Environmental Policies

Public and private stakeholders face the challenge of defining and implementing science-based policies that protect human health and the environment, support circular and sustainable development in a changing world, and simultaneously foster innovation, competitiveness and digitalization.

The Environmental Policies group supports industry and policy stakeholders in designing and implementing societal-level transition strategies that foster safe, sustainable and socio-economic development within planetary boundaries. Operating at the interface of science, technology and policy, the group provides independent, science-based guidance to inform the definition, implementation and evaluation of policies at both national and EU levels. Key focus areas include chemical regulation, and circular economy strategies in sectors such as construction, waste, water and textiles, as well as soil health and climate change adaptation. In parallel, the group integrates regulatory and safety considerations into RDI processes – for example, through the application of the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework. 

To fulfil this mission, the group provides a unique combination of:

• Regulatory expertise in key policy areas,
• Strong scientific competencies,
• Advanced technical and IT means, and
• A well-established national and international network.

This integrated approach enables the provision of interdisciplinary solutions tailored to a wide range of stakeholders, including local, national and European authorities, policy actors, the private sector and RDI partners.

The group contributes to national and European policy and research projects through a broad set of activities, including: