The Principality of Monaco Announces Sustainability Update and New Initiatives to Reach 2050 Carbon Neutral Goal 

In a continuous effort to protect the environment, The Principality of Monaco is proud to share an update on its ongoing Energy Transition, along with new initiatives for residents and travellers. Determined to lead by example and with great respect to the environment, The Prince’s Government optimises all of its assets and introduces new eco-friendly actions for businesses and consumers, including green transport, eco-friendly yachting, and renewable energy. With a clear target to reduce its carbon footprint by 55% by 2030 and become carbon-neutral by 2050, Monaco focuses on the Energy Transition Programme to enhance the environment and attract sustainable tourists and businesses.

Renewable Energy

In a greater effort to minimise the demand for natural resources and tackle global sustainability issues, renewable energy is being used throughout the country to accommodate the daily needs of the citizens of Monaco in a more eco-friendly way. Photovoltaic and thermal solar panels gather solar energy, convert sunlight into electricity, and transform the energy produced by the sun’s rays into hot water. Monaco, a country with important ocean energy, is also using its surrounding waters. Advanced ‘heat pump technology’ extracts heat or cold from seawater to warm or cool buildings and heat swimming pools. 

Eco-Friendly Transport

To reduce carbon dioxide emissions, the government has introduced modern methods to approach commuters and consumers with eco-friendly vehicles at the centre of its plan. The government offers financial incentives to purchase two-wheeled electric bikes or vehicles and clean energy vehicles. Meanwhile, with the help of technology, new applications have been launched to reduce traffic congestion, pollution, and car overpopulation. Mobeecity, a self-service car-sharing scheme, offers 100% electric vehicles (sized between a scooter and a car) that are allowed to park free of charge on the roads of Monaco and in 34 partner car parks. Mobeelity, a service offered by SMEG, offers bigger vehicles (five-seater) with greater autonomy that are allowed to travel outside of Monaco. Other applications recently launched in Monaco are CityMapper, which offers real-time travel guidance, transport and traffic information, and MonaPass, a user-friendly application to find travel passes for bikes, electric bikes, and on-street parking.

Protecting the Oceans and Biodiversity

To mark World Oceans Day on Tuesday 8th June, the Mission for Energy Transition held an event at the Yacht Club de Monaco that brought together several companies from the yachting and maritime sector, all of which have signed the National Energy Transition Pact, a clear and concise commitment with three key priorities for the energy transition- transport, waste, and energy. The invited companies presented their flagship actions to promote the energy transition and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

With a worth of 8.15 billion dollars worldwide, the yachting market has the power to be a game-changer on the sensitive topic of protecting our biodiversity through involving and educating students, challenging all modern methods, and trialling new eco-friendly technologies to rescue the oceans and the environment. “Monaco plays host to significant yachting activity. To be effective, efforts to raise awareness about environmentally friendly behaviours must be ongoing,” comments Olivier Lavagna, Deputy Director-General, Societe d’Exploitation des Ports de Monaco (SEPM).

Showcasing the urgent need for change, the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge took place in July. 35 teams and 20 nationalities participated to share ideas and methods of using clean energy, including hydrogen, heat recovery, solar panels and wind power, to create the most energy positive boats possible.

Building Sustainable Infrastructure

To ensure the future is sustainable-proof, the Princes’s Government has launched the Sustainable Mediterranean Buildings of Monaco Initiative in partnership with EnvirobatBDM. This sustainable construction initiative applies to all public construction and renovation projects. It helps to promote best practices that make the most of the Mediterranean climate to lower usage and consumption, including reducing the impact of materials, water/energy consumption, and bioclimatic design to ensure a healthy and comfortable space for occupants while taking account of environmental, social and economic challenges.

With all of these initiatives and achievements across the sectors and industries in Monaco, the Principality is well on its way to achieving its ultimate goal of reducing its carbon emissions by 55% by 2030 and being completely carbon neutral by 2050, making it the perfect sustainable destination for residents, travellers, and businesses.

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