SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION AND
PRODUCTION
Examples of best practice - national experiences
DRAFT 1
[Please, note that this draft document is to be updated]
1
Content
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Belgium
3
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Denmark
9
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Finland
12
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France
20
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Germany
29
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Hungary
51
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Ireland
53
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Italy
58
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Malta
62
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Poland
67
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Spain
78
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Sweden
98
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United Kingdom
103
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BELGIUM
1. INTRODUCTION
2. GENERAL POLICY STRATEGIES AND INSTRUMENTS
2.1.
General policy framework
2.2.
Thematic Strategy on Sustainable Use of Natural Resources
The Brussels Government adopted on the 27th of November 2003 the Brussels Region’s Third
Waste Plan ‘2003-2007’1. This plan emphasises the promotion of more sustainable
consumption, starting from the concept of “dematerialisation”2. The concept of
dematerialisation endeavours to expand the sphere of activities peculiar to waste prevention in
order to consider the entire product life cycle and in particular to take action against the
wastage of resources. The Plan is directed towards households and offices.
2.3.
Integrated Product Policy
2.4.
Consumer Policies
2.5.
Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility
The federal government adopted in early 2004 an action plan aiming at reducing accidents at
work, called PHARAON. This plan includes a set of measures, which have the objective of
improving security at work. These measures will be taken in the following areas:
simplification of the legislation on security at work, creation of a security barometer in order
to follow more accurately the number and nature of accidents at work, reinforcement of
inspection and prevention, increased responsibility of contractors, participation and
awareness-raising and financial support for SMEs.
2.6.
Public Procurement Policies
In 2003, the Belgian federal government established a “sustainable procurement guide”. The
main feature of this approach is that it integrates the social and environmental aspects of
products. The objective is to reduce the ecological impact of the consumption patterns of
public authorities, to increase the demand for products that are more respectful of the
environment and of social rights, and, in the long-term, to enhance the number of such
products on the market. The guide details the environmentally-friendly criteria (based on the
European eco-label, on national labels, …) of some 80 products that are in daily use in
government administrations as well as criteria for respecting the standards laid down by the
International Labour Organisation and by the Belgian social label3.
1
See http://www.ibgebim.be/francais/contenu/content.asp?ref=1533
Dematerialisation seeks to achieve the same level of economic development or consumer well-being with the
consumption of fewer material and energy resources and consists of a combination of several approaches – waste
prevention at source, measures relating to production, consumption and rational use, and closed-loop resource
management. In this context, the Plan singles out two targets for its actions: households and offices.
3
To find out more: http://www.guidedesachatsdurables.be
2
3
2.7.
Economic Instruments
General
In Belgium, ecotaxes similar to excise duties are levied on certain products that are considered
environmentally hazardous. Ecotaxes on disposable cameras and batteries have had a strong
positive impact in terms of collection and recycling.
- disposable cameras: the ecotax rate is 7.44 euros per unit but an exemption is granted if at
least 80% of the weight of the cameras collected through photographic labs is reused and
recycled.
Batteries: unless they are used in some specified appliances, batteries are liable to an ecotax
of 0.50 euro per battery. An exemption is granted to the seller who takes part in a collection
scheme, provided at least 65% of the total weight of the batteries sold annually is collected
and processed in a way that is both ecologically justified and economically feasible.
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Energy taxation
State aid for environmental purposes
Emissions trading system
Preferential tariffs and trade policies
2.8. Information tools
In order to change individual behaviour, the Brussels Region developed practical information
tools, which are credible, specific, and adaptable to each person’s experience in order to get
over the phenomenon of resistance to change.
In the context of the implementation of the Second Waste Plan, the Brussels Region launched
a newspaper aimed at the general public entitled “Minimum waste, we’ll get there”. At the
beginning, the newspaper focused solely on the issue of waste. Recently, the scope of the
newspaper was extended to cover sustainable consumption in general. The newspaper was
renamed “My city … our planet”4. This newspaper – which is quarterly and free of charge –
has some 11,000 subscribers. Concerning its impact, an enquiry showed that:

64% state that they have changed certain aspects of their behaviour after having read
the paper
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87% feel convinced that they can do something at their own level to improve the
environment.
The Brussels Region organised a double exhibition, called “Planet to live in or throw away”.
This exhibition focuses on the supermarket trolley, the symbol of our consumption patterns, in
order to raise everyone’s awareness of the consequences of our ways of life on the production
of waste and on the wastage of natural resources. The first part of the exhibition attempts to
highlight the problem of the hidden side of waste and explains the concept of ecological
footprint5. The second part dwells more on our supermarket shelves. All along the visit of the
“At the useless and wastefulness department”, the shopping trolley fills up. Products on
4
5
See http://www.ibgebim.be/francais/contenu/content.asp?ref=573
It was created by the Association of Cities and Regions for Recycling (ACRR) with the support of the
European Commission.
4
display may prove thought provoking and give rise to suggest alternatives that would be both
greener and cheaper6.
Education, awareness raising and public information
“Puzzle for waste prevention”: The project “puzzle for waste prevention” is a pilot project
conducted in the Walloon Region and in different EU countries. Prevention, witch is a
complex issue hardly known by the public, is symbolised by a puzzle in which many actors
take place: public authorities, producers, distributors, waste managers and households.
Changes in the behaviour of each actor represent the pieces of the puzzle, which strengthen
prevention. The “puzzle” project will for 3 months follow 30 households that have accepted
to modify their consumption behaviour. For the first time in the Walloon Region, households
are guided in their daily waste management behaviour. The interest consists in each
household’s awareness of their own wastes production and in the adoption of good practices
compatible with their way of life. The project is available on: http://www.espaceenvironnement.be/puzzle.htm
In Flanders, the following actions have been developed:
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2.9.
Education kit about energy, food and environmental friendly housekeeping for the
sociocultural (non-formal) education centres. Target group: adults and members of
sociocultural (non formal) education centres.
The Eco-friendly Products Guide is an electronic environment-friendly purchase guide
for schools, local authorities and administrative entities7.
MOS (Milieuzorg Op School / Environmental Care at Schools) helps schools to
develop their own environmental care system. All persons involved (pupils/students,
teachers/lecturers, principal, parents, educational staff, clerical staff, maintenance
staff, kitchen staff…) work together on a coherent number of environment-friendly
measures and agreements. Themes are: waste prevention, water, energy, traffic, green
space planning, kitchen & canteen and materials8.
eco-label
Social label. After several years of preparation and parliamentary discussions, the
Belgian federal government adopted in 2002 a Law aiming at promoting socially
responsible production. This Law establishes a social label for goods and services
produced in the respect of the 8 ILO conventions on labour. This label aims at
informing consumers on the labour conditions behind the product they buy9.
consumer information
Analytical tools
Indicators
Reporting mechanisms
2.10. Research and development
6
Exhibition created by the IBGE with the CRIOC (the Research and Information Centre of the Consumer
Organisations).
7
Mail: info@schoolkoopwijzer.be Web: http://www.milieukoopwijzer.be
8
Web: http://www.milieueducatie.be, http://www.milieuzorgopschool.be.
9
More information on : http://mineco.fgov.be/protection_consumer/social_label/home_fr.htm.
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The development of a “Sustainable Development” label
At present, an integrated product policy oriented towards sustainable consumption and
product patterns is too often approached from an environmental viewpoint. Attention to the
social conditions in which a product is manufactured is also required. That is why the Belgian
Research Policy Office finances a research project to develop a ‘sustainable development’
label as a voluntary policy instrument.
The research carried by the Centre for Sustainable Development (CDO) of the University of
Ghent and ETHIBEL have developed procedures for investigating, testing, evaluating and
monitoring products. They tested them on the product ‘coffee’ in co-operation with the
research centre ESPOL (Guayaquil - Ecuador). They also developed a legal basis for the
allocation of the ‘sustainable development’ label for products.
This research project is part of the more general research programme about “Sustainable
Production and Consumption patterns” which tackles several issues in the field of SCP10.
3. SECTORS AND ISSUES
3.1.
