Slovenia has reduced its emissions of virtually all traditional air pollutants, including SOx, NOx, NMVOCs, CO and NH3, as well as those of particulate matter and heavy metals. While significant structural changes to Slovenia’s economy led to a notable drop in GHG emissions in the 1990s, performance in this area since 2000 has been uneven. Emissions from the manufacturing, commercial and residential sectors have decreased, but not enough to offset an increase from the transport sector. This chapter reviews policy initiatives implemented during the review period to reduce local and transboundary air pollution, institutional and strategic frameworks, and mechanisms in place to monitor implementation. It assesses progress in using market-based instruments (e.g. energy and vehicle taxes) and analyses the effectiveness of measures implemented in the energy and transport sectors, including those promoting renewable and energy efficiency. Interactions between different policy instruments are also considered.

Slovenia’s accession to the EU provided a strong impetus to strengthen the country’s waste management policies and practices. It also provided finance for upgrading and constructing waste management infrastructure. This chapter reviews overall use of materials by the Slovenian economy and changes in resource productivity. It also presents trends in the generation and treatment of municipal and manufacturing waste, including hazardous, as well as waste from construction and demolition activities. The chapter takes stock of policy initiatives and legal reforms, including those that aim to reduce waste generation, encourage recycling, and ensure safe disposal of various waste streams. It discusses the environmental and economic implications of recently implemented measures such as Extended Producer Responsibility and a landfill levy, as well as the reform of waste collection charges. Progress in remediating contaminated land is also examined.