Indicator Report
3. Headline indicators
The Danish vision of sustainable development is based on eight objectives and principles:
 | The welfare society must be developed and economic growth must be decoupled from environmental impacts |
| There must be a safe and healthy environment for everyone, and we must maintain a high level of protection |
| We must secure a high degree of biodiversity and protect the ecosystems |
| Resources must be used more efficiently |
| We must take action at an international level |
| Environmental considerations must be taken into account in all sectors |
| The market must support sustainable development |
| Sustainable development is a shared responsibility, and we must measure progress |
1. The welfare society must be developed and economic growth must be decoupled from environmental impacts
Denmark has enjoyed good and stable economic development. From 1990 to 2001, GDP per capita grew by approximately 22 per cent. This corresponds to an average rate of increase of approximately two per cent per year.
For many years, increases in GDP and increasing negative impacts on the environment have been closely linked. This link has been decoupled for emissions of greenhouse gases and acidifying substances. These emissions have fallen slightly during the period 1990 to 2000, while GDP has increased steadily since 1993. This indicates that economic growth and environmental impacts have been decoupled.
The indicator "Genuine Savings" can be used when assessing the value of economic, social, and environmental resources. "Genuine Savings" constitute an economic indicator for the development of the total wealth of a society.When combined with the other indicators, "Genuine Savings" can provide a picture of whether the development during any given year is sustainable. The "Genuine Savings" in Denmark have increased slightly throughout the last six to seven years. It should, however, be noted that the "Genuine Savings" indicator is still being developed, and that it must be supplemented by analyses of what constitutes critical impacts on health, nature, and the environment. In particular, it should be noted that no value can be assigned to a number of environmental impacts, and so these impacts are not included in the indicator.
Denmark is characterised by a very high rate of employment compared to other countries. Since the mid-1990s, employment in Denmark has risen significantly, with an additional 200,000 people (approx.) entering the labour market. This means that further, significant growth in employment would be an ambitious goal. The challenge becomes even greater in view of the fact that demographic developments will, all other things being equal, reduce the labour force in the years to come.
2. There must be a safe and healthy environment for everyone, and we must maintain a high level of protection
The Danes live longer again. During the last five years, the average life expectancy has increased as much as it did during the preceding 21 years. Men have added 1.7 years to their average life expectancy from 1995 to 2000, whereas the corresponding increase for women is 1.2 years. The increase has been so significant that in 2000, the average life expectancy of Danish men corresponded to the target figure for 2004. In 2000, women's life expectancy was as high as the 2002 target figure. Only three other EU Member States have experienced greater increases in life expectancy after 1995.
In 2000, Denmark's total emissions of greenhouse gases were at 1990 levels after having peaked in 1996. Emissions have fallen within a number of sectors. For example, emissions from agriculture have fallen by approximately 14 per cent, which is mainly due to the implementation of the Action Plans for the Aquatic Environment. Emissions from households have fallen by approximately 19 per cent, which is mainly due to more efficient energy consumption, and emissions from the waste sector fell by almost nine per cent during the period. By contrast, emissions from the transport sector grew by almost 18 per cent. Emissions from the commercial sector have gone up by almost seven per cent, which is due to e.g. greater energy consumption. In order to reduce Denmark's emissions of greenhouse gases, the goal is to incorporate all reduction opportunities for greenhouse gases in the most cost-effective manner. There is a need for special efforts to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from the transport sector and the commercial sector.
Classification of chemicals is an important part of the work carried out to ensure a high level of protection, so that the environment is safe and healthy for everyone. A common EU classification of substances and substance groups creates a basis for common risk management. The number of classified substances and related substances has doubled since 1993. At the end of 2001, the classified substances accounted for a total of approximately 7,000 substances out of the 100,000 substances which are or have been available on the European market.
3. We must secure a high degree of biodiversity and protect the ecosystems
A high degree of biodiversity must be ensured, and the ecosystems must be protected. One goal is to increase the extent of Danish woodland areas so that forests will cover 20-25 per cent of Denmark. From 1950 to 2000, the total woodland area has grown steadily. The area of original forest has fallen, while the area of deciduous forest is now once again on the rise after having fallen for some time. The objective is to increase the area of deciduous forest and to retain the areas of original forest. The total area accounted for by meadows, dry grassland, moors, and marshlands (open natural habitats) has diminished during the period 1950 to 2000. In 2000, the total area accounted for by these natural habitats was only approximately half that of the corresponding 1950 figure. The efforts to increase the area of the open natural habitats meadow, dry grassland, and moor have not had any discernable impact in the latest inventories.
