Environmental Framework Programme Series • Nº 1, November 2000. “Economic Impact of Environmental Spending and Investment of the Basque Public Authorities” • Nº 2, May 2000. “Social Ecology Barometer 2001” • Nº 3, October 2001. “Summary of the Diagnosis of the Environment in the Basque Country 2001” • Nº 4, January 2002. “European Union Strategy for Sustainable Development” • Nº 5, February 2002. “Inventory of Hazardous Waste in the Basque Country (Outline)” • Nº 6, April 2002. “Cycling Towards Fume-free Cities” • Nº 7, May 2002. “Total Material Requirement of the Basque Country. TMR 2002” • Nº 8, July 2002. “Transport and the Environment in the Basque Country. TMA Indicators 2002” • Nº 9, August 2002. “Sustainable Development in the Basque Country” • Nº 10, October 2002. “Environmental Indicators 2002” • Nº 11, November 2002. “Inventory of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Basque Country 1990-2000” • Nº 12, November 2002. “The Environment and Business Competitiveness” • Nº 13, December 2002. “Industrial Ecology Barometer 2002” • Nº 14, January 2003. “Cities, Children and Mobility” • Nº 15, January 2003. “Climate Change” • Nº 16, January 2003. “Education for Sustainability. School Agenda 21: a Guide for Schools (CEIDA)” • Nº 17, February 2003. “6th Community Programme of Action on the Environment” • Nº 18, February 2003. “Environmental Tax Reforms in the Basque Country” • Nº 19, April 2003. “World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg” • Nº 20, May 2003. “Methodological Guide for the Calculation of Local Sustainability Indicators in the Basque Country. Local Agenda 21 Indicators” • Nº 21, May 2003. “The Environment in the Basque Country: Ecoefficiency 2003” • Nº 22, May 2003. “Sustainability Criteria Applicable to Urban Planning” • Nº 23, July 2003. “Greenhouse gas emissions in the Basque Country (1990-2001)”
• Nº 24, September 2003. “Energy and the Environment in the Basque Country 2003” • Nº 25, July 2003. “Environmental Contribution of the Cement Industry to Sustainable Development in the Basque Country (2003-2006)” • Nº 26, July 2003. “Environmental Contribution of the Chemical Industry to Sustainable Development in the Basque Country (2003-2006)” • Nº 27, October 2003. “Environmental Contribution of the Steel Industry to Sustainable Development in the Basque Country (2003-2006)” • Nº 28 November 2003. “Environmental Indicators 2003” • Nº 29. February 2004. “Inventory Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Basque Autonomous Community 2002” • Nº 30. March 2004. “Social “Ecobarometer” Survey 2004” • Nº 31. March 2004. “In Euskadi Without My Car 2003. Towards Sustainable Mobility in Basque Municipalities” • Nº 32. June 2004. “LOCAL AGENDA 21. Guide to setting up plans of action” • Nº 33. June 2004. “LOCAL AGENDA 21. Guide to setting up mechanisms for participation” • Nº 34. June 2004. “Environmental Contribution to Sustainable Development of Pulp & Paper Businesses (2004-2006)” • Nº 35. July 2004. “Environmental Contribution to Sustainable Development of Hazardous Waste Managers (2004-2006)” • Nº 36. September 2004. “LOCAL AGENDA 21. Practical guide to drawing up municipal sustainable mobility plans” • Nº 37. October 2004. “Environmental Contribution to Sustainable Development of Ferrous & Non Ferrous Foundry & Metallurgy Businesses (20042006)” • Nº 38. November 2004. Local Agenda 21. Communicating for progress. Manual of Communication Strategies during the Process. • Nº 39. November 2004. Sustainable festivities • Nº 40. November 2004. Environmental Indicators 2004.
Basque Government WebSite on sustainable development in the Basque Country
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Index FOREWORD BY THE BASQUE GOVERNMENT MINISTER
3
SUMMARY OF TRENDS IN ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
4
INTRODUCTION
6
A
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND POLLUTION Indicator Indicator Indicator Indicator Indicator Indicator Indicator Indicator Indicator Indicator Indicator Indicator
B
CONSUMPTION OF NATURAL RESOURCES Indicator Indicator Indicator Indicator
C
13. WATER CONSUMPTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 30 14. ENERGY CONSUMPTION ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 32 15. CONSUMPTION OF MATERIALS .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 35 16. INTENSITY OF ARTIFICIALISATION OF LAND ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 37
RESPONSES Indicator Indicator Indicator Indicator Indicator
D
11. WATER QUALITY INDEX .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................7 12. POLLUTANT LOADS INLAND & COASTAL WATERS ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11 13. AIR QUALITY INDEX .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 12 14. EMISSIONS OF ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTANTS .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14 15. CONTAMINATED SOIL AREAS INVESTIGATED & REMEDIATED .......................................................................................................................................................................... 16 16. BIODIVERSITY & LANDSCAPE INDEX ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 17 17. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19 18. WASTE PRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21 19. WASTE MANAGEMENT...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 22 10. NOISE ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 24 11. EFFECTS ON HEALTH RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ............................................................................................................................. 25 12. INCIDENTS WITH ENVIRONMENTAL REPERCUSSIONS ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 28
17. PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF THE SITUATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL .......................................................................................................................................................... 39 18. PUBLIC SECTOR SPENDING ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 41 19. LOCAL AGENDA 21 SCHEMES AT BASQUE MUNICIPALITIES .............................................................................................................................................................................. 42 20. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AT COMPANIES ............................................................................................................................................................................ 44 21. SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 45
ECONOMY AND THE ENVIRONMENT Indicator 22. OVERALL & SECTORAL ECOEFFICIENCY ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 47
CONCLUSIONS
52
APPENDICES
57
Foreword by the Basque Government Minister or the third year in succession, the Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment presents its report on Environmental Indicators in the Basque Country. This document is published in response to the commitment acquired under the Basque Environmental Strategy for Sustainable Development (2002-2020) to prepare annual reports based on a small number of key indicators to mark overall trends in progress towards the main environmental objectives set in that strategy.
F
This third edition incorporates changes in the structure of the indicators, which are now grouped into four blocks: environmental quality and pollution (12 indicators), consumption of natural resources (4 indicators), responses (5 indicatos) and economy and the environment (1 indicator). Two new response indicators have also been added: public perception and sustainable mobility plans. The report thus reflects the best proposals from various areas. I would like to thank all those who have contributed and helped to make this document so widely accepted and recognised by organisations and forums working in the field, such as the European Environment Agency. This year’s scores are not good, especially as regards consumption of natural resources, production of waste and emissions of pollutants into the air. All these factors are linked to the structure of our current consumer society. On the other hand some aspects of the environment are clearly improving: water and soil quality are better than they have been for decades. This report is intended to set out the trends observed in our environmental situation. We all contribute to the “grades� awarded and we can all help lessen the number of red marks on the report. Some of the areas they represent require major changes if we are to reach our goal. But it is in our hands.
Sabin Intxaurraga Basque Government Minister for Land Use and the Environment
3
Summary of trends in Environmental Indicators INDICATOR
PERIOD ANALYSED
TREND 2004 REPORT
TARGET ACHIEVEMENT
MAIN POINTS
1. Water quality index
2000-2003
■
• From 2000-2003 a general improvement was observed in river water quality: the percentage of stations classed as “good” rose from 15% in 2000 to 51% in 2003. However, large areas in poor condition still remain (in the courses of the NerbioiIbaizabal, Oria and Deba). • In estuarine & coastal waters observed quality has stabilised or improved slightly, with the number of stations classed as having no pollution up to 37% in 2003 from 20% in 1998.
2. Pollutant loads in inland & coastal waters
1998-2003
■
• The trend in pollutant loads from 1998 to 2003 is positive, thanks to the installation of drainage and sewerage infrastructures. The biggest reductions are in copper (59%), zinc (78%) and phosphor compounds (89%).
3. Air quality index
2001-2003
■
• Air quality dropped in 2003, with an average of 10 days of poor or very poor quality, compared with less than 3 days in 2002. • Particle concentration (PM10) in 2003 exceeded the daily average recommended for the protection of human health on at least 35 occasions at 22 stations. • 2003 was a particularly bad year for ozone, with 35 recorded instances of levels higher than the threshold for the protection of human health..
4. Emissions of atmospheric pollutants
1990-2002
■
• Between 1990 and 2002 emissions of acidifying substances and tropospheric ozone precursors (TOP’s) increased by 7% and 1% respectively. • Emissions of NOx, SO2 and VOC’s are still far from the target levels set by the EU. There were increases in all three pollutants in 2002 (+10% in NOx, +18% in SO2 & +5% in VOC's).
5. Contaminated soil areas investigated & remediated
1990-2003
■
• Between 1990 and 2003 136 sites with potentially contaminated soil, totalling 534 hectares, were investigated and remediation work was done on 66 sites, totalling 211 hectares. The positive trend in investigation & remediation of soil areas was maintained in 2003.
6. Biodiversity & landscape index
Various years
–
• 20% of the land area of the Basque Country is classed as protected under the European Natura 2000 network. • Over the past twenty years the trend has been downward for birds living in agricultural systems and for some continental fish populations, for coastal estuaries and for the fragmentation and connectivity of autochthonous woodland. However, the trend is positive for water birds and woodland birds.
7. Greenhouse gas emissions
1990-2003
■
8. Waste production
1998-2003 (Municipal)
■
1994-2002 (Hazardous)
■
1998-2003 (Municipal)
■
1994-2003 (Hazardous)
■
2003
■
11. Effects on health related to exposure to environmental factors
1990-2003
–
• No samples containing more than the permitted tolerable intake of the four heavy metals analysed were collected in any year from 1990 to 2002. 2003 saw no outbreaks of water-based infections. The number of outbreaks of food poisoning is down on the previous year, but the total number of persons affected is slightly up.
12. Incidents with environmental repercussions
1996-2003
–
• In the last four years there has been a downward trend in the number of incidents with environmental repercussions, reversing the trend recorded from 1996 to 1999.
9. Waste management
10. Noise
4
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2004
• From 1990 to 2003 direct emissions of the main greenhouse gases produced in the Basque Country increased by 28%. • In 2003 emissions in the Basque Country totalled 19.4 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, similar to the figure for 2002. • GHG emissions per capita in the Basque Country in 2002 were around 11.7 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, slightly above the average for the EU of 10.9 and for Spain of 9.9. • Municipal waste increased by 15% from 1998 to 2003. Waste produced in 2003 averaged 588 kg. per inhabitant, up 9 kg. (1.62%) on 2002. • Hazardous waste production in 2002 was 335,634 tonnes, up 4.68% on 2001.
• From 1998 to 2003 the amount of municipal waste sent to landfills dropped by 13 points from 81% to 68%. Moreover, the amount of domestic refuse collected selectively doubled. • In 2002 all the hazardous waste inventoried was managed, compared to 72% in 1994, and 47% was valorised (compared to 28% in 1994 and 38% in 2001).
• 18% of the population are exposed to high noise levels from road traffic, 2% from railways and 1% from industrial areas. • Traffic noise has tended to remain steady in recent years. • 94 Basque municipalities must draw up a map of the noise generated by road traffic systems. 22 have already started the process.
INDICATOR
PERIOD ANALYSED
TREND 2004 REPORT
TARGET ACHIEVEMENT
MAIN POINTS
13. Water consumption
2001
■
• Domestic water consumption in the Basque Country stands at 130 litres per person per day, an intermediate level compared with the rest of Europe.
14. Energy consumption a. Energy consumption
1990-2002
■
• Total energy consumption increased by 26% from 1990 to 2002. The figure for 2002 was 1.5% up on 2001.
b. Energy intensity
1990-2002
■
• Energy intensity dropped by 13% from 1990 to 2002, i.e. energy efficiency has increased.
1990-2002
■
1990-2002
■
16. Intensity of artigicialisation of lando
1994-2004
■
17. Public perception of the situation of the environment
2001-2004
–
• In 2004 over half the population of the Basque Country expressed the belief that the environment had improved at municipal and Regional Community level in recent years. • 79% of the public believe that protecting the environment and fighting against pollution are immediate, urgent concerns.
18. Public sector spending on environmental protection
1995-2003
–
• From 1995 to 2003 there was an 81% increase in public sector spending on the environment. The increase in 2003 alone was 12%. However, the percentage of total public spending represented by spending on the environment remained in 2002 was the lowest of any year analysed so far at just 4.86%.
19. Local Agenda 21 schemes at basque municipalities
1998-2003
■
20. Environmental management systems at companies
1998-2003
■
21. Sustainable mobility
2003-2004
–
• In all 41 municipalities and 4 district councils are involved in sustainable mobility plans as of 2004 (compared to 4 in 2003).