Industry/cleaner production
Regulatory framework
IPPC
“Integrated environmental review ”: Aware of the growing workload for industries associated
with requests for environment about the state of their environment, the Walloon
environmental administration (Directorate-General for Natural Resources and the
Environment) has created for the industries concerned an integrated questionnaire (called
“unique form”), which includes all requests and declarations concerning environmental
issues. So far, these enquiries were carried out by different offices depending on their
responsibilities, without coordination, causing redundancy for each undertaking. In January
2004, a first draft of this integrated environmental questionnaire for information about energy,
air, water, industrial wastes and expenses, was sent to the industries involved. From January
2005, this integrated questionnaire will be available on line at the site of the Walloon region:
http://mrw.wallonie.be/dgrne/.
Environmental Technology Action Plan
In Flanders, the following actions have been developed:
 Factor10, Flemish information point for eco-design: Providing information through a
web site, helpdesk and digital newsletter, workshops and seminars. Target group:
Designers, producing companies and students11.
 Milieuwinst.be: this Internet site fits into the larger framework of awareness-raising
actions on cleaner production and eco-efficiency in Flanders. A mix of information
instruments is used in order to get a more environmentally friendly or eco-efficient
10
For more information: http://www.belspo.be/belspo/fedra/pres_en.stm
http://www.ethibel.org/subs_e/2_label/main.html http://cdonet.rug.ac.be/english/
11
Web: www.factor10.be
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industry. Target group: Environmental managers in industry, consultants, students, and
persons who grant environmental permits can find valuable information12.
PRESTI (Prevention Stimulating Program), aims to stimulating SME’s to integrate
environmental management and prevention into their policy. The available knowledge
on prevention had to be upgraded and disseminated to SME’s13.
Product standards
Voluntary initiatives and Codes of Conduct
« Agreement with socio-economic actors industry and SMEs »:
Since 1996, the Walloon Region has entered into a partnership with socio-economic actors in
the industrial and SME sectors. A framework agreement has been signed between the
Walloon region on the one hand and trade unions and employer associations on the other.
Those stakeholders are responsible for developing actions toward their partners (employers
and workers), meaning that they have to raise awareness and educate and inform their target
public about environmental management. Considering that coercive measures are not
sufficient to improve environmental performances, this kind of partnership offers a general
and coherent framework for this middle and long-term work of awareness raising.
In Flanders, the Flemish Benchmarking Covenant was created in 2003 for large energyintensive industrial installations in all sectors. By voluntarily participating in this covenant,
the companies commit themselves to bring or keep the energy efficiency of their process
installations at the level of the best international standard in 2012. This world top standard
improves over the years14.
Biotechnology
EMAS
« Implementing E.M.A.S. in the Walloon administration»: The Directorate-General for
Natural Resources and Environment is the first administrative unit in the Walloon Region to
get into the process of environmental management with the aim of obtaining EMAS
registration in 2004. The process began in 2000 with information meetings for employees,
training sessions for coordinators and the elaboration of environmental good practices.
Internal audits have also been organised. An audit of control by an accredited organisation
will take place in March 2004.
E.M.A.S polities of the Walloon government”: EMAS is imposed by the Walloon Government
for some processes:
 sectoral landfill obligations impose EMAS certification to obtain permits;
 the Walloon Region imposes the Walloon water board to become EMAS-registered
through a management agreement;
 waste water treatment plants have to be EMAS-registered (imposed by contract
between the Walloon public body for waste water management and organizations
involved in waste water treatment).
 Environmental Liability
 Housing and construction
12
Web: www.milieuwinst.be
Web: www.presti.be
14
More information on http://www.benchmarking.be
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3.2.
Energy
3.3.
Agriculture and forestry
3.4.
Fisheries
3.5.
Transport
In Belgium (Flanders), the Flemish Mobility Plan (1) guarantees accessibility of the
economical junctions, (2) offers everyone in Flanders the possibility to be mobile, (3)
provides road safety in Flanders and (4) reduces the damage inflicted on nature and on the
environment, even if mobility increases15.
3.6.
Tourism
3.7.
Waste
In Flanders, the following actions have been developed:
 MAMBO, Minder Afval Meer Bedrijfs Opbrengsten stands for ‘Less waste means
more profit for the company’. The MAMBO-package is a software application that
helps companies to gain a correct insight into their waste costs. Target group: SME’s16.
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STIP, Support and Information Centre on the Prevention of Waste. Objectives:
Intermediary organisations have a greater knowledge of cleaner production and
consumption patterns (with a focus on waste prevention) and promote those ways of
production and consumption with their target groups (enterprises and consumers).
Policy makers are informed about how target groups perceive and experience waste
prevention policy17.
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Subsidy Scheme for Investments on Waste Prevention. Objectives: Removing financial
obstacles for local authorities willing to invest in facilities and services for waste
prevention and waste management and improving waste prevention and waste
management on a local level18.
3.8.
Chemicals
15
Web: http://mobiliteit.vlaanderen.be
Web: www.mambo.be
17
Web: www.stip.ovam.be
18
Web: http://www.ovam.be
16
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DENMARK
1.
DANISH EXPERIENCES WITH ENVIRONMENTAL TAXES
At present environmental taxes account for about 10 per cent of the total Danish tax revenue.
This is a relatively high figure compared to other countries. Well over half of the revenue is
derived from the energy sector and a third comes from transport. The rest is levied on waste
and wastewater, various chemicals and other items.
The lesson learned is that taxes that are designed with a clear-cut environmental objective
have lead to significant environmental improvements. The strongest environmental effects
have been seen where substitutes are available, or where new technology has assisted in
curbing pollution.
Examples are taxes on sulphur, on nickel-cadmium batteries and on chlorinated solvents. And
it has been the case for the difference in taxes on leaded and unleaded petrol.
A continuous evaluation and adjustment are necessary to enhance the environmental
effectiveness of taxes, because new technology and new possibilities for substitution of
products present new opportunities. Sharing information, experiences and best practices
among countries improve the use of environmental taxes.
1.2
Water taxes and water consumption
Water consumption by households fell by more than one quarter in the period 1989-2001. At
the same time the price of water rose by as much as 150%. The price of water is composed of
a water supply tax (41%), VAT (20%), variable water taxes (12%), green taxes, (14%),
variable taxes (9%) fixed wastewater charge (2%) and a state wastewater tax (2%). The clear
relationship between increases in water prices and falls in water consumption by household
supports and documents the effect of green taxes as an incentive to water-saving measures.
1.3
Tax on SO2
Danish SO2 emissions were reduced by 24% in the period 1995-1997. Within a few weeks of
the implementation of the tax, the sulphur content of fuel gas oil and heavy fuel was reduced
from 0.2% to 0.05% and by a third for coal. This response confirmed a Ministry of Taxation
survey that found there were no price differentials between high and low sulphur fuels, prior
to the tax, and therefore, the tax generated incentives for a rapid shift to low sulphur fuels and
coal. The tax has had some dynamic efficiency effects through forcing the development of
sulphur purification plants and technology. The tax has been more effective than foreseen
when it was implemented. In 1996 the revenue was app. 40 million Euro and in 2002 the
revenue has declined to app. 16 million Euro.
2.
DANISH PRODUCT PANELS
As part of the Danish IPP scheme so-called Product Panels have been set up. A Product Panel
is a group of stakeholders from the entire value chain of a specific product group e.g. textiles,
electronics and foods. The objective of the panels is to establish concrete initiatives and
propose projects that can increase the share of “green” products on the market.
The panels have been initiated by the Danish EPA, who has invited the participants and the
chairpersons and financed secretarial assistance. An important component has been to invite
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front-runners and enthusiastic individuals to the panel in addition to representatives from
sector/branch organisations etc.
The panel concept has shown to be a good way to promote dialogue in the value chain and get
better stakeholder involvement in the gathering of knowledge and creation of tools to assist
the market players in greening their products/demands. In addition to this, the textile panel
has in particular been successful in actually getting more green products on the market.
What is important for success in the model used in DK:
 A good knowledge-base to start from
 That the panels to a large extend consists of front-runners and that the participants have
direct decision power
 That there is a good potential to use environment for competition advantages among the
participants in the panel
 That there is funding available for secretariats and co-financing of initiatives in the initial
phase
3.