4. Resources must be used more efficiently.
For some indicators, Danish consumption of resources has fallen. After a period of strong growth from 1995-96, both energy consumption and consumption of drinking water have fallen up until 2000. There has been a relative decoupling of energy consumption and consumption of drinking water from economic growth during the period 1996 to 2000. Waste volumes fell during the period 1996 to 1999, but this was primarily due to a reduction in the waste volume from power plants and from the building and construction sector. If these two sectors are excluded from our considerations, the waste volume grew from 1997 to 1998. The total waste intensity (waste generation seen in relation to GDP) fell from 1996 to 1999, but it increased again from 1999 to 2000 as a result of greater waste volumes.
5. We must take action at an international level
Denmark lives up to the goal of contributing to combating poverty in the world. The Danish objectives for promoting global, sustainable development are closely linked to the international development targets set by the UN, and they support these targets. During the period 1992 to 2001, Denmark contributed approximately 1 per cent of its GNI every year, which is far more than the UN target of 0.7 per cent of GNI. In 2001, environmental assistance accounted for approximately 0.09 per cent of GNI, and this figure has increased in 1999 to 2001.
6. Environmental considerations must be taken into account in all sectors
Concern for nature and the environment within the sectors of society is elucidated in the indicator report by showing the environmental profile for some sectors. In 2002, profiles for the energy and transport sectors will be shown.
As regards the energy sector, CO2 emissions have been reduced during the 1990s. This is partly due to greater use of natural gas and renewable energy. More efficient use of combined heat and power generation has also reduced CO2 emissions. The energy sector almost exclusively emits the greenhouse gas CO2, but this accounts for more than 45 per cent of Denmark's total emissions of greenhouse gases. In total, energy consumption accounts for almost 80 per cent of Denmark's emissions of greenhouse gases. Total energy consumption has increased by 8 per cent since 1988, while emissions have increased by almost 3 per cent. The energy produced is used in a more efficient manner. Energy consumption and emissions have not increased at the same rate as economic growth during the period. As regards acidifying substances, SO2 emissions from the energy sector have fallen by more than 70 per cent during the period 1990 to 2000. (NOX) emissions have been reduced by approximately 40 per cent.
Within the transport sector, total transport activities increased by 17 per cent for passenger transport during the period 1990 to 2000. During the period 1990 to 1999, freight transport increased by 16 per cent. The total growth is primarily caused by increases in motorised road transport. The transport sector accounts for a growing share of Denmark's total emissions of greenhouse gases (CO2), which increased by 18 per cent during the decade 1990 to 2000. Transport emissions of CO2 have largely followed the rate of economic growth. In Danish towns, traffic is the greatest source of air pollution. Despite mounting traffic, emissions of the pollutants (NOX), NMVOC, and CO have fallen. This is due to the 1990 requirement stipulating that new petrol-powered cars must have catalytic converters. Emissions of SO2 have fallen by 72 per cent as a result of the rules on lower sulphur content in diesel. The pollutants from traffic are mainly nitrogen oxides (NOX), hydrocarbons (NMVOC), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and carbon mo(NOX)ide (CO). For all other emissions, the link between economic growth and the environmental impact of transport has been successfully decoupled. It is likely that emissions of NOX, NMVOC and CO will continue to fall until all petrol-powered cars are fitted with a catalytic converter.
7. The market must support sustainable development
Sustainable development and economic growth are not mutually exclusive. Enterprises which do a lot of work for the environment tend to have a competitive edge.
The increase in the number of eco-labelled products available shows that there is a market for environmentally friendly products. This also shows that the market can be used to support sustainable development. The increase in the number of ecolabelled products has been particularly pronounced in recent years, and in 2000, more than 2,350 ecolabelled products were widely available. The most commonly seen eco-label is the Swan label (the Nordic ecolabel), but the Flower (the EU eco-label) is making good progress. In 1999, only two products bore the Flower, and in 2000 the corresponding number was seven. In 2001, however, the number of Flowerlabelled products grew to 54.
8. Sustainable development is a shared responsibility, and we must measure progress
Environmental management is one way of integrating environmental concerns into production. In this manner, enterprises assume responsibility for ensuring a more environmentally friendly production chain. Since 1994, the number of enterprises with certified environmental management in the form of EMAS and ISO 14001 has increased year by year. Denmark is among the European countries which have the greatest number of EMAS registered enterprises compared to the size of the population (surpassed only by Austria). Developments in the number of EMAS and ISO registered enterprises show that it is possible to use environmental concern as a competitive parameter.