22. Overall & sectoral ecoefficiency: Economy in general
1990-2002
■
• From 1990 to 2002 there was relative de-linking of the environment from economic growth, as the main pressures on the environment grew at a lower rate than GDP.
15. Consumption of materials a. Total Material Requirement b. Material efficiency
• From 1990 to 2002 total consumption of materials increased by 27% from 75 to 96 tonnes per person. However, the figure appears to have stabilised over the past two years. • Efficiency in the consumption of material resources increased by 14% from 1990 to 2002. In 2002 the figure was up 10% on 2001. • The surface area of artificialised land has increased by around 20% from 1994 to 2004. • 753 hectares of land (equivalent to 753 football pitches) is artificialised each year.
• In all, 170 Basque municipalities are involved in Local Agenda 21 schemes, 37 of them already in the process of implementing action. • In the past year the number of Basque municipalities that have started Local Agenda 21 schemes has almost doubled. • The number of Basque firms that hold environmental management certificates doubled from 254 in 2001 to 516 in 2003. • In 2003 145 more firms obtained certificates (39% up on 2002) and a further 232 performed an Ekoscan (70% up on 2002). • 124 firms have signed voluntary agreements with a view to reducing their environmental impacts.
• The main pressures on the environment are increasing at more then the overall rate of economic growth. The upward trend in the main pressures on the environment exerted by transport was maintained in 2002.
Transport
1990-2002
Industry
1990-2002
• Over the past ten years this sector has reduced the pressure it exerts on the environment and at the same time substantially increased output. Pressure on the environment remained basically unchanged in 2002.
Residential Sector
1990-2002
• Pressure on the environment has increased in recent years by a higher rate than private spending. In 2002 there were slight drops in energy consumption and GHG emissions, but municipal waste production and the number of cars continued to increase.
Energy processing
1990-2002
• A decrease in energy production from 1990 to 2002 was accompanied by an increase in GHG emissions.
The "smileys" used in the tables summarise the assessment of each indicator: Positive trend, moving towards our goal.
■ ■ ■
Targets expected to be achieved under currently adopted policies. Achievement of targets doubtful or not yet able to be determined. Targets not expected to be achieved under currently adopted policies.
Some progres, but not enough to attain targets or mixed trends indicator. Negative trend moving awar grom our goal.
SUMMARY
5
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
Introduction Basque Environmental Strategy for Sustainable Development 2002-2020 ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
NECESSARY CONDITIONS
1. 2. 3. 4
To ensure clean, healthy air, water and soil. Responsible management of natural resources and waste. Protection of nature and biodiversity: a unique asset to be fostered. Balance between territories & mobility: a common approach. Limit effects on climate change.
Integrating environmental variables into other policies. Improvements in current environmental legislation and its application. Encourage the market to act in an environmentally-friendly way. Enable the public, the authorities and businesses, making them jointly responsible, and modify their behaviour in favour of sustainability. 5. Promote research, technological development and innovation in environmental matters.
he Basque Environmental Strategy for Sustainable Development 2002-2020 sets out the medium- and long-term goals that we have set between us all to establish just what is meant in the Basque Country by environmentally sustainable development.
T
Two annual monitoring mechanisms have been set up under the Strategy: • An Environmental Sustainability Report to be submitted to the Basque Cabinet in the first week of June. This report reflects progress in sustainability matters on the basis of action taken in regard to the commitments established. It also gives an overall assessment of environmental sustainability at the government, thus pointing out the main challenges facing us in the short term. The reports for 2003 and 2004 can be consulted at www.ingurumena.net. • 22 Environmental Indicators, to be published in November each year. These enable general conclusions to be drawn regarding trends and incidents in human activity in the environment. Their importance lies in the fact that we can only manage what we can measure. The objectives of these indicators are as follows: - To offer clear, simple information.
- To indicate to the public and to policy makers whether or not we are moving towards environmental sustainability. - To focus public attention of what environmentally sustainable development means, and to offer an overview of whether we are reducing our consumption of nature (in terms of consumption of resources, emissions, waste dumping, etc.). - To provide support for decision-makers in establishing objectives which can help control environmental policies and identify the areas where most action is required. - To foster public awareness of environmental topics. Those wishing to obtain more details on the methods by which each of the 22 indicators is calculated will find detailed, up-to-date information sheets on th WebSite of the Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment (www.euskadi.net/indicadores_ambientales). For more information on environment problems in the Basque Country, see other publications by the Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment, reports on the state of the environment and monographic reports on specific topics, all of which are available via the Basque Government’s WebSite on sustainable development at (http://www.ingurumena.net).
The "smileys" used in the tables summarise the assessment of each indicator: Positive trend, moving towards our goal. Some progress, but not enough to attain targets, or mixed trends in the relevant indicator. Negative trend, moving away from our goal. Assessment is based on the full period covered by the indicator.
www.ingurumena.net 6
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2004
Quality of information
★★★ ★★ ★
High
Medium
Low
INDICATOR 1. Water Quality Index ■ From 2000-2003 a general improvement was observed in river water quality: the percentage of stations classed as “good” rose from 15% in 2000 to 51% in 2003. However, large areas in poor condition still remain (in the courses of the Nerbioi-Ibaizabal, Oria and Deba). ■ In estuarine & coastal waters observed quality has stabilised or improved slightly, with the number of stations classed as having no pollution up to 37% in 2003 from 20% in 1998.
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Reduce dumping of hazardous and pollutant substances.
• Achieve a good or very good environmental & chemical status of 80% of bodies of surface water by 2012.
• Remediate or clean up degraded ground and surface water.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: Inland waterways: rivers TREND AS PER BMWP’ INDEX IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY 100% 90% Clean or non polluted
80%
% stations
70% 60% 50% Some effects of pollution
40% 30% 20%
Polluted, very polluted or extremely polluted
10% 0%
2000
2001
2002
2003
Nº of stations as per BMWP’ index in the Basque Country 2000 2001 2002 2003 Non polluted
13
26
43
43
Slightly polluted
23
19
13
21
Medium, heavily or extremely polluted
49
40
29
21
Total Nº of stations
85
85
85
85
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment.
A
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND POLLUTION
7
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
TREND AS PER BMWP’ INDEX (Bizkaia)
100%
100%
80%
80%
60%
60%
% stations
% stations
TREND AS PER BMWP’ INDEX (Araba)
40% 20% 0%
40% 20%
2000
2001
2002
2003
0%
2000
2001
2002
2003
Clean or non polluted
Clean or non polluted
Some effects of pollution
Some effects of pollution
Polluted, very polluted or extremely polluted
Polluted, very polluted or extremely polluted
TREND AS PER BMWP’ INDEX (Gipuzkoa) 100%
% stations
80% 60% 40% 20% 0%
2000
2001
2002
2003
Clean or non polluted Some effects of pollution Polluted, very polluted or extremely polluted
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment,
Trends as per the BMWP´ index over the past four years reflect a general improvement in all three Historical Territories. 59% of the stations in Araba, 51% of those in Bizkaia and 35% of those in Gipuzkoa (overall Basque Country 51%) were classed as “clean o non polluted”. In the 2000 campaign (the first year for which the present number of 27 stations in Araba, 41 in Bizkaia and 17 in Gipuzkoa was reached) the results were 22% in Araba, 15% in Bizkaia and 6% in Gipuzkoa (Basque Country 15%).
should improve in the coming years. However large stretches of river remain in poor condition, especially on the courses of the Nerbioi-Ibaizabal, Deba and Oria. With the completion and/ or refurbishing of sewerage systems currently pending in the Master Plan for Sewerage in the Basque Country, plus the gradual implementation of the schemes envisaged to recover and protect riverside land, specific programmes to cut pollution, etc. the condition of these rivers should improve gradually in the future.
The major efforts made to clean up urban and industrial waste water are now bringing in positive results, and those results
The results for the BMWP’ index in the 2003 campaign enable the following conclusions to be drawn:
8
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2004
INDICATOR
1. WATER QUALITY INDEX
• Araba is the Historical Territory with least trouble spots. The main spots are the Zadorra downstream from Salvatierra, the Salado downstream from Salinas de Añana and the Baia downstream from Ribabellosa. Other critical points can be found on the axes of the Zadorra and the Arakil. • With sampling points concentrated on the main river axes, Gipuzkoa’s initial situation was worse situation than that of other territories. However the remediation work done seems to be producing results, e.g. on the river Urola. Good results are also maintained on the Oiartzun and the Urumea, and poor results on the Deba, Oria and Jaizubia. • In Bizkaia both extremes can be found, as the number of sampling points is high and their locations vary widely. The courses
of the Nerbioi and Ibaizabal, where water quality gives cause for concern, contrast sharply with the good quality results obtained in river basins such as the Lea, Artibai, Karrantza and much of the Oka and Butroe. In general, the factors that most negatively affect the quality of river water in the Basque Country are insufficient sewerage and treatment (urban waste water in the higher and mid reaches of the Nerbioi and the Oria), one-off pollution incidents (industrial effluents), diffuse pollution from agriculture, alteration of river habitats (via pressure from agriculture & urban development), inappropriate use of resources (over-intensive land & water utilisation rates, e.g. due to hydroelectric power stations) and alteration of communities (due to introduction of non native species).
Estuarine & coastal waters TREND IN THE OVERALL BIOTIC INDEX 100% 90%
Non polluted
80%
% stations
70% 60% 50%
Slightly polluted
40% 30% 20%
Medium, heavily or extremely polluted
10% 0%
1998
1999
2000
2003
2002
2001
Nº of stations as per Biotic Index 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Non polluted
6
2
8
8
8
11
Slightly polluted
11
18
10
10
13
9
Medium, heavily or extremely polluted
13
10
12
12
9
10
Total Nº of stations
30
30
30
30
30
30 Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment.
A
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND POLLUTION
9
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
TREND AS PER BIOTIC INDEX: Estuaries
TREND AS PER BIOTIC INDEX: Coastal waters
90%
90%
80%
80%
70%
70%
60%
60% % stations
100%
% stations
100%
50% 40%
50% 40%
30%
30%
20%
20%
10%
10%
0%
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
0%
1998
1999
2000
2001
Non polluted
Non polluted
Slightly polluted
Slightly polluted
Medium. heavily or extremely polluted
Medium. heavily or extremely polluted
2002
2003
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment.
Overall, in the 17 estuarine and 13 coastal sampling stations sampled continually since 1998 the situation is observed to be stable or improving slightly. In the 2003 campaign 37% of stations were classed as “non polluted” as compared with 20% in 1998. The main factors that negatively influence the quality of estuarine and coastal waters in the Basque Country are pressure from urban development, industry and ports, sometimes ineffective treatment and sewerage systems, dredging and/ or infrastructure work at ports and alteration of communities. In estuarine waters, the number of stations classed as “non polluted” or “slightly polluted” rose from 29% in 1998 to 47% in 2003. The areas furthest inland are the most problematic, as they are most influenced by river waters. Especially worthy of note is the positive trend in the Nerbioi-Ibaizabal estuary, especially the innermost part, which was extremely
10
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2004
polluted in 1998 and is now classed as having “medium” pollution, though there is a long way to go before the optimum situation is reached. There is no longer a single station where pollution is classed as “extreme”. The estuaries of the Urumea, Oiartzun and Oka had the worst results in 2003. The best were those of Butroe, Barbadun, Bidasoa and Lea. The most positive trend is in coastal waters: in 2003 62% of sampling stations were classed as “non polluted”, compared to 23% in 1998. The worst result is that of the coastal station at Pasaia, which is classed as “medium”.
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
★★★
High
INDICATOR 2. Pollutant loads Inland & Coastal Waters ■ The trend in pollutant loads from 1998 to 2003 is positive, thanks to the installation of drainage and sewerage infrastructures. The biggest reductions are in copper (59%), zinc (78%) and phosphor compounds (89%).
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Cut discharges of hazardous and pollutant substances.
• Reduce the total load of pollutants discharged in the Basque Country into publicly owned waters, coastline and tidal waters by 50% by 2006 in comparison with 2001 levels.
• Remediate or treat degraded ground and surface water.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: TREND IN POLLUTANT LOAD: HEAVY METALS
TREND IN POLLUTANT LOAD: NUTRIENTS
300
150
250
125
200
100
Total N +36%
1998 = 100
1998 = 100
Ammonium -45% Cu -59%
150
Cd 0%
Hg 0%
PO4P +19%
75
100
50
50
25
Nitrates -40%
0 1998
Pb -11%
1999
Zn -78%
2000
Total P -89%
2001
2002
2003
NB: Figures corrected according to water circulation.