LCA CENTRE DENMARK
The Danish EPA has by January 2003 established a LCA-centre in Denmark. The purpose of
the centre is to promote product-oriented environmental strategies in private companies by
assisting them in implementing life cycle thinking. The centre is managed by a consortium
consisting of a technology service institute (FORCE Technology), academia (Institute for
Product Development) and a private consultancy (COWI A/S). The centre is working with
information activities, network activities, courses, critical reviews of LCA’s and will be
supplier of a professional LCA software and data-packages sustaining the EDIP LCA-method.
An important element for the centre is to focus the initiatives on SME’s and to meet their
needs e.g. different levels of detail in LCA work. The intention is that the centre shall be selfsustaining after the first 4-year period19.
4.
THE GREEN TECHNOLOGY FORESIGHT
This project focuses on the environmental challenges from three technology platforms:
nanotechnology, biotechnology and ICT (information and communication technologies). The
project is scheduled to end in May 2005. A number of companies have agreed to contribute to
the project with information and cases. The aim of the GTF project is:
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5.
To analyse the environmental potentials and risks related to the three technology
platforms within the coming 15 - 20 years, especially in relation to chemicals
To identify areas, where Denmark has competencies which might contribute to enhanced
competitiveness of Danish companies and position Denmark within environmentally
sound design of products and materials
To analyse how environmentally promising innovation paths might be supported in
Denmark and in the EU
GREEN ACCOUNTS
In 1995 Denmark adopted a new piece of legislation on green accounts stipulating that 1,200
enterprises with activities important for the environment had to publish green accounts each
year. Today a green account includes
19
www.lca-center.dk
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1) basic information on the enterprise’s environmental permits
2) the enterprise’s statement of for example: environmental policy and objectives and of
concrete results achieved
3) the most environmentally import inputs and outputs from the production process including
energy, raw materials, hazardous substances and waste
In the period 1999 – 2002 the first generations of green accounts were evaluated and the
regulation was revised.
For many enterprises making the green account has increased the awareness of environmental
issues and the possibilities to save resources etc. For some enterprises it has also given a
larger interest for environmental management systems. Furthermore, a part of the enterprises
use their green accounts when marketing the enterprise and their products.
Enterprises registered to EMAS are exempted from the obligation to make green accounts, as
the EMAS statement covers the relevant information.
6.
THE INFORMATION CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH
The Information Centre for Environment & Health is an independent information centre on
environment, health and consumption issues. The purpose of the centre is to provide
consumers with tools to make their everyday life more environmentally friendly and healthy.
The information centre is funded by the Danish Ministry of the Environment.
The services of the centre have a national scope. It is open for private persons, associations,
environmental and consumer organisations as well as private enterprises. The services of the
centre are free. The Information centre for Environment & Health offers:
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Telephone consulting
Advice on the environment and consumption about food, children, personal care, the
home, the garden and electronics.
 Environmental news on the Web
 A chemical database, which contains environmental information on more than 500
chemicals used in cosmetics, toys, clothes etc.
Fact sheets, different reports, press releases, facts about ecolabels ect. are published on the
website http://www.miljoeogsundhed.dk
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FINLAND
1 GENERAL POLICY STRATEGIES CONCERNING SCP
1.1. Government Program on Sustainable Development
The Finnish Government Programme for Sustainable Development (Council of State
Decision-in-principle on the Promotion of Ecological Sustainability, 4th June 1998) is
designed to promote ecological, economical and social sustainability. In this framework
policy the government states that it will e.g. promote changes in production and consumption
patterns, minimize the exploitation of non-renewable resources, promote voluntary,
market-driven instruments that improve the ecological sustainability of products and
production methods and improve consumers' opportunities for selecting eco-friendly products,
and promote more diverse commercial utilization of renewable resources. Eco-efficiency is
considered an important goal, but more careful studies will be needed before detailed
environmental policy goals can be set.
In addition, the programme includes a separate chapter on products, production and
consumption. The objectives are to improve Finland's overall eco-competitiveness, to steer
production and consumption in the direction of products with a minimum environmental
impact during their life cycle, and to improve prospects for production methods and consumer
choices, which support sustainable development20.
1.2. National IPP-strategy
In 1999, the Committee for Sustainable Development nominated representatives of
Parliament, the authorities, industry and Ingo's to a working group, whose task was to prepare
for Finland a national strategic view on integrated product policy (IPP). The working group
fulfilled this task during the spring 2001.
According to he national IPP-strategy (2001) the most important challenge is to develop an
ecologically sustainable product culture, which is possible to establish on a large scale only if
the actors along the production chain commit themselves to it and if the policy pursued
provides preconditions for that. Creation of an encouraging and positive business environment
requires a more detailed discussion about the contents of product policy and the distribution
of responsibility between the most important actors, not forgetting the citizens.
Consumers and other actors along the product chain need reliable and consumer-friendly
information on the environmental impact of products and on how they through their own
actions can reduce the damage caused by products. In product policy, special attention should
be directed towards the flow of information along the product chain. Education in the
environmental impact of products should be enhanced both in the basic education and at the
post-graduate level.
At present, the Finnish National Commission on Sustainable Development is establishing a
subcommittee which deals with the issue of education for sustainable development.
20
Program is available at: http://www.ymparisto.fi/default.asp?node=9732&lan=en.
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The main responsibility for the improvement of existing products and the development of new
products lies with the companies manufacturing products. Society can support this
development work by means of innovation policy. In Finland, the main focus in developing
new environmental technology has been on the problems involved in the production stage. In
the future, the importance of environmentally friendly products increases, for instance, in the
allocation of public finance to research.
1.3. National Program on Sustainable Production and Consumption
Finland is developing a national, crosscutting program on sustainable consumption and
production. The aim of the program is to increase eco-efficiency of material and energy use
throughout the whole lifecycle of products. The programme should define the additional goals
and environmental policy measures that will have to be adopted for Finland to become a truly
eco-efficient society. A broad variety of stakeholders are represented in the committee which
is due to work out the national program by the end of May 2005.
In its Program the Government (June 2003) is committed to promote ecologically, socially
and economically sustainable production and consumption. The structure of taxation will be
revised so as to promote sustainable development. Ecological tax reforms will reduce the use
of non-renewable natural resources and prevent environmental damage. At the same time, the
recycling and ecological efficiency of products, their consumption and energy use will be
promoted21.
1.4. Consumer Policies
A policy program favouring sustainable consumption patterns is one key objective of the
Finnish consumer policy. Dissemination of information on environmental issues is not enough
if we want to improve the state of our environment or prevent pollution, because consumption
habits are determined by structural factors, such as existing transport and housing systems and
systems for the distribution of energy as well as economic realities. Therefore, preconditions
for making sustainable consumption choices must be improved.
2. ACTIVITIES AND INSTRUMENTS
2.2. IPPC
The Environmental Protection Act, based on Integrated Pollution Prevention directive, came
into force on 1.3. 2000. Under this act local authorities have new possibilities to control and
limit the use of products causing harmful environmental impacts and to encourage energyefficiency.
Extended producer responsibility tries to encourage prevention of harmful environmental
impacts at the design stage of products by allowing consumers to bring back end-of-life
products free of charge. In Finland, the extended producer responsible is one of the key
concepts of product policy. The Government has based decisions on packaging waste, waste
paper, tyres and construction waste on this principle. These decisions, however, only cover
21
More in the following address: http://www.vnk.fi/vn/liston/base.lsp?r=696&k=en
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recycling and reclamation targets and regulations on supervision; operators are free to create
their own recycling systems and to distribute the possible costs among themselves.
In building sector Ministry of the Environment has set stricter thermal norms on indoor
climate and ventilation to reduce energy consumption in new buildings. It is estimated that
this decree will decrease the energy used for heating by 25-50 per cent compared with former
decrees. Ministry of the Environment also allocates energy grants to reduce energy
consumption in existing multi-storey buildings.
2.2. Public Procurement Policies
The Ministry of Trade and Industry has made voluntary agreements with industry and public
sector on energy conservation and has published recommendations for energy efficiency in
public procurements22.
The Ministry of the Environment has supported the development of an internet-based
database, that submits information to public purchasers (especially municipals) about
procurement methods, product-specific environmental characteristics of well over 60
products, and question-lists intended to be used as tender attachments23.
