of the Environment, Mr. Costas Chadjipanagiotou, the Head of Energy & Environment of OEB, Mrs. Anthi Charalambous, the Associate Professor of CUT, Dr. Theodoros Zachariades and the Director of Cyprus Energy Agency, Mr. Savvas Vlachos. In his speech, the representative of the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry, highlighted the importance of such initiatives since they bring Cyprus closer to the national energy and climate targets for 2020 and 2030.
More information on Business4Climate and the Energy Efficiency Enterprise Network is available at:
http://www.oeb.org.cy/en/drasis/business4climate/
Address by the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment
Address by the President of OEB
Business4Climate initiative presentation Dr Theodoros Zachariades
Presentation of Businesses participating in Business4Climate