Indicator N1
GDP per capita
Source: Statistics Denmark
This indicator elucidates Denmark's economic development. The figure shows the gross national product at constant prices per capita during the period 1990 to 2001. The use of constant prices means that account has been taken of changed prices, which in turn means that these figures reflect the actual development of production in Denmark.
The development of GDP per capita reflects market trends. From 1990 to 1993, production per capita was approximately DKK 180,000. From 1990 to 2001, GDP per capita rose by slightly more than 22 per cent. This corresponds to an average rate of increase of approximately 2 per cent per year. In 2001, GDP per capita was DKK 217,026.
As GDP is expected to continue to grow, it is central that economic development be decoupled from increasing pressure on resources. Within a number of areas, the link between economic growth and increased pollution has been successfully decoupled. Even so, great challenges remain within other areas that are important to health, nature, and the environment. The increase in GDP per capita indicates growing wealth. Increasing wealth improves the opportunities for ensuring sustainable development in future - e.g. in the form of greater savings and more investments in cleaner technology.
Indicator N2
Decoupling illustrated by environmental impacts for 4 factors (greenhouse
gases, runoffs of nutrients into the sea, emissions of acidifying compounds and emissions
to air) in relation to GDP
Source: The National Environmental Research Institute, Denmark; Statistics Denmark
This indictor elucidates developments in relation to the objective of decoupling economic growth from impacts on the environment.
The figure shows the development in emissions of greenhouse gases, runoffs of nutrients into the sea (N and P), and emissions of acidifying compounds (and emissions to air total emissions in relation to GDP.
Generally speaking, emissions of nitrogen and phosphorus have fallen since 1990. There is, however a correlation with water runoffs, which means that the considerable increase in water runoffs from 1997 to 1999 has also caused greater nitrogen runoffs during that period. Emissions of greenhouse gases and acidifying substances have fallen slightly during the period 1990 to 2000. At the same time, GDP has grown steadily since 1993, which indicates that economic growth and impact on the environment have been decoupled. Besides emissions of NMVOC caused by humans, there are several other NMVOC sources. Thus, the total impact on the environment is larger than the impact illustrated in the figure. Since the effort for decoupling is focused on emissions caused by humans, these emissions are illustrated in the figure.
Generally speaking, developments within selected parameters are headed in the right direction in relation to the objective of decoupling growth and environmental impacts.
Indicator N3
Genuine Savings
Source: The Ministry of Finance
"Genuine Savings" is an economic indicator for developments in the total wealth of society. This means that the concept is used to determine the value of economic, social and environmental resources. When combined with the other indicators, genuine savings can provide a picture of whether development during any given year is sustainable. The "Genuine Savings" indicator covers the financial net savings (i.e. savings less depreciations) plus savings in terms of human capital (e.g. in the form of training at workplaces), less the use of natural resources (oil and gas reserves) and the negative effects of emissions of greenhouse gases and a number of pollutants. All of these elements are assigned a monetary value. However, the "green corrections" only incorporate the effects on nature and environment to which a monetary value can be assigned. This means that a number of effects are not included in the scope of this indicator.
The "Genuine Savings" have shown a slight upwards tendency throughout the last six to seven years. No calculations for this indicator can be made before 1994 onwards. The main reason that the green corrections increased in 2000 is the higher price assigned to extraction of oil and gas in the North Sea, brought on by the increase in the price of crude oil. This factor is, however, more or less cancelled out by increasing financial net savings.
The objective is to consistently maintain positive genuine savings, so that the financial net savings and the savings in terms of human capital provide a contribution which surpasses the value of the green corrections. It should be noted that the "Genuine Savings" indicator is still being developed, and that it must be supplemented by analyses of what constitutes critical impacts on health, nature, and the environment. In particular, it should be noted that no value can be applied to a number of environmental impacts, and so these impacts are not included in the indicator.
Indicator N4
Employment analysed by age groups
Source: The OECD, Employment Outlook
This indicator elucidates social aspects of sustainable development. Since the mid-1990s, employment in Denmark has risen significantly, with an additional 200,000 people (approx.) entering the labour market. Denmark is characterised by a very high rate of employment when compared to other countries. This means that further, significant growth in employment would be an ambitious goal. The challenge becomes even greater in view of the fact that demographic developments will, all other things being equal, reduce the size of the labour force in the years to come.