The Ministry of the Environment has also committed to green its own purchasing and has
challenged other administration to green their procurement. A green strategy on public
procurement for the Ministry was finalised in 2003.
In March 2004 the Ministry of the Environment will publish a guide for public purchasers on
the environmental aspects of products and services.
Several Finnish town and cities together with government institutions have made
commitments to make their procurements more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Two cities, Pori and Jyväskylä, have launched a national green procurement network for
Finnish municipalities. The network helps procurement officials to obtain information on best
practises and environmentally sound procurement strategies and directions.
2.3. Economic Instruments
Finland was the first country to introduce a CO2 tax in 1990. After a number of increases and
a revision of energy taxation after the opening of the Nordic electricity market source fuels for
heating and transport continued to be taxes.
Energy, fuels and waste have constituted the most significant economic instrument and
taxation target. Although it is neither straightforward to identify the true external costs of
products and their impacts nor always easy to design adequate policy options, in practice
energy tax can form a significant cornerstone to take into account external environmental
costs of products. In Finland, environmentally linked and energy taxes already generate more
than 10 per cent of the Government’s budget total. The revenues of environmental energy
taxes have more than doubled during last decade. It has been calculated that without this
increase of energy taxation, emissions of carbon dioxide would have been 4 million tonnes,
22
23
http://www.motiva.fi/english/English/Energy%20Conservation%20Agreements?articles=yes
See www.hymonet.com
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i.e. a good 7 per cent higher than 57 million tonnes actually recorded. The decrease breaks
down roughly equally between end use and production24.
Waste tax
The waste tax has been in force since 1996 in order to decrease the volume of municipal
waste. There is no differentiation of the rate depending on the quality of waste. The tax is
restricted to municipal landfills. Private landfills, such as industrial waste dumps, are
excluded from the tax system. The rate is 23€ per tonne and will be raised to 30€ per tonne as
from January 2005.
Taxes and pledges on beverage bottles
Production and consumption of beverage packages in Finland are guided by taxes and
pledges. Exemption from the packaging tax or a lower tax can be obtained only if the package
is a part of the pledge-based return system. The participation is approved by the Ministry of
the Environment. The taxation system motivates the producers, importers and retailers to
create and maintain return, refill and recycling systems. At the same time, more environment
friendly consumer habits are promoted. The approval includes also a reporting duty: the
amount of marketed beverage packages, return and refill rates, and use as raw material has to
be reported. Despite the environmental benefits, the income from the beverage packaging is
not especially significant for the state tax income.
A pledge is one main condition for tax benefit. A pledge is essential because it gives a
financial incentive for a consumer. The pledge is paid when the beverage with the packaging
is bought, and returned, in full, for the consumer when the empty bottle is returned. The
pledge needs to be high enough to provide the incentive. The minimum amount of the pledge
is defined by the Ministry of the Environment.
Taxes on one-way beverage containers and the deposit are one reason why Finland produces
the lowest amount of package waste in Europe (82 kilos/inhabitant in 1998, compared with
109 kilos/inhabitant in Sweden and an average of 159 kilos/inhabitant in the EU). The bottle
return rate was 97.5 per cent in 2001. Apart from reuse (in average 30 times) of beverage
bottles, waste of glass bottles can be recycled to produce new bottles and plastic bottles to
produce textiles, among other things.
2.4. Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility
Elinkaari ry (Environmental Communications Association), Taloussanomat (Financial daily),
KHT-yhdistys ry (Finnish Institute of Authorised Public Accountants), Helsinki School of
Economics and the Ministry of the Environment have organised an annual reporting award for
social and environmental reports since 1996.
The 2003 contest appraised the reporting of a total of 156 companies or public authorities. For
example, all of the companies on the Main List of Helsinki Exchanges were appraised. Of
these, 82 per cent reported on environmental and social responsibility issues in their annual
report, 55 per cent on their website, and 17 per cent in separate reports.
In February 2004 the Ministry of Trade and Industry adopted a new definition of policy
concerning the promotion of corporate social responsibility. This definition of policy was
prepared in broad co-operation with various stakeholders. The policy includes for example
24
For more information see http://www.ymparisto.fi/default.asp?node=11131&lan=en
15
favouring social responsibility by adopting OECD's guidelines on Global Compact Initiative,
encouraging corporate governance in Finnish enterprises, disseminating best practices of
companies innovating their business models to meet the challenges of sustainable
development, promoting ethical investments as well as promoting social and environmental
responsibility in SME's.
2.5. Information tools
Eco-buyer’s guide on web
The Finnish Consumer Agency has a web-site for consumers25."The Eco-buyer’s guide is
intended for consumers wishing to choose the best the market can offer from the
environmental perspective. Published only in electronic form, the Eco-buyer’s guide informs
the consumer of what the environmentally friendly alternatives are in shops, at home, in the
car, and at the work place."
Product Panel for textiles
The Ministry of Environment and the Finnish Environment Institute initiated the foundation
of a Product Panel for textiles. Twenty participants (representing manufacturers, trade,
environmental and consumer administration, research, and environmental labelling) try to find
ways to promote environmentally responsible textiles and clothes.
To capture material flows
The Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Trade and Industry are investigating the
possibility to establish an organization to promote efficient use and saving of natural
resources and raw materials and eco-efficiency. The working title of this organization is
"Service Centre for Material Efficiency. It has been outlined that the organization/ centre
might have following forms of operation:





to coordinate information dissemination, services and training in the field of materialand eco-efficiency in cooperation with other relevant partners, for example different
stakeholders in industrial production, enterprisers, consumer and waste advisers as
well as authorities
to give advice, to arrange seminars and to disseminate information on material- and
eco-efficiency
to organize campaigns for material- and eco-efficiency
to further material- and eco-efficiency surveys and analyses
to start demonstration projects
Eco-labels
The Nordic environmental label, the Nordic Swan, and the EU environmental label are
employed. The greatest number of licences (around 200) has been granted for the Nordic
Swan label in product groups such as fine paper for copying and printing, processed fine
paper products, car care products, detergents for textiles, all purpose cleaners, paper
envelopes, automatic dishwashing detergents, copying machines and lawnmowers. According
to a recent marketing study the Swan was ranked sixth among a hundred different brands,
which shows that the Swan is one of the most appreciated logos. Also according to a recent
marketing study the sales of Swan-labeled goods have increased by 50 per cent in the past
five years.
25
Eco-buyer’s guide: www.kuluttajavirasto.fi/ekok/
16
Above these the “luomu” eco-labelling scheme applies to agricultural products produced
organically under the supervision of Finnish authorities, according to conditions set in EU
regulations on organic agricultural production. The Finnish Association for Nature
Conservation (FANC) runs an energy eco-labelling scheme which is designed to inform
consumers about the ways energy is produced. The right to use the scheme’s “norppa” (ringed
seal) logo is granted to energy is produced according to the strict environmental requirements
set by the FANC.
2.6. Analytical tools
Indicators
A national set of sustainable development indicators was published in 2000, and it includes
indicators for consumption (e.g. holiday air travel, household consumer spending). The
development process involved a large party of scientists, civil servants and NGOs. These
indicators are updated on a regular basis by the Finnish Environment Institute.
A follow-up study was made with Finnish policy makers to examine the potential of
sustainable development indicators in their work. The study shows that although the
indicators are regarded as a promising concept, their use is still marginal and more promotion
is needed.
2.7. Voluntary tools
EU’s Eco-management and auditing Scheme was adopted by the first plants in spring 1996.
Some 39 organisations had EMAS certification by November 2003. In Finland Ministry of
the Environment has promoted EMAS actively for example in seminars and workshops,
through advertising as well as trying to find ways to draw firms in through incentives.
Incorporating energy-saving agreements in EMS and supporting the environmental work of
small and medium sized enterprises have been a means to combine different processes into a
natural part of daily operations, leading to environmental improvements26.
In the national climate strategy and the associated energy conservation programme, voluntary
energy conservation agreements play a central role in the implementation of energy
efficiency. The objective is that a total of approximately a quarter of Finland’s targeted
greenhouse gas reduction in 2010 will be achieved by means of energy conservation
measures. Various business sectors have made energy-saving agreements with the ministries
and MOTIVA Oy, a special independent organisation set up to promote energy savings27.