The data available are for all rivers on the Bay of Biscay watershed as a whole. Analyses take 1998 as a reference and are corrected for annual variations in the amount of water carried. Annual average levels for heavy metals analysed (cadmium, mercury, copper, lead & zinc) are below the figures set in the applicable quality standards1 and the generalised downward trend is maintained, with the amount of water carried being particularly significant for mass estimates. Copper and zinc levels dropped by 59% and 78% respectively from 1998 to 2003.
0 1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment.
In the case of nutrient loads there is also a downward trend, especially in total phosphates (down 89% from 1998 to 2003) and ammonium (45%). There is a striking discordance between the results for orthophosphates and total phosphorous because of an increase from 2002 onwards in detectable limits of orthophosphates in comparison with earlier reports.
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
★★
Medium
1 Royal Decree 995/2000 of 2nd June sets quality targets for certain pollutants and modifies the Regulations for Publicly Owned Water Courses approved by Royal Decree 849/1986 of 11th April.
A
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND POLLUTION
11
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
INDICATOR 3. Air Quality index ■ Air quality dropped in 2003, with an average of 10 days of poor or very poor quality, compared with less than 3 days in 2002. ■ Particle concentration (PM10) in 2003 exceeded the daily average recommended for the protection of human health on at least 35 occasions at 22 stations. ■ 2003 was a particularly bad year for ozone, with 35 recorded instances of levels higher than the threshold for the protection of human health.
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Reduce emissions of pollutants as a whole.
• Meet the targets for ambient air quality (immission) laid down by the EU.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: Nº of days of poor or very poor air quality per zone Zoning of the BAC
2001
2002
2003
Ribera
4
0
0
Kostaldea
0
0
3
Donostialdea
1
2
10
Goierri
3
2
13
Deba Ibaizabal
6
4
19
Alto Nervión Encartaciones
2
3
5
Llanada Alavesa
2
6
14
Bajo Nervión
5
4
15
2,9
2,6
9,9
Average nº of days
ZONING 1 Alto Nervión. Encartaciones 2 Bajo Nervión 3 Kostaldea 4 Donostialdea 5 Alto Deba. Ibaizábal 6 Goierri 7 Llanada Alavesa 8 Ribera
Nº OF STATIONS WHERE AVERAGE DAILY LIMIT LEVELS RECOMMENDED FOR PROTECTION OF HUMAN HEALTH WERE EXCEEDED MORE THAN 35 TIMES (> 50 µg/Nm3 para PM102)
AVERAGE Nº OF EXCEEDENCES OF THRESHOLD FOR PROTECTION OF HUMAN HEALTH OF 110 µg/Nm3 FOR OZONE (average over 8 hours) 50
Nº of stations
22
20 13 10
10
Average nº of exceedences
30
40 33
30 20 10
4
2
0
2000
2001
2002
2003
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment. 2 Date of implementation, 1 january 2005. R.D. 1073/2002.
12
9
8
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2004
0
1999
2000
4
2001
2002
2003
INDICATOR
3. AIR QUALITY INDEX
Air quality decreased in the Basque Country in 2003: following averages of 2.9 days of “poor” or “very poor” quality in 2001 and 2.6 in 2002, the figure for 2003 rose to 9.9. Of the 5 pollutants used to calculate the Air Quality Index (SO2, NO2, PM10, ozone and CO), the biggest problems in the Basque Country were with particles (PM10 ) and ozone. In 2003 the average daily limit level for the protection of human health in regard to suspended particles (PM10) was exceeded more than 35 times at 22 in the Air Quality Monitoring Network, as compared to 10 stations in 2002. The worst of the 22 stations were Zorroza (184 occasions), Náutica-Portugalete (112), Erandio (96), Barakaldo (92) and Zelaieta (81). These particles are produced mainly by the combustion of petrol and diesel fuel in vehicles, by electric power stations running on fossil fuels and by industrial processes that give rise to dust in various forms.
2003 was a particularly bad year for ozone in large areas of Europe. A combination of unusually warm and sunny weather and atmospheric pollution from traffic and industry resulted in long-lasting episodes with high tropospheric ozone concentrations. During the year the stations in the Air Quality Monitoring Network recorded an average of 33 exceedences of the threshold level for the protection of human health (compared to 4 in 2002). 43 stations recorded levels above the limit, with the worst cases being Izki (185 exceedences), Pagoeta (124), Algorta (115), Valderejo (101) and Agurain (77).
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
A
★★★
High
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND POLLUTION
13
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
INDICATOR 4. Emissions of Atmospheric Pollutants ■ Between 1990 and 2002 emissions of acidifying substances and tropospheric ozone precursors (TOP’s) increased by 7% and 1% respectively. ■ Emissions of NOx, SO2 and VOC’s are still far from the target levels set by the EU. There were increases in all three pollutants in 2002 (+10% in NOx, +18% in SO2 & +5% in VOC's).
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Promote clean production systems.
• Reduce emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) from 2000 levels as per the emission targets set by the EU by 2010.
• Reduced emissions of pollutants as a whole. • Reduce the risk of emissions.
• Reduce emissions of SO2 from 2000 levels as per the targets set by the EU by 2010.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: EMISSIONS OF ACIDIFYING SUBSTANCES (Tonnes of acidification equivalent) 3,000
Tonnes equivalent
2,500 Total
2,000 NOx
1,500 SO2
1,000 500 0
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
EMISSIONS OF TROPOSPHERIC OZONE PRECURSORS (Tonnes of TOP equivalent) 140,000
Total
Tonnes equivalent
120,000 100,000 80,000 NOx
60,000 COV
40,000
CO
20,000 0 1990
1991
1992
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment.
14
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2004
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
INDICATOR
4. EMISSIONS OF ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTANTS
NOx EMISSIONS 130 NOx +21%
120 110 1990 = 100
100 90 80
Target for Spain by 2010 -31%
70 60 0 1990
1992
1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
2010
SO2 EMISSIONS 130 120 110 SO2 -11%
100 1990 = 100
90 80 70 60 50 Target for Spain by 2010 -64%
40 30 20 0 1990
1992
1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
2010
Emissions of TOP’s increased by 1% from 1990 to 2002. Emissions in 2002 were the highest for the past ten years, mainly due to NOx emissions from road transport. An analysis of results in the Basque Country for 1990-2001 in regard to NOx, SO2 and VOC’s shows that we are still a long way from helping to meet the targets set for Spain in Directive 2001/813. In the past year increases have been observed in the emissions of all three of these pollutants (+10% in NOx, +18% in SO2 & +5% in VOC's).
COV EMISSIONS 130 120 110 100 90 1990 = 100
Emissions of acidifying substances were up 7% from 1990 to 2002. From 1990 to 1997 there was a major drop in their emission in the Basque Country thanks to the reduction of the sulphur content of fossil fuels. Then from 1997 to 1999 the tendency was reversed and emissions rose by 17%. In 2002 the increase was 13% on 2001 figures.
COV -26%
80
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
70
★★
Medium
60 50 Target for Spain by 2010 -58%
40 30 20 0 1990
1992
1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
2010
NB: The emissions of NOx, SO2 & VOC’s dealt with here are from the Basque Country. The targets are those set for the whole of Spain. Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. 3 The ceilings on emission set for Spain under Directive 2001/81 are 746,000 tonnes for SO2, 847,000 tonnes for NO2, 662,000 tonnes for VOC’s and 353,000 tonnes for NH3.
A
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND POLLUTION
15
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
INDICATOR 5. Contaminated Soil Areas Investigated & Remediated ■ Between 1990 and 2003 136 sites with potentially contaminated soil, totalling 534 hectares, were investigated and remediation work was done on 66 sites, totalling 211 hectares. The positive trend in investigation & remediation of soil areas was maintained in 2003.
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Reduce discharges of contaminants as a whole at source.
• Recover 20% of the publicly owned contaminated soil areas in the Basque Country by 2006, based on 2001 levels.
• Remediate contaminated soil areas.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: POTENTIALLY CONTAMINATED SOIL AREAS INVESTIGATED 600
160 Cumulative surface area investigated
120 100
300
80
200
60
Nº of sites
400 Hectares
140
Nº of sites
500
40 100 1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
POTENTIALLY CONTAMINATED SOIL AREAS REMEDIATED
2001
2002
2003
0
Target for BAC 2006: 34 sites
250
60 Nº of sites
50
Hectares
200
40
150
Nº publicly-owned sites remediated
30 29
100
Cumulative 20 surface area remediated 10
50 0
Nº of sites
0
20
0 1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2006
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment.
Between 1990 and 2003 136 potentially contaminated sites were investigated, with a total surface area of 534 hectares. Remedial work has been done on 66 of these sites, totalling 211 hectares. 29 of the 66 sites were publicly owned.
In 2003 33 sites were investigated, with a total surface area of 44 hectares, and 10 sites (3.4 hectares) were remediated.
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
16
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2004
★★★
High
INDICATOR 6. Biodiversity & Landscape Index ■ 20% of the land area of the Basque Country is classed as protected under the European Natura 2000 network. ■ Over the past twenty years the trend has been downward for birds living in agricultural systems and for some continental fish populations, for coastal estuaries and for the fragmentation and connectivity of autochthonous woodland. However, the trend is positive for water birds and woodland birds.
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
• Appreciably reduce threats in order to sustain essential environmental systems and maintain the evolutionary potential of ecosystems.
• Set up ecological corridors in the Basque Country by 2006.
• Place emphasis on natural and semi-natural ecosystems and on unique ecosystems and species.
• Draw up a catalogue of unique and outstanding landscapes in the Basque Country by 2003.
• Achieve landscapes of the highest possible quality.
• Map and review all habitats of EU interest (priority & special interest habitats) by 2003, plus all habitats of interest to the Basque Country which are not listed in the appendices to Directive 92/43.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: In the field of biodiversity, the European Environment Agency distinguishes between indicators for “endangered and protected species” (number & proportion), “protected areas” (cumulative surface area) and “trends in species” (though for the moment an effective data collection, transfer and analysis mechanism has been set up only for birds). At the same time, the European Commission is working with a proposal that includes such indices as “trends in the surface area occupied per type of ecosystem or habitat”, “trends in distribution and abundance of species”, “changes in conservation status of species”, “coverage of protected areas”, “number and degree of implantation of invading species” and “fragmentation & connectivity of ecosystems”. In this framework the biodiversity and landscape indicator developed by the Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment puts the Basque Country in a relatively advanced position, since analysis and dating procedures were incorporated into it in 2003 that are linked to several of these information requirements, such as fragmentation, connectivity and trends in certain species. However, the way in which the information is structured means it cannot be updated annually, not just because of the considerable logistic and organisational efforts that this would require but also because the trends assessed are only perceptible over considerable periods (sometimes more than ten years). No new assessments of this index can therefore be offered at this time, since for the moment there are no standardised biodiversity monitoring methods in widespread use. A map of habitats in the Basque Country is currently being produced, along with a new inventory of woodlands. The atlas of distribution of some groups of animals is also to be updated.
groups, such as birds living in agricultural systems and continental fish populations, but comparatively positive in others, such as water and woodland birds. Coastal estuary ecosystems have deteriorated particularly in terms of space and functions. Fragmentation and connectivity levels for autochthonous woodland are unsatisfactory, and getting worse. 20.3% of the land area of the Basque Country has been brought into the Natura 2000 network. This is a European network of biodiversity conservation areas comprising Special Conservation Areas (SCA’s) and Special Protection Areas (SPA’s) for birds established under the Birds Directive. Sites of Community Importance (SCI’s) are sites subjected to a selection and acceptance process by the European Commission prior to their obtaining SCA status.
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
★★
Medium
With the data currently available we can conclude that the trend over the past twenty years is unfavourable in some ecological
A
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND POLLUTION
17
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
AREAS DESIGNATED TO FORM PART OF THE NATURA 2000 NETWORK BASQUE COUNTRY
SPAIN
EU
SCA
5,4 % (39.288 ha)
15,5 %
8,6 %
SCI
18,6 % (134.825 ha)
23,5 %
14,3 %
Nยบ OF TAXONS & POPULATIONS INCLUDED IN THE BASQUE CATALOGUE OF ENDANGERED SPECIES GROUP
ENDANGERED VULNERABLE
OF SPECIAL INTEREST
TAXONS ASSESSED
28
2.300
Vascular plants
7
37
85
Continental fish
3
2
1
Amphibians
1
2
2
Reptiles
2
with management plans approved in at least one historical territory
29
1
3
17
1
7
22
Birds
4
11
24
37
231
2
Mammals
4
11
6
9
73
2
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment.
