Quaterly bulletin on research funding in the field of water protection

The European Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) is a management tool for organizations aiming to improve their environmental and financial performance and communicate their environmental achievements. EMAS leads to enhanced performance, credibility and transparency of registered organizations.

In 2005 the European Commission decided to reward the excellent work of EMAS registered organisations by introducing the EMAS Awards. The EMAS Awards recognize outstanding achievements in one particular environmental management aspect each year. The theme of the 2012 Awards is “Water Management, including Water Efficiency and Water Quality”. This year, 27 bodies from 14 European countries were nominated.

The European Commission has announced the winners of this year's European Eco-Management and Audit Scheme Awards. The six winning organizations showed excellence in respecting and safeguarding the environment, and in applying innovative solutions to improve their water management. Among the winners: Comune di Tavarnelle Val di Pesa (Tuscany, Italy) requires water saving technologies to be installed in all newly constructed buildings. It has also introduced agricultural improvement plans to reduce erosion and runoff. The Council now considers water management aspects when deciding on capital investments, procurement and other activities, and organizes environmental training for the hospitality industry.