Voluntary agreement on energy conservation in residential buildings is implemented to gain
reduced energy and water consumption and GHG´s (CO2). Agreements are made between and
Housing and Construction Association (ASRA) and Ministry of the Environment and
Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Different NGOs have for several years had projects on waste prevention, sustainable resource
use and responsible consumerism and highlighted the need for ecological efficiency and
sufficiency in order to decrease the use of natural resources to the level considered
26
For more information see http://www.ymparisto.fi/default.asp?node=4032&lan=en
For more information see
http://www.motiva.fi/english/English/Energy%20Conservation%20Agreements?articles=yes
27
For more information: http://www.sll.fi/toiminta/kestava/ekotehokkuus/et_kulutus/et_engl/view.
27
For more information: http://www.sll.fi/toiminta/kestava/ekotehokkuus/et_kulutus/et_engl/view.
26
17
sustainable. For example the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation has co-operated
with various stakeholders in order to make eco-efficiency ("more from less") accepted as both
a business and a national strategy. The FANC has among other things produced brochures on
eco-efficiency and arranged an eco-efficiency fair as well as a Factor X-project in cooperation with the Finnish industry etc)28.
2.8. Research and product development
Technology Development Centre (TEKES) finances and organises projects for developing
industrial products and production methods TEKES has also financed several projects on
environmentally friendly energy as well as cross-disciplinary programmes in the field of
sustainable development29.
The Environmental Cluster Research Program
The Environmental Cluster Research Program administrated by the Ministry of the
Environment will also include a number of research projects on sustainable production and
consumption patterns. Eco-efficiency was identified as the underlying theme, because it
includes environmental impacts during the whole life cycle of products besides emissions
control, as well as the efficient use of raw material and energy and is thus well suited for
describing the basic ideas of the program.
The first stage (1997-1999) of the projects has been concentrated on increasing the knowledge
of the environmental impacts caused by Finnish industry and its main products by using as
tools life-cycle analysis and assessment of material flows. The life-cycle approach will be
applied to all important branches of industry, e.g., forestry, basic metal, building and
electronics industries as well as to agriculture and water management. A separate material
flow analysis has been carried out for the whole Finnish national economy.
One of the key areas in the second stage (2000-2002) was sustainable development and the
information society. The subjects covered are life styles and cultural changes, consumption
patterns and consumer networking. Finnish ICT-industry has supported the approach taken.
From the ICT-industry’s point of view the interface between their products and the Finnish
society is important, especially the relationship between people’s way of life, consumer habits
and ICT-products. Moreover, a national innovation system should produce such innovations
as combine specific traditional strengths of Finnish industry, that is, a high level of
environmental protection and a strong data technology expertise.
The programme includes a variety of projects with a view to sustainable development and the
information society. These projects deal with e.g. telecommuting, goods transports, products
culture, agriculture, daily goods trade, inter-net based market for environmentally sound
products and secondary material, virtual education, youth culture, practices in daily life,
environmental awareness and public participation. Inter-net base market places for
environmentally sound products and secondary building material were already created in the
first phase of the Cluster programme.
29
For more information: http://www.tekes.fi/eng/interests/interests.asp?aihe=Ympäristö&eng=Environment
18
The third stage of the programme (2003-2005) concentrates on eco-efficient society. One of
the priority areas is production and consumption and it covers eco-efficient production and
consumer behaviour, lifestyles and social sustainability. The third phase covers around 22
different projects totalling around 3 million euro.
Life-cycle assessment for different sectors
The sectoral LCA studies can give an additional value compared with the traditional productspecific LCAs. For example, in 1998-2000 an extensive R&D project – LCA as a Tool for the
Management of Environmental Issues in Finnish Metals Industry – was carried out as a
collaborative study. The Finnish Environment Institute was in charge of the project, and all
major Finnish metal manufacturing companies and the Association of Finnish Steel and Metal
Producers took part in the work. In the study LCAs were made for nineteen metal products.
The collaborative sectoral approach proved to be an applicable way to reduce costs for
conducting LCAs and to improve data quality. It established a forum in which industryspecific problems related to LCAs could be discussed, and made a wider set of inventory data
available. In addition, the company-specific environmental impact assessments carried out
with the uniform methodology facilitated identification of improvement areas of
environmental protection in the whole industry sector. The project was a valuable learning
process for all participants.
Sectoral LCA studies carried out in Finland include:
 chemical and mechanical forest industry
 metals industry (steel, stainless steel, copper, nickel, zinc and aluminium)
 water supply and wastewater treatment system in municipalities
 construction
 mining industry
 energy generation
 food industry (bread, milk, cheese, fish products)
19
FRANCE
1.
INTRODUCTION
2.
GENERAL POLICY STRATEGIES AND INSTRUMENTS
2.1
General policy framework
National Strategy for Sustainable Development
One of the thematic programmes of actions of the National Strategy for Sustainable
Development adopted in 2003 deals with economic activities, companies and consumers; It
identifies goals and actions to encourage companies to commit themselves to voluntary
agreements, including SME’s, to integrate sustainibility into production and consumption and
to encourage innovation and creation taking into account a life-cycle approach30.
2.2
Thematic Strategy on Sustainable Use of Natural Resources
2.3
Integrated Product Policy
L'éco-conception en action : témoignages d'entreprises
L'ADEME a dix fiches sur les retours d'expérience d'entreprises qui se sont lancées dans une
démarche d'éco-conception de leurs produits.
L'éco-conception est une démarche préventive qui permet de réduire les impacts négatifs des
produits sur l'environnement sur l'ensemble de leur cycle de vie, tout en conservant leur
qualité d'usage. L'éco-conception vise à intégrer l'environnement dans les phases de
conception ou d'amélioration d'un produit, aux côtés des critères classiques que sont le coût, la
qualité, la faisabilité technique, les attentes du marché, ... Téléchargement des 10 fiches
d'opérations exemplaires31.
2.4
Consumer Policies
Création d’un site grand public sur la consommation durable
L’Association Consodurable et le site qui lui sera associé visent à renseigner les
consommateurs sur les produits ou services respectueux du développement durable, et de
créer des synergies entre consom'acteurs et entreprises pour favoriser de nouveaux
engagements volontaires en faveur du développement durable.
Composée de 3 collèges, issus des pouvoirs publics, des fédérations professionnelles, et du
monde citoyen représenté par les associations de défense des consommateurs et les
associations de protection de l'environnement, l'Association Consodurable a vocation a
fédérer ces acteurs économiques pour développer une consommation durable et responsable
qui s'efforce d'inverser les modes de d'achat et de production écologiquement ou éthiquement
non viables, pour privilégier ceux qui le sont32.
30
http://www.environnement.gouv.fr/actua/com2003/developpement_durable/sndd/06-SNDD-prog-actions.pdf
31
http://www.ademe.fr/entreprises/Management-env/Approche-produit/ecoconception/Documents_2003/ecoact.pdf
32
http://www.consodurable.org/
20
2.5
Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility
Loi Nouvelles Régulations Economiques - Article 116
La Loi et son décret d’application du 20 février 2002 oblige les entreprises cotées en bourse à
faire une déclaration sur les actions des entreprises dans le domaine social et
environnemental. Trois groupes d’informations concernent des informations " sociales
internes " (effectifs, formation, hygiène, sécurité, parité, handicapés etc.), un second portant
sur l'impact territorial de l'activité (filiales, sous-traitants, lien au territoire, soit 8 rubriques) et
un troisième portant sur l'environnement (28 rubriques). De plus, un arrêté complémentaire du
30 avril 2002 détaille les " rejets dans l'air, l'eau et le sol affectant gravement l'environnement
" qui doivent être mentionnés ; on y retrouve notamment les gaz à effet de serre, les
substances toxiques ou radioactives. Grâce à cette loi, plusieurs sociétés de notation ont pu se
lancer sur ce nouveau marché33.