18
RARE
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2004
INDICADOR 7. Greenhouse Gas Emissions ■ From 1990 to 2003 direct emissions of the main greenhouse gases produced in the Basque Country increased by 28%. ■ In 2003 emissions in the Basque Country totalled 19.4 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, similar to the figure for 2002. ■ GHG emissions per capita in the Basque Country in 2002 were around 11.7 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, slightly above the average for the EU of 10.9 and for Spain of 9.9.
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Foster the supply of primary energy based on clean energy sources.
• Contribute by 2012 to the meeting of the objectives set for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the Kyoto Agreement (Spain +15% of 1990 figure between 2008 & 2012).
• Promote improvements in energy efficiency in all sectors. • Encourage energy saving in all sectors. • Encourage the replacement of fossil fuels by fuel from renewable energy sources, and the use of those fossil fuels which emit least greenhouse gases.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: GHG EMISSIONS (millions of tonnes of CO2 equivalent). 1990-2002 30 Total
Millions of tonnes
25
Direct emissions
20 15
CO2
10 CH4
5 N2O
0
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
VARIATION FROM 1990 TO 2003 IN GHG EMISSIONS BY SECTORS
8% Waste
12%
Agriculture
57%
Services
32%
Residential Transport
85%
Industry
-25%
Energy
102%
-100%
-75%
-50%
-25%
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
A
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND POLLUTION
19
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
GHG EMISSIONS IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY, THE EU AND SPAIN 150 Spain +40% Kyoto target for 2008-2012 in Spain +15%
1990 = 100
125 BAC +28%
100 EU -3%
75 0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
Kyoto target for 2008-2012 in EU -8%
2008
2012
PER CAPITA GHG EMISSIONS IN THE EU. 2002.
Tonnes of CO2 equivalent per capita
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment; European Environment Agency.
GHG emissions in 2003 totalled 19.4 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, i.e. 28% more than the 1990 base figure. Compared with 2002, GHG emissions remained almost unchanged.
port accounted for 26%, with an increase of 85%. Compared to 2002, noteworthy points include an 8% drop in GHG emissions from the energy sector and increases of 7% from industry and 4% from transport.
Given that the Basque Country imports electricity the production of which causes emissions elsewhere, the sum total of emissions attributable to socio-economic activity here is 24.1 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent for 2003, 20% more than in 19904.
When imported electricity is taken into account, per capita GHG emissions in the Basque Country in 2002 work out at 11.7 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, above the EU average of 10.9 tonnes5.
By sectors, energy remained the biggest contributor in 2003 at 30%, with emissions up by 102% since 1990. Industry accounted for 25%, though its emissions are down by 25% since 1990. Trans-
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
★★★
High
4 Progress towards the targets for reduction of emissions agreed at Kyoto is measured in terms of direct GHG emissions, i.e. not including those associated with energy imports. 5 There are major assymetries within the EU in terms of GHG emissions per capita. The differences can be attributed to various factors, including production system structures, per capita income, type of energy consumed, mean annual temperature, etc.
20
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2004
INDICATOR 8. Waste Production ■ Municipal waste increased by 15% from 1998 to 2003. Waste produced in 2003 averaged 588 kg. per inhabitant, up 9 kg. (1.62%) on 2002. ■ Hazardous waste production in 2002 was 335.634 tonnes, up 4.68% on 2001.
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Prevent and minimise waste at source, thus reducing the amount and harmfulness of waste. • Reduce the production and hazardousness of final or ultimate waste requiring disposal.
• Stabilise the amount of municipal waste per capita at 2001 levels by 2012. • Stabilise hazardous waste production at 2000 levels by 2006.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: HAZARDOUS WASTE PRODUCTION (Tonnes)
MUNICIPAL WASTE PRODUCTION PER CAPITA (Kg.) 500,000
700 588
600
400,000
579
335,634
Target for the BAC for 20 561 Kg per capita
300,000
400 Tonnes
Kg per capita
512
500
300
290,888 Target for the BAC for 2006 321,415 t
200,000
200 0 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
100,000 2012
NB: The graph for municipal waste includes domestic refuse and industrial, commercial & similar waste. The slight variation with regard to the figures in the 2003 report is due to an inventory review that has resulted in enhanced data quality.
0 1994
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2006
NB: Hazardous waste from the remediation of contaminated soil & PCB’s is not included. The slight variation with regard to the figures in the 2003 report is due to an inventory review that has resulted in enhanced data quality. Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment.
Municipal waste production in 2003 was 1,241,502 tonnes, slightly more than the 1,221,733 tonnes recorded in 2002. Per capital waste production increased from 512 kg in 1998 to 588 in 2003, a rise of around 15%. The rise in the past year was 1.62%.
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
★★★
High
Hazardous waste production in 2002 totalled 335,634 tonnes, slightly down on the 320,635 tonnes recorded in 2001 but 15% up on the figure for 1994.
A
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND POLLUTION
21
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
INDICATOR 9. Waste Management ■ From 1998 to 2003 the amount of municipal waste sent to landfills dropped by 13 points from 81% to 68%. Moreover, the amount of domestic refuse collected selectively doubled. ■ In 2002 all the hazardous waste inventoried was managed, compared to 72% in 1994, and 47% was valorised (compared to 28% in 1994 and 38% in 2001).
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Foster re-use, recycling and any other form of revalorisation and closing of cycles.
• Reduce the amount of municipal waste sent for dumping to 75% of the total by 2006.
• Improve the waste collection and disposal infrastructure of the Basque Country.
• Increase the amount of hazardous waste valorised by 50% on 2000 levels by 2006.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: MUNICIPAL WASTE TREATMENT (Tonnes) 1,000,000
tonnes
750,000 Dumping
500,000 Valorisation
250,000
0
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
SELECTIVE MUNICIPAL WASTE COLLECTION (Tonnes) 200,000 Total
179,222
Tonnes
150,000
100,000 85.799
50,000
0
1998
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2000
Paper & card
Packaging
Glass
Rest of selective collection
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment.
22
1999
2004
2001
2002
2003
INDICADOR
9. WASTE MANAGEMENT
Not managed
HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT
100% 28%
80% 60%
32%
38%
Target for BAC by 2006 51%
47%
28%
68%
0%
33%
Valorisation
40% 20%
31%
69%
67%
62%
53%
44%
Disposal
1994
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2006 Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment.
In 2003 68% of the municipal waste produced was disposed of in landfills, while 32% was valorised. The proportion of municipal waste valorised has risen substantially since 1998, in both relative (19% in 1998 : 32% in 2003) and absolute terms (183,634 t in 1998: 395,628 t in 2003). Progress has also been made in selective municipal waste collection for subsequent recycling: in 1998 85,799 tonnes of municipal waste was collected, and in 2003 the figure was 179,222 tonnes. Most of the municipal waste recycled in 2003 was from the selective collection of paper and cardboard (63,429 t) and glass (44,218 t). Selective collection of packaging increased 61-fold from 1998 to 2003.
In 1994, when the first inventory of hazardous waste in the Basque Country was drawn up, 72% of that waste was managed. From 1998 onwards the figure was 100%. In 2002 a total of 156,171 tonnes of this waste was valorised, i.e. 47% of the total (compared to 28% in 1994 and 38% in 2001).
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
A
★★★
High
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND POLLUTION
23
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
INDICATOR 10. Noise ■ 18% of the population are exposed to high noise levels from road traffic, 2% from railways and 1% from industrial areas. ■ Traffic noise has tended to remain steady in recent years. ■ 94 Basque municipalities must draw up a map of the noise generated by road traffic systems. 22 have already started the process.
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Reduce harmful emissions of radiation and noise.
• Draw up a diagnostic study by 2004 to determine how many people are exposed to high noise levels, and formulate a strategy for reducing those levels.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS % OF POPULATION EXPOSED TO NOISE LEVELS ABOVE LIMITS RECOMMENDED BY THE WHO HT
ROAD SYSTEM
RAIL SYSTEM
INDUSTRIAL AREAS
3% 25% 13% 18%
1% 1% 3% 2%
< 1% < 1% < 1% < 1%
Araba Bizkaia Gipuzkoa BAC
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment.
18% of the population of the Basque Country are exposed to noise levels over the limits recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) due to roads. In Bizkaia the figure is 25%. Noise from railways affects only 2% of the population, with a peak of 3% in Gipuzkoa. Finally, noise from industrial areas affects less than 1% of the population.
In line with the Noise Act (Act 37/2003), 94 Basque municipalities need to draw up maps of noise from traffic systems. 22 are already doing so.
MUNICIPALITIES ALREADY DRAWING UP NOISE MAPS MUNICIPALITY
DIAGNOSIS
Alegria-Dulantzi Amurrio Andoain Arrasate-Mondragón Astigarraga Azkoitia Azpeitia Beasain Bermeo Bilbao Donostia-San Sebastián Durango Erandio Gernika Hernani Iurreta Lasarte Loiu Mungia Trapagaran Vitoria-Gasteiz Zarautz
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
24
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2004
PLAN OF ACTION
ACTION ONGOING
■ ■ ■
■
■ ■ ■
■ ■
■ ■ ■
■
■ ■
■
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
★★
Medium
INDICATOR 11. Effects on Health related to Exposure to Environmental Factors ■ No samples containing more than the permitted tolerable intake of the four heavy metals analysed were collected in any year from 1990 to 2002. ■ 2003 saw no outbreaks of water-based infections. The number of outbreaks of food poisoning is down on the previous year, but the total number of persons affected is slightly up.
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Reduce harmful emissions of radiation and noise.
• Have a system for monitoring environmental risks to health in place by 2003 that indicates the intensity, distribution and development of those risks and assesses the specific health risks involved.
• Promote all-round management of health at work and the environment. • Ensure food safety.
• Have a system in place by 2003 for monitoring the adverse effects on health originating in the environment which can measure changes and trends in certain causes of morbidity and mortality which are particularly closely related to environmental risks. • Set up an integrated plan for the prevention and monitoring of the leading infections from foodstuffs by 2006, covering the process from primary production to end consumers.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: LEAD INTAKE 300
Tolerable lead level 243 µg/day
250
µg/day
200 150 Lead intake
100 50 0 1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
1999
2000
2001
2002
MERCURY INTAKE 60 50 Tolerable mercury level 49 µg/day
µg/day
40 30
Mercury intake
20 10 0 1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
A
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND POLLUTION
25
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
CADMIUM INTAKE 80 70 Tolerable cadmium level 69 µg/day
60
µg/day
50 40 30 Cadmium intake
20 10 0 1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
INORGANIC ARSENIC INTAKE 180 160
Tolerable inorganic arsenic level: 145,7 µg/day
INORGANIC ARSENIC INTAKE 3
140 µg/day
2,3
µg/day
120 100
2
2 1,7
2
1,69
1,5
1 0 1996
80
2,1
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
60 Inorganic arsenic intake
40 20 0
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Health.
Intake of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury & arsenic) through diet The Basque Govt. Department of Health analyses the lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic (total and inorganic) content of the overall diet in the Basque Country. The intake figures calculated
26
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2004
represent variable percentages of the reference levels, ranging from 1 to 40%. Levels in excess of the limits for tolerable intake have not been detected in any year for any of the four elements.
INDICATOR
11. EFFECTS ON HEALTH RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Infections originating from food and water OUTBREAKS PER YEAR OF FOOD POISONING & NUMBER OF PERSONS AFFECTED 2,550
80 70
Nº of outbreaks
2,050
Nº affected
1,550
50 Persons affected by food poisoning
40
1,050 30 20
550
Nº of outbreaks
60
10 50
5 0
0 1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
OUTBREAKS PER YEAR OF INFECTIONS ORIGINATING IN WATER & Nº OF PERSONS AFFECTED 18
3,550 Nº of outbreaks
16
3,050
14 12
Persons affected by infections from water
2,050
10
1,550
8
1,050
6
Nº of outbreaks
Nº affected
2,550
4
550
2 50
1
0
0 1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Health.
2003 saw a drop in the number of outbreaks of food poisoning but an increase in the number of people affected in comparison with the previous year. No outbreaks of infection originating in water were detected.
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
★★
Medium
Progress is expected to be made in defining the indicator that links health and the environment by integrating such points as the effect on health of atmospheric pollution.
A
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND POLLUTION
27
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
INDICATOR 12. Incidents with Environmental Repercussions ■ In the last four years there has been a downward trend in the number of incidents with environmental repercussions, reversing the trend recorded from 1996 to 1999.
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Reduce emissions and discharges of hazardous substances and pollutants.