Nevertheless, continued growth within employment is a crucial prerequisite for realising the Government's objective of ensuring that there is room for growth within the commercial sector and funding of welfare services. Increased employment constitutes an important contribution towards realising the objectives of the Government's overall growth strategy, which is to create the best possible basis for growth in production and employment through growth-focused structural policies.
If the Government's economic policy strategy is to be realised, the requirement is that increased labour-market participation and lower unemployment rates must create the basis for increased employment corresponding to additional employment for 87,000 individuals during the period 2000 to 2010. At its meetings in Lisbon and Stockholm, the European Council established ambitious targets for employment rates within the EU up until 2010. The targets are an employment rate close to 70 per cent of the population within the working age, an employment rate of more than 60 per cent for women, and an employment rate of 50 per cent among the 55 to 64 year-old age bracket. Denmark already meets these objectives, but has, as was mentioned above, established national objectives for further increases in the employment rate.
Indicator N5
Average life expectancy (men and women compared)
Source: Statistics Denmark, 2001
This indicator elucidates aspects of the state of health in Denmark.
The average life expectancy of Danish men has gone up from 70.3 years in 1960 to 74.3 years in 2001. The average life expectancy of women has risen from 74.1 years in 1960 to 79.0 years in 2000. Men added 1.7 years to their average life expectancy from 1995 to 2000, whereas the corresponding increase for women was 1.2 years. During the last five years, the average life expectancy has increased as much as it did during the preceding 21 years.
The increase has been so significant that in 2000, the average life expectancy of Danish men corresponded to the target figure for 2004. In 2000, the women's life expectancy was as high as the 2002 target figure. Only three other EU Member States have experienced greater increases in life expectancy after 1995.
Indicator N6
Gross emissions in million tonnes CO2 equivalents analysed between
industry, transport, households, agriculture, and waste
Source: The National Environmental Research Institute, Denmark
This indicator elucidates the contributions to emissions of greenhouse gases made from Danish sectors. The figure shows Denmark's emissions of greenhouse gases during the period 1990 to 2000, both in total and by sector. The distribution by sector corresponds to the one used in "Climate 2012", the Ministry of Energy and Environment, March 2001. Denmark's base year under the Kyoto Protocol comprises the 1990 emissions of CO2, N2O, and CH4 as well as the 1995 emissions of HFCs, PFCs, and SF6. This indicator does not extend to Greenland and the Faeroe Islands.
In 2000 the total emissions corresponded to 1990 levels after having peaked in 1996. Emissions from the transport sector grew by almost 18 per cent, mainly due to economic development. Emissions from agriculture fell by approximately 14 per cent, which is mainly due to the implementation of the Action Plans for the Aquatic Environment. These plans served to reduce nitrogen emissions, thereby also reducing nitrous oxide (laughing gas) emissions. Emissions from the commercial sector have increased by almost 7 per cent, which is partly due to greater energy consumption, and partly due to the increasing use of HFCs as a cooling agent as an alternative to cooling agents which degrade the ozone layer. Emissions from households are down by approximately 19 per cent, which is mainly due to more efficient energy consumption and to the fact that consumers change from individual heating systems which use oil to systems which use natural gas, or to district heating. Emissions from the waste sector, which in this context extends only to methane emissions from landfills, are down by almost 9 per cent. This is mainly due to the 1997 ban on depositing degradable waste and to the increasing collection of methane from landfills for energy purposes.
The objective is to incorporate all reduction opportunities for greenhouse gases in the most cost-effective manner possible. As the figure shows, there is a particular need to reduce emissions within the transport sector and the commercial sector.
Indicator N7:
Number of chemicals which have been classified.
Source: The Danish Environmental Protection Agency
This indicator elucidates the efforts to maintain a high level of protection, so that the environment is healthy and safe for everybody. The figure illustrates developments in common EU classifications of substances and substance groups. The figure does not include substances which have been self-classified by manufacturers. At the end of 2001, approximately 7,000 substances had been classified out of the total of 100,000 substances available on the European market, either now or in the past.
The figure shows that the number of classified substances and related substances has doubled since 1993. The number of completed classifications is subject to sudden increases, as larger numbers of classifications are completed at the same time. This work is still in progress.
Classification is an integral part of the overall work undertaken to assess and regulate chemical substances. Common EU classification creates a basis for common risk management, including bans on the sale of substances and products which are carcinogenic, mutagenic, or hazardous to embryos.