Normalisation des stratégies « entreprises » de développement durable : SD 21000
L’AFNOR (Association Française de Normalisation) a créé en 2000, un groupe de travail
« Entreprises et développement durable » constitué de plus de 100 membres de façon à ce que
l’ensemble des intérêts de la société soit représenté dans les travaux et réflexions. Il s’est
donné comme premier objectif de dégager un consensus sur les enjeux et le type d’approches
volontaires pouvant favoriser l’application et l’intégration des principes de développement
durable aux entreprises compte tenu des initiatives en cours. Ce groupe a ensuite proposé des
lignes directrices pour aider les dirigeants d’entreprises dans leur approche du développement
durable : le guide SD 21 000. Ces travaux ont reçu le soutien des pouvoirs public, notamment
de la stratégie nationale du développement durable.
Des opérations collectives regroupant entre 10 et 20 PME dans chacune des régions françaises
sont en cours. Elle permettront de mettre au point les outils d’accompagnement du texte SD
21000 (outils de diagnostics et de positionnement stratégique par exemple) et de valider par le
terrain les propositions faites par le groupe de travail. Ces travaux sont conjointement menés
par l’AFNOR et l’Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Saint-Etienne34.
La recommandation du BVP sur le développement durable.
Le Bureau de Vérification de la Publicité a établi des règles d'autodiscipline en matière de
publicité faisant référence au développement durable ou à la responsabilité sociale (ou
sociétale) des entreprises (RSE).
Cette recommandation s'applique dans trois cas :
 lorsqu'une publicité utilise le thème général de développement durable ;
 lorsqu'une publicité utilise une seule des composantes du développement durable mais
renvoie au concept général ;
 lorsqu'une publicité ne fait pas référence au développement durable, mais risque de
présenter des éléments peu compatibles avec les objectifs de celui-ci.
La recommandation détaille notamment les principes de véracité, d’objectivité et de loyauté
qui devraient s’imposer35.
2.6
Public Procurement Policies
33
Pour une description du dispositif : http://www.novethic.fr/novethic/site/article/index.jsp?id=74593
Pour en savoir plus www.sd21000.org.
34
Pour en savoir plus: http://www.bvp.org/bvp/documents/deonto/dev_durable/mn_devdurable.htm
34
21
Depuis plus de 3 ans, la Communauté Urbaine de Dunkerque teste des marchés intégrant soit
des clauses environnementales soit des critères sociaux. Actuellement, les clauses
environnementales concernent le papier, les peintures, les produits d’entretien, les chariots, les
poubelles, les sacs plastiques, les ordinateurs, les photocopieurs, l’électroménager
(réfrigérateurs), et en cours les véhicules. Le respect des Droits de l’Homme au Travail fait
l’objet de certificat de respect intégré à tous les marchés récents (fournitures de bureau et
informatique). Le commerce équitable est représenté par le café, le thé et le sucre.
Progressivement, la démarche se généralise à tous les marchés
La Communauté urbaine de Dunkerque a pris l’initiative de mobiliser au sein d’un réseau
informel une quinzaine de collectivités territoriales en Nord Pas de Calais. Ces collectivités
représentent la moitié de la population régionale. Durant cette même période, les
méthodologies et les écritures des marchés pour l’introduction des clauses d’Insertion,
d’Environnement, de Droits humains au travail ont été finalisées et une étude commune en
matière de Droits humains au travail est en cours. La Communauté urbaine joue un rôle
moteur de pionnier mais aussi de pédagogue en proposant notamment aux collectivités des
modules de formation aux achats "éco-responsables"36
Dans le cadre de la mise en œuvre de l’Agenda 21 lillois, la Ville de Lille a engagé différentes
démarches pour s’inscrire dans une politique d’achat plus respectueuse de l’environnement et
du développement durable. A cet effet, des travaux ont été engagés afin d'intégrer
l’environnement et l’éthique dans les marchés publics, afin de : protéger les ressources
naturelles (air, eau, énergie) et la biodiversité de la faune et de la flore, réduire les pollutions
et limiter les déchets à la source, préserver les droits des générations futures, respecter les
droits de l’homme au travail et de l’enfant, économiser et partager les ressources dans un
souci de plus grande équité, participer à l’évolution de l’offre et de la demande de la
« consommation durable ». C’est ainsi que depuis 2002, la Ville de Lille a lancé une
démarche interne, sur la thématique des achats durables. Pour ce faire la collectivité a opéré
en trois phases : 1/ former les principaux acheteurs municipaux (phase 1), 2/ accompagner la
collectivité dans la recherche de produits de substitution ayant un impact moindre sur
l’environnement, dans des tests et dans la rédaction des cahiers des charges (phase 2), 3/
établir un mode opératoire, généralisable à d’autres produits (phase 3), à transmettre à chaque
acheteur municipal.
Aujourd’hui les marchés suivants contiennent désormais des critères environnementaux mais
aussi sociaux : bois (non-utilisation d’essences protégées…), le centre social Mosaïque
(critères pour l’utilisation de peintures écologiques et des clauses d’insertion), le marché de
l’éclairage public (marché prochainement signé, économie d’énergie, énergie renouvelable,
lutte contre la pollution lumineuse, utilisation des peintures écologiques, gestion des déchets),
le marché fournitures de produits d’entretien et d’hygiène (marché signé 2003), le marché des
enveloppes en papier recyclé (utilisation d’enveloppes 100% recyclées), le marché papier
pour utiliser du papier recyclé (marché prochainement signé). Dans le cadre de l’habitat de
nombreux projets intègre le principe de la Haute Qualité Environnementale : le Faubourg
d’Arras (projet de rénovation (ANRU), 500 logements privés et sociaux en HQE), les Rives
de la Haute-Deûle (projet de 900 à 1000 logements HQE), le logement témoin en HQE.
36
Contact : Audrey Leclercq - audrey.leclercq@dgl.cc - http://www.communaute-urbaine-dunkerque.fr/
22
Lille s’est engagée également comme ville pilote dans la campagne européenne PROCURA +
initiée par le réseau ICLEI et qui porte sur les thèmes suivants : l’électricité, les transports
publics, l’alimentation, les équipements Bureautique, les produits de services de nettoyage et
la construction37.
2.7
Economic Instruments
- General
- Energy taxation
- State aid for environmental purposes
- Emissions trading system
- Preferential tariffs and trade policies
2.8
Information tools
- Education, awareness raising and public information
Médiaterre : système mondial d’information francophone pour le développement durable
Ce système vise aussi à renforcer la capacité de communication de centres de ressources ou
autre lieux de compétences, pour créer de véritables communautés de travail en langue
française. Ce système a reçu le soutien de la francophonie et du Ministère de l’Ecologie et du
développement durable. Un portail est consacré aux modes de production et de
consommation38.
Administration écoresponsable
L’exemplarité de l’Etat constitue l’un de ses six axes de la Stratégie nationale du
développement durable qui définit un plan d’action à moye terme pour tous les domaines de
l’action publique. Afin qu’une véritable dynamique puisse désormais s’engager, l’Etat doit
montrer l’exemple et intégrer les enjeux du développement durable dans ses politiques
publiques, comme dans son fonctionnement au quotidien. Il convient notamment que les
administrations, limitent les impacts sur l’environnement de leurs activité, évoluent vers
d’autres modes de consommation, et réduisent les gaspillages de toute nature. Un site a été
créé spécifiquement pour informer les administrations39
- eco-label
- consumer information
2.9
Analytical tools
Evaluation des impacts environnementaux des sacs de caisse Carrefour
ACV des sacs de caisse en plastique, papier et matériau biodégradable. Le groupe Carrefour a
sollicité la société Ecobilan pour quantifier et comparer les impacts environnementaux de
37
Gaetan Cheppe, Chef de projet en environnement et développement durable, Tél: 03/20/49/57/65, Fax:
03/20/49/54/60, Email: gcheppe@mairie-lille.fr
37
www.mediaterre.org
37
http://www.ecoresponsabilite.environnement.gouv.fr/
23
quatre types de sacs de caisse mis à la disposition de ses clients en suivant la méthodologie de
l'analyse de cycle de vie conformément à la norme ISO 14040. L'étude concerne les sacs
plastiques jetables classiques, un cabas polyéthylène réutilisable, un sac papier et un sac
biodégradable à base d'amidon de maïs.
A l'issue de cette étude, l'ADEME a pris en charge et mis en place une revue critique des
résultats par un comité indépendant comprenant des représentants des ONG WWF et l'UFC
Que-Choisir, et un expert ACV indépendant40
2.10. Research and development
3.