• Implement an effective, co-ordinated monitoring plan to prevent and combat environmental offences. Programmes for 2003-2007/20072012.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: INCIDENTS WITH ENVIRONMENTAL REPERCUSSIONS 80 70
Total incidents
60 Nº of incidents
50 40 Industrial accidents
30 Natural disasters 20 Transport accidents
10 0 1996
1997
1998
TYPE OF INCIDENT
17
25
30
52
44
2002 2003
31
25
25
3
4
7
6
2
3
3
12
17
26
16
13
8
3
......................................................................................
1
1
1
1
1
–
–
1
.........................................................................................
1
1
2
4
3
3
5
8
.......................................................................................................
3
8
6
14
18
13
9
10
16
11
11
20
20
20
17
11
10
4
3
7
8
5
7
7
..............................
3
4
8
9
8
11
6
4
........................................................................................
2
–
–
3
1
3
–
–
Hazardous freight by road
......................................
Conventional freight by road
1
3
–
1
3
1
4
–
Natural disasters
3
4
0
0
0
0
0
1
Flooding
–
4
–
–
–
–
–
1
3
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
36
40
41
72
64
51
42
37
Rail
......................................................................................................
.........................................................................................
Landslides
....................................................................................
TOTAL INCIDENTS Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment.
28
2003
9
Transport accidents
Shipping
2002
3
Explosion Fire
2001
..............................................................
..............................................................................
Spillage of liquids Gas leak
2000
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Industrial accident Malfunction
1999
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2004
INDICATOR
12. INCIDENTS WITH ENVIRONMENTAL REPERCUSSIONS
An analysis of the years from 1996 to 2003 shows that 1999 marked a turning point in terms of incidents with environmental repercussions in the Basque Country. In 1996 there were 36 such incidents, in 1999 there were 72, but by 2003 the number had dropped again to 37. Most incidents with environmental repercussions take place in industry. The most frequent are fires (10 in 2003) and spillages of liquid (though there were only 3 in 2003). Transport accidents – especially those involving hazardous freight – also represent a major threat to the environment. In 2003 there were 11 such accidents, 7 of which involved hazardous freight.
Most environmental emergencies in recent years have been caused by industrial accidents, despite the fact that safety at industrial premises is tending to improve thanks to regulations and technological advances.
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
A
★★★
High
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND POLLUTION
29
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
INDICADOR 13. Water Consumption ■ Domestic water consumption in the Basque Country stands at 130 litres per person per day, an intermediate level compared with the rest of Europe.
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Encourage water saving.
• Reverse the upward trend in water consumption per head of population and cut losses in high and low pressure water supplies by 20% by 2012, based on 2002 figures.
• Foster changes in non sustainable water consumption habits. • Improve efficiency in water use.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: DISTRIBUTION OF OVERALL WATER DEMAND IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY (Hm3) IN 2001
Demand for consumption: 402
High urban demand: 287.9
Low urban demand: 173.5
Domestic 100.4
30
Commercial 20.6
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2004
Industrial 33
Non urban demand 114.1
Non controlled 114
Municipal 14.7
Industrial 58.1
Private irrigation: 0.9
Irrigation & golf courses: 55.2
Urban livestock: 3.9
Rural livestock: 0.9
INDICATOR
13. WATER CONSUMPTION
HIGH URBAN DEMAND (Hm3). 2001
PER CAPITA DOMESTIC WATER CONSUMPTION (L/PERSON/DAY) 400
100.4 114.4
350
343
300 265
20.6
250 200
164 160
150
100
85 84
Slovakia
Lithuania
Estonia
Belgium
Slovenia
Poland
0
Germany
Municipal
BAC
50 Switzerland
Domestic
France
Private irrigation
Netherland
Commercial
Norway
Urban livestock
117 115
100
Spain
Industrial
United Kingdom
Uncontrolled
147 140 135 132 130 129 124
Denmark
33
Austria
14.7
Hungary
0.9
224 218
Luxemburg
3.9
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment; European Water Association .
In 2002 and 2003 the Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment carried out a study into water demand in the Basque Country that has enabled the first overall consumption figures to be established for 2001, and has set out a calculation method that will enable trends to be monitored.
Of the 173.5 Hm3 of low-end urban water demand, 58% is accounted for by domestic users (which works out at 130.4 l/person/day, an intermediate level in comparison with other European countries), 19% by industry, 12% by commerce, 8% by municipal services, 2% by urban livestock and 1% by private irrigation.
Demand for consumption, i.e. that resulting from uses that involve consumption of water, totals 402 Hm3, of which 114.1 Hm3 went to non urban demand and the remaining 287.9 Hm3 to high-end urban demand.
Water demand arising from uses that do not involve actual consumption of water (so that all the water involved is returned after use) totals around 6,300 Hm3. Such uses include hydroelectric production and fish-farming. The volume of water accounted for by these uses cannot be added up directly, because water is frequently re-used on the same water-course. However, the exercise is presented as an example of just how far the resources of the rivers of the Basque Country are stretched.
Non urban demand includes water taken directly by end users for their own consumption. Also counted is the volume of water taken up by industry (58.1 Hm3), livestock farming (0.9 Hm3) and irrigation/ golf courses (55.2 Hm3). High-end urban demand (287.9 Hm3) includes both consumption recorded on water meters or low-end consumption (173.5 Hm3) and uncontrolled uses (114.4 Hm3, covering unauthorised water intakes, leakage from the network, under-recording on meters due to their age and intakes that are legal but not measured due to absence of meters).
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
B
★★★
High
CONSUMPTION OF NATURAL RESOURCES
31
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
INDICATOR 14. Energy Consumption ■ Total energy consumption increased by 26% from 1990 to 2002. The figure for 2002 was 1.5% up on 2001.
■ Energy intensity dropped by 13% from 1990 to 2002, i.e. energy efficiency has increased.
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Promote improvements in energy efficiency in all sectors.
• Foster energy efficiency to reduce energy intensity in general in line with the targets set and directives issued by the EU and specified in the Basque energy strategy.
• Encourage energy saving in all sectors. • Encourage the use of renewable energy sources.
• Contribute by 2012 to the meeting of the objectives set for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the Kyoto Agreement. • Increase the use of renewable energy sources by 2010 to a percentage of total gross internal consumption and electricity generation in particular in line with EU targets, with indicative levels to be specified in the Basque energy strategy.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS:
FINAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION BY SECTORS (Ktep) 5,500 5,000 Total
4,500
SECTORAL BREAKDOWN OF FINAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION. 2002
4,000 Ktep
3,500
31%
3,000 2,500
3%
11%
7%
2,000 1,500 1,000 500 0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
32
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2004
Industry
Services
Transport
Residential
Primary
48%
INDICADOR
14. ENERGY CONSUMPTION
FINAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION BY SECTORS 240 Services +128%
220
Transport +74%
200
Primary +86%
160 140 120
Residential +35%
100 80
Industry -1%
60 0 1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
FINAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION BY ENERGY SOURCES (KTEP) 6,000 5,000
Total
4,000 Ktep
1990 = 100
180
3,000 2,000 1,000 0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
BREAKDOWN OF FINAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION BY SOURCES. 2002 3% 4% 28%
3%
40% 22%
Solid fuel
Petroleum derivatives
Natural gas
Electricity
Derivative energy
Renewable energy sources
B
CONSUMPTION OF NATURAL RESOURCES
33
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
ENERGY INTENSITY, ENERGY CONSUMPTION & GDP 150 140 GDP +46%
130
1990 = 100
120 Energy consumption +26%
110 100 90 80
Energy intensity -13%
70 60 0 1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
NB: GDP at constant prices. Source: EVE & EUSTAT.
In 2002 the Basque Country consumed a total of 5,120 Ktep. Most of that consumption was accounted for by industry (48%) and transport (31%). Domestic consumption accounted for 11%, the service sector for 7% and the primary sector for 3%. Final energy consumption has been growing in all these sectors since 1997, except in the residential sector, where it has dropped by almost 7% over the past three years. In 2002 final energy consumption was up 1.5% on the previous year, with transport and services being the sectors that exerted most pressure. From 1990 to 2002 energy consumption in the transport sector increased by 74% and in the domestic (residential) sector by 35%. In services the increase was 128%, though this sector accounts for only 7% of total final energy consumption. The only sector where energy consumption decreased during this period was industry (-1%).
34
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2004
At 40% of the total, petroleum derivatives are the main source of energy used in the Basque Country. Electricity accounts for 28% of total final energy consumption, and natural gas for 22%. Renewable energy sources provide just 4% of the total, despite a 26% increase since 1990. This figure shows how hard it will be for the Basque Country to meet the target set by the EU of 12% by 2010. From 1990 to 2002 energy intensity dropped by 13% (i.e. efficiency in the use of energy is increasing), but total energy consumption rose by 26%.
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
★★★
High
INDICATOR 15. Consumption of Materials ■ From 1990 to 2002 total consumption of materials increased by 27% from 75 to 96 tonnes per person. However, the figure appears to have stabilised over the past two years.
■ Efficiency in the consumption of material resources increased by 14% from 1990 to 2002. In 2002 the figure was up 10% on 2001.
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Improve efficiency in the use of materials.
• To peg back per capita TMR to 1998 levels by 2006.
• Encourage the saving of materials. • Encourage the use of renewable materials.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: TMR PER CAPITA IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY (Tonnes per capita) 120
Tonnes per capita
100 80 60
Target for 2006 80 t per capita
96 t per capita
40 20 0 1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2006
Preliminary data
MATERIAL EFFICIENCY, TMR & GDP 150 GDP +45%
140
TMR +27%
1990 = 100
130 120 110 100
Material efficiency +14%
90 80 0 1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
Preliminary data
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment; EUSTAT.
B
CONSUMPTION OF NATURAL RESOURCES
35
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
From 1990 to 2002 the TMR (Total Material Requirement) of the Basque Country increased by 27% from 75 to 96 tonnes per capita, due mainly to increased imports of metal ores and material displaced for the construction of housing and roads. The 96 tonnes per capita calculated as the TMR of the Basque Country for 2002 contrasts sharply with the figure calculated for Spain in 2000 and the EU in 1997 of around 50 tonnes. This is because of the markedly industrial nature of the Basque economy, where a particularly significant role is placed by heavy industry, which requires large quantities of materials. Consumption of materials appears to have stabilised since 2000.
36
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2004
Efficiency in the consumption of resources – measured as GDP at constant prices divided by TMR – increased by 14% from 1990 to 2002. In 1990 each tonne of resources used by the Basque economy gave rise to 184 euros, while in 2002 the figure was 211 euros. Efficiency increased by 0.6% from 2001 to 2002.
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
★★
Medium
INDICATOR 16. Intensity of artificialisation of Land ■ The surface area of artificialised land has increased by around 20% from 1994 to 2004. ■ 753 hectares of land (equivalent to 753 football pitches) is artificialised each year.
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Gradually decrease the process of artificialisation and the rate at which land is being destroyed, and protect agricultural land.
• Avoid land consumption through low-density development by introducing higher building density levels in the most appropriate areas through local land use regulations.
• Promote the adaptation of town planning systems to the objectives laid down in regional land-use regulations and to sustainability criteria.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: LAND AREA OCCUPIED BY ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES HECTARES
CLASSIFIED RESIDENTIAL LAND AREA 10,000
20,000
8,000 6,000
Hectares
Hectares
15,000 10,000
4,000
5,000
2,000 0
0 1994
1997
2000
2003
1994
2004
1997
LAND AREA OCCUPIED BY TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURES
2003
2004
TOTAL LAND AREA 50,000
20,000
40,000 Hectares
15,000 Hectares
2000
10,000 5,000
30,000 20,000 10,000 0
0 1994
1997
1994
2000
1997
2000
2003
2004
TREND IN ARTIFICIALISED LAND AREA BY USES (Hectares)
Residential Economic activities Transport infrastructures Total
1994
1997
2000
2003
2004
Average annual increase
14.490
14.105
16.857
18.104
18.970
448
5.685
5.882
7.687
8.172
8.316
263
17.854
17.914
18.272
–
–
52
38.029
37.901
42.816
44.548
45.558
753
NB: The land considered as residential land is that classified as such under municipal planning regulations, on the understanding that such classification entails urbanisation and thus alters the land from its natural state. Data on land areas given over to transport infrastructure in 2003 and 2004 are not available. Total surface areas for those years are calculated using the surface area occupied by infrastructures in 2000. Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment; Ministry of Development; AENA; Port of Bilbao & Port of Pasaia.
