To develop green economy means to adjust our energy production, adjust our settlements, our vehicles, our public facilities, our habits, in order to achieve more savings in energy and natural resources, said Christine Moro, Ambassador of France to Serbia.
At an event in the country’s embassy in Belgrade about the possibilities of green economy for the decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, she said more than 1,122 French companies, including 75% of constituents of the benchmark stock market index CAC 40, declared their pledges in relation to climate change mitigation. Some of them had representatives at the gathering and they showed examples of technology advancement and of the reduction in emissions of greenhouse gasses.
The companies, which are active in Southeastern Europe, presented their expertise and products related to sustained development and climate change mitigation. Veolia prepared its solutions for energy diversification and its advantages for the industry and the environment. Electricité de Strasbourg Géothermie and IEL shared their views of the position of geothermal energy in Serbia’s transition in the field. Representatives of Lafarge spoke about challenges in concrete industry and about switching from fossil and mineral fuel. Schneider Electric prepared a presentation on intelligent cities and the use of technology for the fight against climate change.
EDF-Dalkia showed its experience on district heating and renewable energy sources, while Saint-Gobain presented a programme on sustainable construction.
Stana Božović, state secretary in Serbian Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, said the concept of green economy supports development and equality and that it creates jobs. “We have to move towards renewable energy sources to protect the non-renewable ones, because green economy is the way towards the eradication of poverty,” she said.
Belgrade city manager Goran Vesić said there are several French companies participating in tenders, including the one for the Vinča landfill and waste management. He stressed he expects a public call for procurement and installation of public lighting in Serbia’s capital to be placed next year.
The conference was organized in cooperation with the French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Commerce of Green Serbia. The Embassy of France and the French Institute in Serbia were active in preparations for COP21, and it organized a series of events throughout Serbia this year, promoting the issue of climate change.