SECTORS AND ISSUES
3.1
Industry/cleaner production
Promoting sustainable development through purchasing policy AGF (Finance and Insurance)
In September 2000, in addition to the Group’s Code of Ethics, the Purchasing Department has
adopted its own Code of Ethics, which was especially addressed to the purchasers. The
Purchasing Code of Conduct includes basic rules to respect confidentiality, conflicts of
interests, respect of the suppliers and the gifts from the suppliers.
Since December 2001, AGF’s Purchasing Department has introduced a clause related to
Sustainable Development in each supply contract signed by the Purchasing Department or by
the other departments of the Group. It requires the supplier to commit himself: to ban the use
of child or forced labour; to treat the personnel with no discrimination whatsoever in hiring
nor managing; not to use any mental nor physical coercion; to enforce the local requirements
in terms of working time; to enforce the French requirements in terms of environmental
protection;
to
have
its
suppliers
respect
the
above
commitment.
To develop transparency among the Group’s suppliers, each call to tender includes a
questionnaire asking about the potential suppliers’ commitment to Sustainable Development.
Each answer is analysed using a specific rating grid (based on the type of product and activity
of the supplier). The weight of sustainable development criteria depends on the nature of the
purchase itself. More than 300 of the Group’s suppliers have signed the clause. They
represent more than 70% of the total purchases of AGF. AGF has signed Global Compact41.
Alcatel’s commitment to environmental protection
In 1995, Alcatel tackled product-related environmental issues through a charter.
Environmental concerns are considered at an early stage of the design phase together with
other important aspects like safety, technical performance, quality, and cost. This approach
led Alcatel to favour the development of simple and appropriate tools to manage the
necessary trade-offs between all these design parameters.
Alcatel favours partnerships between stakeholders to develop relevant methodologies and
tools. The design methodology has thus been defined and developed with industrial partners
of the electric and electronic sector.
Alcatel is committed to making its customers aware of the environmental characteristics of its
products. Accordingly, Alcatel has adopted an ecodeclaration format which has been set up by
40
http://www.ademe.fr/htdocs/actualite/rapport_carrefour_post_revue_critique_v4.pdf
41
Links to relevant reports http://rapportannuel2002.agf.fr/va/index.htm
24
the international standardization body ECMA International*. Alcatel is committed to
establishing an ecodeclaration for every new product by the year 2005. This goal is supported
by appropriate purchasing policy. Since 2002 suppliers and subcontractors must provide an
ecodeclaration as well, or to fill in an extensive questionnaire related to the environmental
features of their products. Relevant information and training are provided internally to Alcatel
purchasers and externally to its suppliers. To date, about 60% of purchased items (out of
100% targeted in 2005) are covered by such environmental information. ECMA International
is an organisation devoted to the standardization in the fields of information and
communication42.
3.2
Energy
Le Plancher Solaire Direct à Appoint Intégré Expérience réussie en Haute Savoie
En 1994, le programme de diffusion de la technique du Plancher Solaire Direct à Appoint
Intégré (PSDAI) co-financé par l’Union Européenne (programme thermie), l’ADEME et la
Région Rhône-Alpes voyait le jour. Le projet , programmé sur quatre ans, a permis la création
de 75 installations sur le territoire français dont 33 en Rhône-Alpes.
Chaque maison a été équipée du matériel nécessaire à l’obtention de bilans réels de
fonctionnement. Un suivi de deux ans a été effectué par l’ASDER.
Pendant la période de suivi (mars 1997-décembre 1998), le rendement du
capteur solaire a été de 46 %. L’énergie solaire ainsi produite a couvert 39% des besoins pour
le chauffage et l’eau chaude sanitaire en 1997, et 33% en 1998. La comparaison avec un
système fonctionnant uniquement au fioul est éloquente. L’économie réalisée se chiffre à
environ 7000 kWh/an, 1 400 litres de fioul durant la période de suivi. Ce sont ainsi 4,2 tonnes
de CO2 dans l’atmosphère qui ont été évitées en moins de 2 ans. L’installation est pleinement
optimisée, l’énergie solaire produite l’été étant utilisée pour chauffer l’eau de la piscine43.
Habitat Performant
Dans une perspective de développement durable, la Communauté urbaine du Grand Lyon
s’est engagée au niveau européen à utiliser 15% d’énergie renouvelable dans sa
consommation à l’horizon 2010. L’habitat, et plus particulièrement la production de
logements neufs est l’un des axes retenus pour agir et modifier les habitudes de conception et
d’utilisations. Pour ce faire nous elle s’est engagée dans un programme européen RESTART.
Les objectifs ont été les suivants:
 promouvoir la production d’un habitat performant, faible consommateur d’énergie et
respectueux de l’environnement,
 renforcer le confort intérieur des logements et réduire significativement le niveau des
charges, tout en maîtrisant les prix de revient : 30 % de gain de charges pour les
occupants.
Les moyens:
 utiliser les technologies liées aux énergies renouvelables et les techniques dites
d’architecture bioclimatique,
42
Links to reports http://www.alcatel.com/sustainable/environment/environment01.htm
43
http://www.rhonalpenergie-environnement.asso.fr/Pages/2ans13.htm
25

agir sur la conception globale des bâtiments dès la définition architecturale par
l’intégration au site, le choix des technologies adaptées et des énergies, l’économie du
projet et l’analyse globale des coûts.
Les résultats:
 7 immeubles ont été réalisés sur ce mode de faire par 5 maîtres d’ouvrage. Les
solutions récurrentes sont les serres et vitrage peu émissif, les panneaux solaires,
l’isolation renforcée, l’installation d’équipements faiblement consommateurs
d’électricité, utilisation des matériaux respectueux de l’environnement, maîtrise de la
consommation d’eau, etc.
 Les bilans de ces démarches sont positifs. La baisse de Co2 est effective, les
économies d’énergie sont réelles (environ de 45%), la baisse de charges varie entre
37% et 43%, et les surcoûts d’investissement suivant les bâtiments vont de 3,0% à
9,8%.
Contacts: Communauté urbaine du Grand Lyon – Mission habitat : 04 78 63 45 19, Agence
Locale de l’énergie : 04 37 48 22 42, http // : www.grandlyon.org
3.3
Agriculture and forestry
Quality charter "beekeeping in selected territories", Bernard Michaud
From 2002, through the program “Beekeeping in selected territories” Bernard Michaud
company induced a certain number of its suppliers to sign a quality charter program
“beekeeping in selected territories” which main aims are:






development of good practices in beekeeping, respectful of the product and
environment
guarantee the absence of contaminating residues in honey (antibiotics, chemical
products)
selection of native areas protected from harmful and polluting elements
enhancement of the image and value of producer’s know-how
providing additional income to producers
Promotion of honeys produced in underprivileged areas or countries.
For instance, we signed a quality charter program with producers in the Andean Cordillera
(Chile/Argentine), Rio Grande valley (Brazil),…
With this program, our company supports profitable activities in underprivileged areas. Such
activities are profitable not only on an economical point of view but they are also profitable to
environment as bees play a very important paper in plants pollination and therefore in
biodiversity.
Since the beginning of this program up to now, our company has bought 1072 Metric tons of
honey produced under quality charter “beekeeping in selected territories” and developed sales
by introducing them in 95 % of French distribution network. The introduction of same
product on other European markets is on the way44.
44
Reference Global Compact, Contact person Geneviève FRANZONI email gfranzoni@lunedemiel.fr ,
http://www.unglobalcompact.org/
26
Séchage solaire des fourrages en grange
Une solution alternative pour une agriculture durable, qui permet d’éviter le recours à
l’ensilage, la méthode la plus répandue, avec son cortège de nuisances (jus, odeurs, bâches,
vieux pneus). Le foin ventilé est une réponse à ces préoccupations:




Il permet une récolte et un séchage dans de très bonnes conditions,
Il limite les pertes de matière sèche,
L’absence de moisissures évite les maladies respiratoires chez l’animal comme chez
l’homme,
Par ailleurs, cette technique de conservation réduit de manière considérable les effets sur
l’environnement : nettement moins de déchets (ficelles, films et bâches plastiques) ;
suppression de rejets polluants (jus d’ensilage, odeurs nauséabondes) ; maintien de la
biodiversité des prairies naturelles ; utilisation limitée des intrants (engrais, pesticides)
atténuant les risques de pollution des eaux ; diminution des risques agronomiques
(érosion, appauvrissement des sols, réduction de la vie microbienne) par l’allongement des
rotations. Le réchauffement de l’air peut être obtenu grâce à différentes sources d’énergie,
dont l’énergie solaire45.