B
CONSUMPTION OF NATURAL RESOURCES
37
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
From 1994 to 2004 artificialised land in the Basque Country increased from 5.26% to 6.30% of the Community’s total surface area. This is a 20% increase, equivalent to 7,529 Hectares. In other worlds the surface area built on over these ten years is greater than the total combined surface areas of the municipalities of Bilbao and Renteria. In 1994 there was approximately 181 m2 of artificialised land per inhabitant of the Basque Country, but by 2004 this figure has increased to 216 m2. This increase in recent years is due largely to extensive rezoning: a large number of residential homes have been built, and there has also been considerable promotion and occupation o industrial land. In 2000, residential land accounted for 39% of the total surface area occupied, economic activities for 18% and transport infrastructures for 43%.
38
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2004
Land classified for residential use in the Basque Country increased by 31% (4,480 hectares) from 1994 to 2004, while land given over to economic activities (industrial estates, shopping centres, etc.) increased by 46% (2,631 hectares). Finally, the land area used by transport infrastructures increased by 2.3% (418 hectares) from 1994 to 2000.
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
★★
Medium
INDICATOR 17. Public perception of the situation of the Environment ■ In 2004 over half the population of the Basque Country expressed the belief that the environment had improved at municipal and Regional Community level in recent years. ■ 79% of the public believe that protecting the environment and fighting against pollution are immediate, urgent concerns.
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Encourage instruments that allow the public to assess and check the ecological performance of their lifestyles.
• Conduct the Social Ecobarometer survey every 2 years to gauge the attitude and commitment to the environment of the public.
• Promote communication & awareness campaigns covering the principles & culture of sustainable development.
• Draw up a report on Environmental Indicators in the Basque Country every year as from 2002.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: DO YOU BELIEVE THAT THE SITUATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN YOUR MUNICIPALITY HAS IMPROVED, REMAINED THE SAME OR WORSENED IN RECENT YEARS? AND IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY? AND WORLD-WIDE? 70 60
60
Social Ecobarometer survey 2001
51
50 40 36
%
40
50 48
30 20
16 11
Municipality
BAC
World-wide
Social Ecobarometer survey 2004
18 11
10
10
Municipality
Better
BAC
World-wide
Worse
IN REGARD TO THE ENVIRONMENT, DO YOU BELIEVE THAT THE BASQUE COUNTRY IS DOING MORE THAN ENOUGH, ENOUGH OR LESS THAN ENOUGH? 60 50 48
50
43 39
40 %
0
18
Social Ecobarometer survey 2004
Social Ecobarometer survey 2001
30 20 10
8 3
4
6
0 More than enough
Enough
Less than enough
Non-response Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment.
C
RESPONSES
39
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
In 2004 more than half the population of the Basque Country expressed a positive assessment of trends in the environment at local level (60%) and Regional Community level (51%). The worldwide assessment was negative: almost half believe that the world environmental situation has worsened in recent years.
lieve that enough is being done. Only 4% believe that more than enough is being done. In the past three years the number of people who consider that enough is being done has risen by 4 points and the number who believe less than enough is being don has dropped by 2 points.
A comparison of results from the Ecobarometer surveys in 2001 and 2004 shows a clear increase in the number of people who consider that the environmental situation has improved, though the differences from one scope to another are considerable: the increase is 20% at municipal level, 15 and Basque Country level and just 5 at the world-wide level.
Finally, 79% of the Basque population believe that protecting the environment and fighting against pollution are immediate,. urgent concerns.
QUALITY OF INFORMATION: Almost half the population believe that less than enough is being done for the environment in the Basque Country, while 43% be-
40
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2004
★★★
High
INDICATOR 18. Public sector spending on Environmental protection ■ From 1995 to 2003 there was an 81% increase in public sector spending on the environment. The increase in 2003 alone was 12%. ■ However, the percentage of total public spending represented by spending on the environment remained in 2002 was the lowest of any year analysed so far at just 4.86%.
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • To reach the environmental goals laid down in the Environmental Framework Programme 2002-2006.
• Meet the commitments set forth in the Environmental Framework Programme 2002-2006.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: % of total public spending represented by public spending on the environment.
PUBLIC SECTOR SPENDING & INVESTMENT ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 800
8%
600 4,96% 400
5,63%
5,64%
5,64%
5,11%
5,27%
5,03%
418
437
518
377 286 329
372
391
200 0 1995
6% 4,86% 461
2%
Public spending & investment on the environment
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
4%
2002
0% 2003
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment. EUSTAT.
From 1995 to 2003 public sector spending on the environment and natural resource management increased by 81% to 518 million euros. The share of total public spending represented by spending on the environment in 2002 was 4.86%, lower than in any previous year analysed.
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
★★★
C
High
RESPONSES
41
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
INDICATOR 19. Local Agenda 21 schemes at Basque Municipalities ■ In all, 170 Basque municipalities are involved in Local Agenda 21 schemes, 37 of them already in the process of implementing action. ■ In the past year the number of Basque municipalities that have started Local Agenda 21 schemes has almost doubled...
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Promote the renovation and rehabilitation of consolidated cities.
• Ensure that by 2006 all 64 municipalities in the Basque Country with more than 5000 inhabitants have their own Local Agenda 21 designed, individually or on a district basis.
• Promote improvements in attractiveness of design and in quality of life in urban areas. • Promote the valorisation of rural and natural areas and local enjoyment of the benefits thus obtained. • romote the adaptation of town planning systems to the objectives laid down in regional land-use regulations and to sustainability criteria.
• Ensure that all town halls governing more than 10,000 people have a technical staff member responsible for the environment by 2006. By 2012 such persons should be in place individually or on a shared basis at town halls governing more than 5,000 people.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: MUNICIPALITIES INVOLVED IN LOCAL AGENDA 21 PROCESSES 180
170 Municipalities involved in LA21 schemes
160
Nº of municipalities
140 120 100 Municipalities w/over 5000 inhab. with LA21 already designed
80
Target for 2006 64 municipalities 60
60 40 20 0
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
July 2004
2006
NB: Data for 2004 up to July. Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment.
In 1998 just four Basque municipalities were involved in Local Agenda 21 processes. By 2003 the figure was 128, and by July 2004 it stood at 170 (12 in Araba, 99 in Bizkaia & 59 in Gipuzkoa). December 2001 saw the setting up of the Basque Network of Municipalities for Sustainability, Udalsarea 21 by the 16 municipalities that had completed the design of their Local Agenda 21 schemes and were at the implementation stage. By July 2004 the Network had 37 members.
42
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2004
INDICATOR
19. LOCAL AGENDA 21 SCHEMES AT BASQUE MUNICIPALITIES
BASQUE MUNICIPALITIES INVOLVED IN LOCAL AGENDA 21 SCHEMES (JULY 2004) ARABA Alegria-Dulantzi Amurrio Asparrena Barrundia Elburgo Irurain-Gauna Lantarón Llodio Salvatierra/Agurain San Millán Valdegovía Vitoria-Gasteiz
BIZKAIA Abanto y Ciérvana Ajangiz Alonsotegi Amoroto Arakaldo Arantzazu Areatza Arrankudiaga Arratzu Arrieta Arrigorriaga Artea Artzentales Aulesti Bakio Balmaseda Barakaldo Barrika Basauri Bedia Berango Bermeo Berriatua Bilbao Busturia Derio Dima Ea Elantxobe Elorrio Erandio Ereño Ermua Errigoiti Etxebarri Etxebarria Forua Fruiz Galdakao Galdames Gamiz-Fika Gatika Gautegiz-Arteaga Gernika-Lumo Getxo Gizaburuaga Gordexola Gorliz Güeñes Ibarrangelu
Igorre Ispaster Karranza Kortezubi Lanestosa Larrabetzu Laukiz Leioa Lekeitio Lemoa Lemoiz Lezama Loiu Mallabia Markina-Xemein Maruri-Jatabe Mendata Mendexa Meñaka Morga Mundaka Mungia Munitibar Murueta Muskiz Muxika Nabarniz Ondarroa Orduña Orozko Ortuella Plentzia Portugalete Santurtzi Sestao Sondika Sopelana Sopuerta Sukarrieta Turtzioz Ugao-Miraballes Urduliz Valle de Trápaga Zalla Zamudio Zaratamo Zeanuri Zeberio Zierbana
GIPUZKOA Aia Aizarnazabal Altzaga Andoain Antzuola Arama Aretxabaleta Arrasate Astigarraga Ataun Azkoitia Azpeitia Beasain Bergara Deba Donostia-San Sebastián Eibar Elgeta Elgoibar Errenteria Eskoriatza Ezkio-Itsaso Gabiria Gaintza Getaria Hernani Idiazabal Irun Itsasondo Lasarte-Oria Lazkao Legazpi Legorreta Leintz-Gatzaga Lezo Mendaro Mutiloa Mutriku Oiartzun Olaberria Oñati Ordizia Orio Ormaiztegi Pasaia Segura Soraluze-Placencia de las Armas Tolosa Urnieta Urretxu
Usurbil Villabona Zaldibia Zarautz Zegama Zerain Zestoa Zumaia Zumarraga
NB: Bold print denotes municipalities that have implemented Local Agenda 21 schemes and members of Udalsarea 21, the Basque Network of Municipalities for Sustainability. Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment.
In academic year 2003-2004 the School Agenda 21 education scheme for sustainable development was implemented. A total of 46 schools signed up for the scheme (8 in Araba, 12 in Bizkaia & 26 in Gipuzkoa), involving a total of 807 teachers and 12,226 pupils.
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
★★★
C
High
RESPONSES
43
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
INDICATOR 20. Environmental Management Systems at Companies ■ The number of Basque firms that hold environmental management certificates doubled from 254 in 2001 to 516 in 2003. ■ In 2003 145 more firms obtained certificates (39% up on 2002) and a further 232 performed an Ekoscan (70% up on 2002). ■ 124 firms have signed voluntary agreements with a view to reducing their environmental impacts.
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Encourage monitoring of the application of legislation via the EMAS environmental management system.
• Have at least 50 Basque firms EMAS certified by 2006.
• Promote environmental management systems, environment reports, etc.
• Have 10 Basque companies draw up GRI sustainability reports by 2006, and 40 by 2012.
• Promote clean production systems.
• Reach 600 companies with certified environmental management systems (EMAS or ISO 14001) by 2006 and 1000 by 2012.
• Prevent and minimise waste at source, thus reducing the amount and harmfulness of waste.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: NUMBER OF COMPANIES WITH ISO 14001, EMAS & EKOSCAN 700 600 500 Nº of companies
562 Companies Target for 2006 with Ekoscan 600 ecompanies with ISO 14001/ EMAS certificates
516 companies with ISO 14001/ EMAS certificates
400 300
124 voluntary agreements
200 100 0 1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
july 2004
2005
2006
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment.
An ever increasing number of companies are introducing environmental management systems. In 2003 514 Basque companies held ISO 14001 certificates, and 16 held EMAS certificates, making a total of 516 certified companies (some with both certificates). The target of 600 certified companies by 2006 is now within sight. Moreover, 562 Basque companies performed Ekoscans in 2003 (compared to 2 in 1998) as a preliminary step on the way to implementing an environmental management system.
Another method adopted by Basque companies to work for the environment is the signing of voluntary agreements with the Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment. Signatory firms undertake voluntarily to reduce their environmental impacts. As of June 2004 124 Basque companies had signed up for such agreements (compared to 43 in 2003).
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
44
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2004
★★★
High
INDICATOR 21. Sustainable Mobility ■ In all 41 municipalities and 4 district councils are involved in sustainable mobility plans as of 2004 (compared to 4 in 2003).
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Restructure the way in which the different means of transport are organised to promote public and non motorised transport.
• Get passengers to shift from private to public transport in line with the objectives of the forthcoming sustainable transport plan.
• Reduce the need for mobility by not encouraging activities and uses of land that require the use of motor vehicles.
• Increase the percentage of total passenger transport in the main urban areas of the Basque Country accounted for by public transport by 10% by 2006, from 2001 levels.
• Encourage intermodality in both passenger and goods transport to increase energy efficiency and environmental friendliness.
• Achieve reductions in the use of road transport, diverting freight users to rail and shipping and passengers to public transport so that the percentage of transport accounted for by road transport in 2012 is no greater than in 2001.
• Encourage modes of transport with less environmental impact through tax policies and/ or public fares. • Prioritise investment in infrastructures for more environmentally friendly forms of transport.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: MUNICIPALITIES INVOLVED IN SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY PROCESSES 45 41
40 35 Nº municipalities
30 25 20 15 10 5
4
0 2003
july 2004 Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment.