Indicator N8:
Area of natural habitats (deciduous forest, original forest, meadow, dry
grassland, moor, and marshland)
Source: Nature and Environment - Selected Indicators 2001
This indicator elucidates developments in relation to the objective of securing a high degree of biodiversity and protecting ecosystems. The uppermost figure shows developments from 1950 to 2000 as regards the area of original forest, deciduous forest, and total forest. The bottom figure shows the development during the period 1950 to 2000 for these natural habitats.
From 1950 to 2000, the total forest area has increased steadily, whereas the area of deciduous forest has changed relatively little. We also see that the area of original forest has fallen. The difference between the total area and the deciduous area mainly comprises imported conifers (particularly common spruce). The bottom figure shows that all three of the open natural habitats have dwindled in extent during the period 1950 to 2000. Indeed, the total area of the three natural habitats covered only half as much land in 2000 as it did in 1950.
One objective is to increase the extent of Danish woodland areas so that forests cover 20-25 per cent of Denmark. The forest area is being increased, and at the same time, the intention is to increase the area of deciduous forest as well as to retain the area of original forest. Thus, we see that the latest inventories show that the area of deciduous forest is once again on the rise. The intention is to increase the area accounted for by the open natural habitats meadow, dry grassland, and moor. This has not, however, yet had a discernible impact.
Indicator N9:
Resource flows for 3 factors (energy consumption, drinking water consumption,
and total waste volume in relation to GDP)
Source: The National Environmental Research Institute, Denmark; and the Danish Energy
Authority
This indicator elucidates developments in relation to the objective of using resources more efficiently. The figure shows the correlation between developments within selected consumption patterns, total waste volume, and economic growth.
The waste volumes diminished during the period 1996 to 1999. This means that the waste intensity (waste production in relation to GDP) also fell during this period. Even so, the waste intensity rose again from 1999-2000 due to greater waste volumes. After a period of strong growth from 1995-96, both energy consumption and consumption of drinking water have fallen significantly up until 2000. At the same time, GDP grew steadily.
There has been a relative decoupling of energy consumption and drinking water consumption from economic growth during the period 1996 to 2000. The relative decoupling between waste volumes and economic growth is primarily the result of a reduction in waste volumes from power plants and the building and construction sector. If these two sectors are not included in calculations, we see that waste volumes grew from 1997-98 onwards.
Indicator N10:
Assistance funds as a percentage of GNI, in total and analysed between
development and environmental assistance, and assistance to neighbouring countries
Source: The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Environmental Protection Agency
This indicator elucidates Denmark's international efforts. Denmark's international efforts within the assistance area have been calculated in accordance with the calculation rules used by the OECD development committee, the DAC. In addition to this, the figure shows the relative funds spent on environmental assistance (as a percentage of GNI) and other development assistance (total assistance excluding environmental assistance) as a percentage of GNI. Environmental assistance can be funded through official development assistance and the MIFRESTA framework.
During the period 1992 to 2001, Denmark contributed approximately 1 per cent of its GNI every year, which is far more than the UN target of 0.7 per cent of GNI. In 2001, environmental assistance accounted for approximately 0.09 per cent of GNI, and this figure has increased during the years 1999-2001.
With its extensive international efforts, Denmark lives up to the objective to contribute to combating poverty in the world. The Danish objectives for promoting global, sustainable development are closely linked to the international development targets set by the UN, and they support these targets.
Indicator N11:
Environmental profile of the energy sector, illustrated by energy consumption
and emissions of (NOX), CO2 and SO2 in relation to GDP
Source: The National Environmental Research Institute, Denmark
This indicator elucidates developments in relation to the objective of taking into account environmental considerations in all sectors. This indictor presents a picture of the emissions of greenhouse gases and acidifying substances from the energy sector. The energy sector almost exclusively emits the greenhouse gas CO2, and this accounts for more than 45 per cent of Denmark's total emissions of greenhouse gases. In total, energy consumption accounts for almost 80 per cent of Denmark's emissions of greenhouse gases. This sector is also behind the most significant discharges of acidifying substances, e.g. SO2.
Since 1990, the corrected gross energy consumption has grown only marginally. Economic growth has not caused a corresponding increase in energy consumption. This is due to a significant drop in energy intensity (defined as the gross energy consumption per million GDP). The corrected CO2 emissions arising from energy use in 1998 have been established at 56.4 million tonnes, whereas the corresponding figure in 1997 was 57.8 million tonnes. This corresponds to a reduction of 2.4 per cent. The period 1999 to 2000 saw a further reduction of 2.1 per cent. In relation to 1988, the reduction was 11 per cent. During the period 1990-2000, CO2 emissions from the energy sector fell by more than 70 per cent, and in 2000, emissions of (NOX) from the energy sector were 40 per cent lower than in 1990. Among other things, the reduction in CO2 emissions during the 1990s was brought about by greater use of natural gas and renewable energy. More efficient use of combined heat and power has also reduced CO2 emissions.
