Implementation of an emission trading system according to European laws on environmental protection is an effect of the European Union ratifying the protocol of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, signed in Kioto in Japan in 1996. This protocol, known as the Kioto Protocol, entered into force on February 16th, 2005 and enforces on the parties ratifying it the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in 2008-2012 below specific levels, as compared to the base year. The European Union acts as the party in two ways: first off as a political body it committed to an 8% reduction of greenhouse gases emission in 2008 – 2012, as compared to 1990 as the base year. Furthermore, the parties to the protocol are particular member states of the Union, including Poland. Poland needs to reduce its emission in 2008 - 2012 by 6% in relation to emissions in the 1988 base year. The emission trading system is one of the tools supporting completion of the determined reduction goals suggested in the protocol. On January 01st, 2005 the system began to function in most member states, including Poland.
Participation in emission trading is mandatory and applies to systems enlisted in the directive. These are systems connected with energy production, manufacture and processing of iron and steel or systems of the mineral and papermaking industry.
The following Companies of the Ciech Chemical Group have systems subject to Emission Trading system:
- Vitrosilicon SA – system to produce glass in Żary and Iłowa
- Zakłady Chemiczne Alwernia SA - the interplant heat and power station
- Soda Polska Ciech Sp. z o.o. – the interplant heat systems and lime-kilns
Issues concerning Emission Trading in the Companies of the Ciech Chemical Group are coordinated by the Emission Trading team in the Corporate Centre of Ciech SA.