C
RESPONSES
45
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
BASQUE MUNICIPALITIES INVOLVED IN MUNICIPAL SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY PLANS ARABA Amurrio
BIZKAIA
GIPUZKOA
Arantzazu
Arrasate
Areatza
Azkoitia
Arrieta
Azpeitia
Artea
Deba
Bakio
Eibar
Basauri
Elgoibar
Bedia
Mendaro
Berriatua
Mutriku
Dima
Soraluze-Placencia de las Armas
Erandio
Tolosa
Ermua
Zarautz
Etxebarria Fruiz Gamiz-Fika Gatika Gizaburuaga Igorre Ispaster Laukiz Lekeitio Lemoa Mallabia Markina-Xemein Maruri-Jatabe Mendexa Meñaka Mungia Ondarroa Zeanuri
DISTRICT COUNCILS WITH SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY PLANS Arratia Debabarrena Lea-Artibai Mungialdea
In the framework of Local Agenda 21 schemes, numerous municipalities have begun work on municipal sustainable mobility plans. These plans seek to promote more environmentally sustainable forms of movement, i.e. solutions that consume less non renewable natural resources and have less effect on the environment as a whole (lower emissions into the atmosphere, less noise, etc.).
46
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2004
In 2004 a total of 41 municipalities and 4 district councils were involved in sustainable mobility pans (compared to 4 in 2003).
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
★★★
High
INDICATOR 22. Overall & Sectoral Ecoefficiency ■ Economy in general: From 1990 to 2002 there was relative de-linking of the environment from economic growth, as the main pressures on the environment grew at a lower rate than GDP.
■ Transport: The main pressures on the environment are increasing at more then the overall rate of economic growth. The upward trend in the main pressures on the environment exerted by transport was maintained in 2002. ■ Industry: Over the past ten years this sector has reduced the pressure it exerts on the environment and at the same time substantially increased output. Pressure on the environment remained basically unchanged in 2002.
■ Residential Sector: Pressure on the environment has increased in recent years by a higher rate than private spending. In 2002 there were slight drops in energy consumption and GHG emissions, but municipal waste production and the number of cars continued to increase.
■ Energy processing: A decrease in energy production from 1990 to 2002 was accompanied by an increase in GHG emissions.
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • De-link economic growth from the negative impact it has on the environment.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: Ecoefficiency of the Basque Economy ECOEFFICIENCY OF THE BASQUE ECONOMY 1990-2002 180 160
GDP +45%
140 1990 = 100
MSW +29%
120 GHG’s +28,5%
100
TMR +27%
Acidifiers +7%
80
Energy consumption +26%
60
Unemployment rate -49%
40 0 1990 1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG)
GDP at market prices (constant prices)
Emissions of acidifying substances
Total material requirement (TMR)
Final energy consumption
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) production
2001
2002 Unemployment rate Preliminary data
C
RESPONSES
47
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
ECOEFFICIENCY OF THE BASQUE ECONOMY (RATE OF VARIATION 2001-2002)
3.2% 1.6% Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) production
1.7%
Total material requirement (TMR)
1.5% GDP at market prices (constant prices)
12.9% 7.7%
Final energy consumption Emissions of acidifying substances Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG)
-5% -4% -3% -2% -1% 0% 1% 2% 3% 4% 5% 6% 7% 8% 9% 10% 11% 12% 13% 14% Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment, EVE, EUSTAT.
From 1990 to 2002 GDP in the Basque Country increased by a higher rate than the main pressures on the environment. The wealth generated by Basque society increased by 45%, while unemployment fell by 49%. Pressure on the environment grew by 28% in the case of GHG’s, 29% for MSW, 26% for energy consumption, 27% for TMR and 7% for acidifiers.
A comparison of figures for 2001 and 2002 shows that GHG emissions, MSW production and acidifiers increased by more than GDP, while energy and material consumption grew by around the same rate as GDP.
Transport ECOEFFICIENCY OF THE TRANSPORT SECTOR 200 GHG: +77%
180
Energy consumptio +74%
160
GDP: +45%
1990 = 100
140 km. of motorways & dual carriageways +37%
120 100
Acidifiers -15%
80 60 0 1990
TOP’s: -24%
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG)
Energy consumption
Emissions of acidifying substances
GDP at market prices (constant prices)
Emissions of tropospheric ozone precursors (TOP)
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment, EVE, EUSTAT.
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2004
1999
km of motorways & dual carriageways
NB: All data refer solely to the transport sector except GDP, which refers to the economy as a whole.
48
1998
2000
2001
2002
INDICATOR
22. OVERALL & SECTORAL ECOEFFICIENCY
The increase in GDP in the Basque economy from 1990 to 2002 was accompanied by an increase in some of the pressures on the environment exerted by transport. Thus, a 74% increase in energy consumption by the transport sector resulted in a 77% increase in the sectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GHG emissions. At the same time the number of kilometres of motorway and dual carriageway increased by 37%. In
the same period acidifier emissions dropped by 15%, and TOP emissions by 24%. This was due largely to the removal of sulphur from vehicle fuel and the installation of catalytic converters in vehicles. In 2002 the main pressures on the environment exerted by the sector continued to increase, though drops were recorded in acidifier and TOP emissions.
Industry ECOEFFICIENCY OF INDUSTRY 180 160 GVA: +67%
140
1990 = 100
120
Energy consumption -1%
100 HW: -16%
80 60 GHG: -29%
40 0 1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG)
Gross Value Added (GVA) at market prices (constant prices)
Energy consumption
Hazardous waste production (HW)
2001
2002
NB: All data refer to industry, excluding the energy industry (refining & electricity generation). The drop in hazardous waste from 1991 to 1994 esulted from the replacement of pyrite by refinery sulphur as a raw material in the production of sulphuric acid. Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment, EVE, EUSTAT.
From 1990 to 2002 gross value added (GVA) for industry rose by 67% while the pressures exerted by industry actually decreased. Energy consumption fell by 1%, GHG emissions by 29% and hazardous waste production by 16%. A look at 2002 alone reveals
that the increase in GVA for industry was accompanied by increases in hazardous waste production and energy consumption, though GHG emissions did drop from 2001 levels.
D ECONOMY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
49
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
Residential Sector ECOEFFICIENCY OF THE RESIDENTIAL SECTOR 150
Nยบ of cars +42%
Energy consumption +35%
140
Private spending +30% Domestic refuse +23%
1990 = 100
130 120 110
GHG: +20%
100 90 0 1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG)
Nยบ of cars
Energy consumption
Domestic refuse production
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
Private end-consumer spending at constant prices NB: All data refer to the residential sector. Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment, EVE, EUSTAT.
From 1990 to 2002 domestic spending increased by 30%. This increase is closely linked to an even higher increase in the pressure exerted on the environment by this sector. The number of private cars increased by 42% during the period, energy consumption by
35% and GHG emissions by 20%. Domestic refuse production increased by 23%. In 2002 alone decreases were observed of 0.4% in energy consumption and 5.8% in GHG emissions. However, domestic refuse rose by 5% and the number of cars by 2.1%.
Energy Processing Sector ECOEFFICIENCY OF THE ENERGY PROCESSING SECTOR 240 220 GHG: +120%
200 180 1990 = 100
160 Energy consumptio +6%
140 120 100 80
Energy production: -8%
60 40 0 1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
Greenhouse gas emissions
NB: All data refer to the energy processing sector. Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment, EVE.
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
1997
Energy production
Energy consumption
50
1996
2004
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
INDICATOR
22. OVERALL & SECTORAL ECOEFFICIENCY
From 1990 to 2002 energy production in the Basque Country decreased by 8%. This decrease was accompanied by increases in some of the pressures exerted on the environment: for instance GHG emissions doubled in the period and energy consumption within the sector rose by 6%. But in spite of the decrease in energy production in 2002 there was a major increase in GHG emissions by the energy sector. This is due to decreased refining activity
being accompanied by increases in electricity generation at thermal power stations.
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
★★
Medium
D ECONOMY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
51
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
Conclusions 1. Water. The water quality in our rivers and seas is improving Rivers: General improvement. 51% of sampling stations recorded water as “non polluted” in 2003 compared to 15% in 2000. However, major stretches remain in poor condition (Nerbioi-Ibaizabal, Deba & Oria basins). Estuarine & coastal waters: Slight improvement. 37 % of stations recorded water as “non polluted” in 2003 compared to 20% in 1998. Trends in pollutant loads from 1998 to 2003 are positive due to the installation of clean-up infrastructures (treatment plants & collectors). The biggest reductions are in copper (59%), zinc (78%) and phosphated compounds (89%).
WATER QUALITY: ESTUARINE & COASTAL WATERS
WATER QUALITY: RIVERS
100% Polluted, very polluted or heavily polluted
80% 60%
Clean or non polluted
58% 51%
47%
51%
40% 34%
31%
20%
% of sampling stations
% of sampling stations
100%
Medium, heavily or extremely polluted
80% 60% 43%
40%
40%
37% 30%
20%
33%
20%
25%
40%
33% 7%
27%
27%
27%
15%
0% 2000
Non polluted
2001
2002
0% 1998
2003
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2. Air. Air quality dropped in 2003 Air quality dropped in 2003, with an average of 10 days of “poor” or “very poor” quality air due mainly to increases in concentrations of particles (PM10) and ozone.
AVERAGE Nº OF DAYS WITH POOR OR VERY POOR QUALITY AIR
Average nº of days
15 9,9
10 5
2,8
2,6
2001
2002
0
52
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2004
2003
3. Consumption of natural resources. Efficiency continues to improve, but with constant increases in resources consumption Water consumption by the residential sector in the Basque Country is 130 litres per capita per day, placing us in an intermediate position compared to the rest of Europe. From 1990 to 2002 total energy consumption rose by 26% and TMR by 27%. From 1994 to 2004 the surface area of artificialised land has increased by 20%. Energy efficiency increased by 15% from 1990 to 2002, and efficiency in the use of materials by 14%. The downward trend in efficiency levels in recent years was broken in 2001.
ENERGY & MATERIAL EFFICIENCY
NATURAL RESOURCE CONSUMPTION 140
130 Energy consumption +26%
Material efficiency +14%
120
100
1990 = 100
1990 = 100
120
Material consumption +27%
80
110 Energy efficiency +15%
100 90
60 80 0 1990
1992
1994
1996
1998
2000
0 1990
2002
1992
1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
Preliminary data
4. Waste. Management of municipal and hazardous waste is improving, but the amount of waste produced continues to increase MSW production increased by 15% from 1998 to 2003, from 512 to 588 kg. per capita. Hazardous waste production increased by 15% from 1994 to 2002, with a 4.68% rise from 2001 to 2002 alone. Waste management continues to improve. The amount of MSW valorised increased from 17% in 1998 to 32% in 2003, as did the amount of hazardous waste valorised, from 28% in 1994 to 47% in 2002.
PRODUCTION & VALORISATION OF MSW PER CAPITA (kg. per capita)
PRODUCTION & VALORISATION OF HAZARDOUS WASTE (tonnes) 400,000
800
350,000 579
556
512
320,635 290,888
335,634
291,584
300,000 Tonnes
kg. per capita
600
588
400
250,000 156,171
200,000 120,751
200
144
173
187
87
0
1998
100,000
81,449
88,933
50,000 2000
2002
2004
0
1994
1999
MSW production per capita
Hazardous waste production
MSW valorisation per capita
Hazardous waste valorisation
2001
2002
CONCLUSIONS
53
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
5. Climate change. CO2 emissions are moving away from target levels From 1990 to 2003 direct emissions of the main greenhouse gases produced in the Basque Country increased by 28%.
GHG EMISSIONS IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY, THE EU AND SPAIN 150 Spain +40% Kyoto target for 2008-2012 in Spain +15%
1990 = 100
125 BAC +28%
100
Kyoto target for 2008-2012 in EU -8%
EU -3%
75 0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
2008
2012
6. Ecoefficiency. The economy grows but as well grow the environmental problems General ecoefficiency: From 1990 to 2002 there was relative de-linking of the environment from economic growth, as the main pressures on the environment grew, but at a lower rate than GDP. In 2002 there was economic growth of 1.7% accompanied by higher increases in GHG emissions and MSW production. Pressure exerted on the atmosphere by industry decreased from 1990 to 2002 (GHG’s down by 28%, hazardous waste by 16%) while output increased (GVA +67%). The transport and residential sectors displayed the strongest links between growth and impact on the environment in the years from 1990 to 2002. (GHG from transport rose by 85%, GHG from the residential sector by 32% and domestic refuse by 23%).