Danish emissions of all greenhouse gases (including CO2) must be reduced so that the average level of emissions in the years 2008-2012 is 21 per cent lower than the annual emissions in 1990. Total energy consumption has increased by 8 per cent since 1988, while emissions have increased by almost 3 per cent. The energy produced is used in a more efficient manner. SO2 emissions have been decoupled from economic growth, particularly due to flue gas decontamination and less sulphurous fuels. The target for reducing SO2 emissions was reached in 1998.
Indicator N12:
Environmental profile of the transport sector, as illustrated by energy
consumption, emissions of (NOX), CO2 and NMVOC in relation to
freight and passenger transport performance
Source: The National Environmental Research Institute, Denmark
This indicator elucidates developments in relation to the objective of taking into account environmental considerations in all sectors. The pollutants from traffic are mainly nitrogen oxides (NOX), hydrocarbons (NMVOC), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and particles and carbon mo(NOX)ide (CO). In Danish towns, traffic is the main source of air pollution. CO2 emissions are primarily linked to the climate issue.
During the period 1990 to 2000, total passenger transport work (number of passenger km per year) rose by 17 per cent. Passenger transport by passenger cars account for more than 70 per cent. Freight transport work (tonnes km) grew by 16 per cent during the period 1990 to 1999. The total growth was primarily caused by increases in motorised road transport. The transport sector accounts for approximately 16 per cent of Denmark's total emissions of greenhouse gases (CO2), which increased by 18 per cent during the decade 1990 to 2000. Despite mounting traffic, emissions of (NOX) and NMVOC have fallen. This is due to the 1990 requirement stipulating that new petrol-powered cars must have catalytic converters. During the period 1988 to 1998, the number of cars with catalytic converters grew from zero to more than half of the total stock of cars.
For all other emissions, the link between economic growth and the environmental impact of transport has been successfully decoupled. It is likely that emissions of (NOX) and NMVOC will continue to fall until all petrol-powered cars have a catalytic converter. New and stricter requirements on various types of vehicles will enter into force in 2005. Transport emissions of CO2 have, however, followed the growth of freight and passenger transport performance.
Indicator N13:
Number of eco-labelled products, analysed as the number of trade names
Source: Eco-labelling Denmark
This indicator elucidates developments in relation to the objective about how the market must support sustainable development. The figures comprise the number of Swan-labelled and Flower-labelled products. In relation to indicator 11.1, the figures show that a licence may involve several trade names, which are sold to different retailers. This is particularly true within the printed matter industry. Until the summer of 2001, it also applied to the paper product area.
The number of widely available eco-labelled products has risen steadily. The most commonly seen eco-label is the Swan label, but the Flower is making good progress. In 1999, only two products bore the Flower, and in 2000 the corresponding number was seven. In 2001, however, the number of Flowerlabelled products grew to 54. The increase coincides with the ecolabel campaign launched in 2001. The number of products fell in 2001. The main reason was that the number of licences for printed matter fell because a number of paper manufacturers did not renew their licences.
The increase in the number of eco-labelled products available shows that there is a market for environmentally friendly products, and that the market can be used to support sustainable development.
Indicator N14:
Number of EMAS and ISO registered enterprises
Source: The Danish Environmental Protection Agency
This indicator elucidates developments in relation to the objective about how enterprises must increasingly be able to use their environmental efforts as a competitive parameter. The EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) is the common European scheme for environmental management and environmental auditing. ISO 14001, which replaced BS 7750 in 1996, is the international standard for environmental management. The numbers in the figures are accumulated numbers which show the number of EMAS registered and ISO 14001 certified enterprises in Denmark. Many EMAS registered enterprises are also ISO 14001 certified.
Since 1994, the number of enterprises using environmental management has gone up every year. One reason why the increase in the number of EMAS registered enterprises from 2000 to 2001 is smaller than before is that the method of analysis has been changed in connection with the adoption of the new EMAS resolution in 2001.
The objective is to ensure that enterprises can increasingly use their environmental efforts to give them a competitive edge. Denmark is among the European countries which have the greatest number of EMAS registered enterprises compared to the size of the population (topped only by Austria). Developments in the number of EMAS and ISO registered enterprises show that it is possible to use environmental concerns as a competitive parameter.