Early June 2011 saw the launch of a portal familiarising visitors with the Green Investment Scheme (Zöld Beruházási Rendszer, ZBR) as a thematic sub-site of the government website. www.gis.kormany.hu gives guidance on the quota sales practice, news of the most recent developments, updates on topical issues and tender opportunities.

Hungary was among the first to elaborate and launch a programme for energy efficiency and building engineering financed from carbon dioxide sales. The Green Investment Scheme was born after Hungary’s 2008 sale of part of its unburnt carbon dioxide quotas set and available for it under the Kyoto Agreement. The revenues earned on quota sales were fully used by Hungary for climate protection purposes.

The fundamental goal of ZBR is to use the funds available for the projects exclusively for the realisation of measurable, quantifiable and certified green-house gas emission reduction. Support to efficient investment projects resulting in significant emission reduction is also in national interest, as it contributes considerably to the combat against climate change, can cut energy consumption and mitigate the country’s energy dependence.

The www.gis.kormany.hu sub-site presents the legislative background and organisational structure of the Green Investment Scheme, gives an introduction into the previous and the planned ZBR sub-programmes and exemplary projects, and offers tender opportunities.

(Ministry of National Development , Department of Communication)