ECOEFFICIENCY OF THE BASQUE ECONOMY 1990-2002 150
GDP +45%
140
1990 = 100
130
MSW +29%
120
TMR +27%
110
GHG’s +28,5% Acidifiers +7%
100 90 80 0 1990 1991
1992
1993
1994
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG)
Total material requirement (TMR)
Emissions of acidifying substances
Management of municipal solid waste (MSW)
GDP at market prices (constant prices)
54
1995
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2004
Preliminary data
2002
7. Trends in Environmental Indicators in regard to objectives INDICATOR 1. Water quality index
2. Pollutant loads in inland coastal waters Nutrients: Total P PO4P Total N Nitrates Ammonium Heavy metals: Copper Mercury Cadmium Zinc Lead 3. Air quality
4. Emissions of atmospheric pollutants a. SO2 b. NOx c. VOC’s 5. Contaminated soil Remediation of publicly-owned contaminated soil areas (in absolute terms) 7. GHG emissions
8. Waste production a. MSW
b. Hazardous waste
9. Waste management a. % of MSW sent to landfill
b. % of hazardous waste valorised 10. Noise 13. Water consumption
OBJECTIVE OR DESIRED TREND Achieve a good or very good environmental & chemical status of 80% of bodies of surface water by 2012 (Target: 80%)
Reduce the total load of pollutants discharged in the Basque Country into publicly owned waters, coastline and tidal waters by 50% by 2006 in comparison with 2001 levels. (Target: -50%)
Situation (year)
LIKELIHOOD OF ATTAINING OBJECTIVE
51% (2003)
■
(2003)
■
-89% +140% +46% +86% -32% -81% +12% +10% -56% +442%
Meet the targets for ambient air quality laid down by the EU (Target: Reduce nº of days with poor air quality)
79 (2003)
■
Targets for 2010
(2002)
■
-64% -31% -58%
-11% +21% -26%
Recover 20% of the publicly owned contaminated soil areas in the Basque Country by 2006, based on 2001 levels. (Target: 34 areas)
29 (2003)
■
Contribute by 2012 to the meeting of the objectives set for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the Kyoto Agreement (Spain +15% of 1990 figure between 2008 & 2012)
+28,5% (2003)
■
Stabilise the amount of municipal waste per capita at 2001 levels by 2012 (Target: 561 kg)
588 kg (2003)
■
Stabilise hazardous waste production at 2000 levels by 2006. (Target: 321,415 Tm)
335,634 t (2002)
■
Reduce the amount of municipal waste sent for dumping to 75% of the total by 2006. (Target: <75%)
68% (2003)
■
Increase the amount of hazardous waste valorised to 51% on 2000 levels by 2006
47% (2003)
■
Reduce the nº of people exposed to high noise levels
18% (2003)
■
Reverse the upward trend in water consumption per head of population
130 (2001)
■
14. Energy consumption a. Energy consumption
Decrease
b. Energy efficiency
Increase
+26% (1990-2002) +15% (1990-2002)
■ ■
CONCLUSIONS
55
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
INDICATOR 15. Consumption of materials a. Total Material Requirement
b. Material efficiency 16. Intensity of artificialisation of land (land consumption) 19. Local Agenda 21 schemes in Basque municipalities with over 5000 inhabitants (in absolute terms) 20. Environmental management systems at firms (in absolute terms) ISO 14001/EMAS certificate 22. Ecoefficiency
■ ■ ■
Situation (year)
LIKELIHOOD OF ATTAINING OBJECTIVE
To peg back per capita TMR to 1998 evels by 2006. (Target: 80 t)
96 t (2002)
■
Increase
+14% (1990-2002)
■
No increase
+20% (1994-2004)
■
Ensure that by 2006 all municipalities in the Basque Country with more than 5000 inhabitants have their own Local Agenda 21 scheme designed. (Target: 64)
60 (2003)
■
50 Basque firms EMAS certified by 2006
16 (2003)
■
Increase nº of environmental management certificate holders (EMAS or ISO 14001) to 600 by 2006
514 (2003)
■
Absolute delinking
Relative delinking (2002)
■
OBJECTIVE OR DESIRED TREND
Feasible. Probable. Difficult.
Notes: 1. Trends are given for those environmental indicators for which fixed targets exist based on the reference year for each objective, either in the Basque Environmental Strategy for Sustainable Development 2002-2020 or in European policies and directives. 2. All target figures shown in the table are taken from the Basque Environmental Strategy for Sustainable Development except those for indicators 4 and 7, where the figures used are those set by the EU for Spain. 3. Indicators 6, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 and 21 are not shown because they involve no quantitative targets or because no data are available. The data for Indicator 19 are for up to July 2004.
56
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2004
Appendix 1: Acronyms BMWP’
Biological Monitoring Working Party
BAC
Basque Country
CEPA
Single European Classification of Environmental Protection Activities
CH4
Methane
CO
Carbon monoxide
CO2
Carbon dioxide
VOC’s
Volatile Organic Compounds
EMAS
European Environmental Management and Audit System
EUSTAT
Basque Office of Statistics
EVE
Ente Vasco de la Energía (body in charge of energy)
GHG’s
Greenhouse gases
BI
Biotic Index
ISO 14001 International Standards Organisation environmental management system SCI
Site of Community Interest
N2O
Nitrous oxide
NH3
Ammonia
NO2
Nitrogen dioxide
NOx
Nitrogen oxides
TMR
Total Material Requirement
O3
Ozone
Pb
Lead
GDP
Gross Domestic Product
PM10
Suspended particles less than 10 µm in diameter
PO4-P
Orthophosphate - phosphorous
SO2
Sulphur dioxide
RGT
Road Good Transport
EU
European Union
GVA pm
Gross Vaue Added at market prices
SPA dB(A) Hm3
Special Protection Area for Birds
kg
kilogram
Decibels A Cubic hectometre
ktep
Kilotonnes of petroleum equivalent 3
µg/Nm 3
Microgrammes per cubic metre under normal conditions of pressure and temperature
µg/m
Microgrammes per cubic metre
µm
Micron (10-6 metres)
APPENDICES
57
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
Appendix 2: Glossary Acidification
Effect of introducing acidifying substances into the environment through atmospheric deposition. The main atmospheric pollutants which contribute to acidification are sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and ammonia (NH3).
Agenda 21
A programme of action for sustainable development adopted at the Rio de Janeiro Conference of 1992. Local Agenda 21 schemes are programmes or strategic plans for sustainability adopted by local authorities.
Allochthonous species
A species that originated outside the area where it is now found.
Autochthonous species
A species that originated in the area where it is now found.
Biodiversity (=biological diversity)
The range of living organisms of all types in land, marine and other aquatic ecosystems, including the complex ecological systems of which each forms part. Biodiversity may be measured within a species, between species and in ecosystems.
Biological connectivity
A measure of the possibilities of movement of organisms between habitat patches in the landscape. It depends on the makeup of the landscape, its configuration (layout of landscape elements) and on how well organisms adapt their behaviour to those variables.
Carbon sink
Any process, activity or mechanism which absorbs greenhouse gas, aerosol gas or a greenhouse gas precursor from the atmosphere.
Contaminated soil
Soil whose chemical characteristics have been changed in a manner which renders it incompatible with its intended function on the grounds that unacceptable risks are entailed for public health or for the environment, and which has been declared to hold contaminated soil status by the environmental authorities of the Basque Country.
De-linking (of the economy and the environment)
Breaking the link between economic growth and the increases in pressure on the environment associated with it. "Relative de-linking" takes place when the pressure increases, but at a lower rate than the increase of economic activity. "Absolute delinking" is when pressure on the environment decreases or remains constant when there is economic growth.
Direct emissions
Emissions from a process which occur on the site where that process takes place.
Drainage basin
An area of land all of the surface runoff from which flows through streams, rivers or lakes and then into the sea via a single river mouth, estuary or delta.
Dump site
A disposal facility where waste is deposited on or below the ground.
Ecological status (of water)
An indication of the quality of the structure and operation of aquatic ecosystems associated with surface water, graded in accordance with the indicators in Appendix V to Directive 2000/60.
EMAS
The Community environmental management and audit system, which organisations may join on a voluntary basis, to assess and improve their environmental performance and the way in which they distribute the relevant information to the public and other interested parties.
Energy efficiency (opposite of "Energy Intensity")
Rational use of energy, incorporating the concepts of energy saving, energy innovation (in processes, systems and consumer equipment) and other areas concerned with the better or fuller use of energy, such as co-generation.
58
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2004
APPENDIX
2.
Energy intensity (opposite of Energy Efficiency)
The ratio of energy consumption to GDP in a country or region. The term may also refer to specific sectors or sub-sectors of activity. It measures the rational use of energy in production activities.
Environmental certification
A voluntary system by which an independent body provides a written assurance that a product, process or service meets certain pre-set environmental requirements.
Final energy
Energy supplied to consumers and converted into useful energy.
Greenhouse effect
Increase in surface temperature on a world due to the atmosphere’s acting like the roof of a greenhouse. On earth solar radiation penetrates the atmosphere, but infra-red rays are retained on the surface and in the lower levels of the atmosphere. This occurs spontaneously in nature, resulting in an average temperature on the earth’s surface of 15 ºC. Life as we currently know it on earth would not exist without the natural greenhouse effect.
Greenhouse gases (GHG)
Gases which absorb radiation on the infra-red wavelengths of the spectrum of radiation emitted by the earth’s surface and by clouds, and themselves emit infra-red radiation at a level at which the temperature is lower than on the surface. The net effect is that part of the energy absorbed is trapped locally and the surface tends to warm up. The chief greenhouse gases in the earth’s atmosphere are water vapour (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4) and ozone (O3).
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) The value of all the goods and services produced (or consumed) within the frontiers of a country or region. Habitat of a species
The medium, defined by specific abiotic and biotic factors, in which a species lives during a given phase of its biological cycle.
Hazardous substance
A substance or group of substances which is toxic, persistent and could cause bio-accumulation. Also used to refer to other substances which entail similar risks.
Hazardous waste
Waste classed as hazardous by the EWC (European Waste Catalogue).
Indirect emissions
Emissions which occur at processing sites due to the demand of the end consumers, distributed according to the final electricity consumption in each sector.
Limit Value
The maximum tolerable amount of each pollutant in the atmosphere, set on the basis of scientific knowledge to prevent or reduce harmful effects on human health and the environment as a whole, which must be complied with within a set time and thenceforth not exceeded.
Market price gross value added (GVA mp)
This is the new value created in a production process over a given period. It works out as the difference between output at ex works prices and intermediate inputs, and is thus equivalent to the sum of the gross operational surplus and taxation on production minus subsidies on operation.
Material efficiency (=Material Productivity)
An indicator of output per unit of material.
Material Productivity (=Material Efficiency)
An indicator of output per unit of material.
Mobility
A quantitative variable which measures the number of journeys.
Municipal waste
Waste produced at private residences, shops, offices and services, and all other waste not classified as hazardous which by nature or composition may be dealt with together with waste from the aforesaid places or activities.
APPENDICES
59
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
Protected natural area
An area marked by the public authorities as devoted to the conservation of nature: this may involve preserving a unique area, a privileged section of nature or certain ecological processes.
Recycling
The processing of waste within a production process for re-use for its initial purpose or for others, including composting and bio-methane production, but not including incineration with energy recovery.
Renewable energy sources
Energy sources found in nature which are continuously renewing themselves, and are therefore inexhaustible. Chief among them are biomass, geothermal, hydraulic, solar, wind and sea power (both tidal and wave power), landfill gas, bio-gas and gas from waste water treatment plants.
Re-use
The use of a product which has already been used, for the purpose for which it was originally used.
Selective collection
A system of separate collection of fermentable organic materials and recyclable materials, and any other system of separate collection which enables valorisable materials contained in waste to be separated out.
Soil
The solid part of the earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crust from the bedrock to the surface, including both liquid and gaseous phases and all organisms inhabiting the said part, which has natural functions and can be used for other purposes.
Soil artificialisation
The sealing off of the soil by the construction of houses, roads, etc.
Surface water
All inland water other than ground water, transitional waters and coastal waters.
Total Material Requirement (TMR)
An indicator of the total accumulated volume (in tonnes per capita per annum) of raw materials extracted from nature via economic activities.
Valorisation
Any procedure which enables resources contained in waste to be used without endangering human health and without using methods which could harm the environment.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s)
All the organic compounds originating from anthropogenic and biogenic sources other than methane which can produce photo-chemical oxidants by reaction with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight.
Waste
All substances and objects which are or must be disposed of. May also refer to any substance included on the EWC (European Waste Catalogue).
Waste collection
Any operation consisting of the collection, sorting, grouping or preparation of waste for transportation.
Waste disposal
Any procedure intended to store or hold waste in controlled dumps or destroy it wholly or in part which is carried out without endangering human health and without using methods which could harm the environment.
Waste management
The collection, storage, transportation and elimination of waste, the monitoring of same and the monitoring of dump sites or landfills after their closure.
60
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2004