Commission adopts green housekeeping plan
The European Commission has adopted a "Green Housekeeping Action Plan 1997-2000" aimed at integrating environmental considerations into its internal administrative and organizational procedures. The Action Plan foresees actions to reduce wastage (particularly of paper) and to improve waste management. Office materials will be monitored and their possible replacement by more environmentally-friendly alternatives will be considered. The use of public transport by Commission staff will be encouraged and Commission buildings will be assessed for their environmental impact - in particular with regard to energy consumption.