Le programme Roquefort de Séchage solaire de fourrage
Le programme Roquefort (1993-1996) a permis la création d’une vitrine de 30 séchoirs
solaires, dans le berceau du premier fromage « AOC » de France, le Roquefort. Il s’agit alors
d’atteindre, sur un territoire limité, un seuil de développement suffisant et donner ainsi une
lisibilité à la filière tout en permettant d’évaluer ses incidences en termes:



énergétique (substitution d’énergies conventionnelles par une énergie renouvelable),
économique et social (modernisation et pérennisation des exploitations),
environnemental et paysager : à l’inverse de l’ensilage, qui privilégie le maïs ou le raygrass, le séchage valorise des prairies qui ne présentent pas de risques pour
l’environnement.
La réalisation des installations fait appel à des techniques classiques du bâtiment et peut être,
tout ou partie, réalisée en auto-construction46.
3.4
Fisheries
3.5
Transport
3.6
Tourism
Gestion des activités touristiques et terroirs
Le terme « terroir » est utilisé dans les pays de langue française et n’a pas d’équivalent en
anglais. Il se réfère à une entité territoriale dont les valeurs patrimoniales sont les fruits des
relations complexes et de longue durée entre les caractéristiques sociales, culturelles,
écologiques et économiques. Les terroirs préservent la biodiversité, les diversités sociales
et culturelles, en conformité avec les objectifs du développement durable. En France, les
parcs naturels régionaux qui allient activité économique et protection du patrimoine en sont
une belle illustration.
45
Contact : Arlette Pélissier - ADEME Auvergne
http://www.ademe.fr/auvergne/telechargement/plaquette_sechage.pdf
46
http://www.solagro.org/site/090.html
27
Toute une série d’appellations d’origine contrôlée permettent en Europe de dynamiser ce type
de production et de consommation, dans le domaine alimentaire en premier lieu, mais aussi de
plus en plus dans l’artisanat et dans la culture. Cette approche n'empêche pas l'évolution des
savoir-faire techniques traditionnels au travers des connaissances ou des besoins nouveaux.
Cette identité forte constitue un atout pour le développement des activités touristiques.
La politique du Parc Naturel Régional prévoit de valoriser et différencier les prestations de
qualité par l’attribution de la Marque « Accueil du Parc naturel régional de Brière » dont les
valeurs sont : l’origine, l’authenticité, la dimension humaine et la prise en compte de
l’environnement. Il s’agit de favoriser le développement d’un tourisme durable, respectueux
du maintien de l’équilibre entre fréquentation et préservation des milieux et des patrimoines et
de faire découvrir au visiteur ses richesses.
I s’agit d’améliorer les conditions de sécurité, l’accueil et l’authenticité des prestations des
hoteliers, des restaurateurs et des autres prestataires, de canaliser le flux touristique pour
mieux maîtriser la pression sur le milieu naturel. Pour les restaurateurs ce programme permet
d’améliorer les conditions d'accueil, d'encadrement et de confort de la prestation de
restauration47.
3.7.
Waste
3.8.
Chemicals
47
Http://www.espacesnaturels.fr/site/nouveautes/devdurable/pages/fiches.asp?dossier=pages&arbo=1.3&fichier
=fiches&id=174&num_model=95
28
GERMANY
1.
INTRODUCTION
This German contribution to the inventory on sustainable consumption and production (SCP)
lists examples of relevant policies, activities and instruments on the national level in
Germany. This is by far not a complete list of all relevant activities. There are numerous
activities in Germany in the field of SCP on community, state and federal level as well as
international partnerships. This list focuses mainly on examples at the federal level.
This list does not cover all relevant sectors. The short time limit made it impossible to get
information on projects for every sector. Therefore there are no examples from the transport
sector.
Furthermore it is to mention that the new national process following the decision of the
WSSD on the 10-year framework of programmes on SCP which started in February 2004 will
not cover all the sectors of Chapter III of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation. It
concentrates on production and product related instruments and policies. The work in the
other sectors like energy, waste management, transport etc. continues but is not directly linked
to the SCP-process. However, examples from these sectors are included in this list.
2.
GENERAL POLICY STRATEGIES AND INSTRUMENTS
2.1.
General policy framework
National Strategy for Sustainable Development
In April 2002 the Federal Government published a national strategy for Sustainable
Development under the title “Perspectives for Germany” (Perspektiven für Deutschland).
With its strategy for sustainability the Federal Government makes clear the direction in which
our country should be developing and the course adjustments which are necessary to achieve
this. It sets priorities for the coming years, sets out concrete aims and specifies the measures
necessary to put the idea of Sustainable Development into practice. The strategy includes
concrete goals. For example, by 2020 energy and resource productivity should be doubled and
land use should be reduced from 130 hectares per day today to 30 hectares. With the help of
the indicators the results of this process will be monitored and included in a biannual report48.
National process on sustainable consumption and production (SCP)
The Federal Government attaches high importance to the decision on sustainable consumption
and production at the WSSD in Johannesburg and the result of the UN conference on SCP in
Marrakech. To reflect and feed into the international activities the Federal Ministry for
Environment (BMU) started a national process on sustainable consumption and production
involving all relevant stakeholders. Starting point of this process was a national conference on
sustainable consumption and production held in Berlin on 16/17 February 2004. More than
280 people from all relevant societal groups attended the conference which shows the big
interest in this subject.
The aim of this process is twofold: First, there will be new projects launched in a
multistakeholder approach. BMU will organise workshops on special subjects (e.g. communal
48
www.bmu.de
29
activities, SME´s, information strategies, projects to promote “quality consumption” and
“regional consumption) with the aim to start new activities. Preferably the activities should be
driven by private stakeholders and not by the Federal Government. Second, there will be a
better coordination and monitoring of existing projects by regular reports and stakeholder
meetings49.
German Action Programme on Environment and Health (APUG)
Environmental impacts, such as pollution or noise, present a risk to human health and wellbeing. Therefore, in 1999 the German Action Programme on Environment and Health was
developed in cooperation between the Federal Ministry for Health and the Federal Ministry
for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. This has been supported since
2002 by the Federal Ministry of Consumer Protection, Food and Agriculture. The federal
authorities involved are the Federal Office for Radiation Protection, the Federal Institute for
Risk Assessment, the Robert Koch-Institute and the Federal Environmental Agency. The aim
of the programme is to combine issues of environmental, health and consumer protection with
special emphasis on children. The Action Programme on Environment and Health is part of
the European process of environment and health of the WHO50.
2.2.
Thematic Strategy on Sustainable Use of Natural Resources
2.3.
Integrated Product Policy
2.4.1 Consumer Policies
2.5.
Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility
2.6.
Public Procurement Policies
The Federal Ministry of Environment, Nature Protection and Nuclear Safety and the Federal
Environment Agency have initiated several projects in the field of green public procurement,
e.g.
Handbook on green public procurement
Information on environmental aspects on products and services and easy-to-use guidelines to
incorporate environmental aspects into public procurement procedures are crucial for
professional purchasers in public and private organisations. Therefore, the Federal
Environmental Agency started back in 1991 the publication of the Handbook of green public
procurement, which is now published in its fourth edition of 1999. On over 800 pages the
handbook covers a broad range of general aspects of green public procurement policies and
sector/product specific aspects that is relevant to public procurement. Furthermore, the
handbook is a valuable source of information to easy incorporate the state-of-the-art of
environmental product standards into daily public procurement procedures and operations51.
49
www.bmu.de
www.apug.de
51
The handbook also forms the baseline for a web-based information portal www.beschaffung-info.de (German)
and www.ecoprocurement.info (English).
50
30
Web-based information portal on green public procurement
The Federal Ministry of Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety and the
Federal Environment Agency actually support the build-up of a web-based information portal
on green public procurement within the scope of the project “Websites for Eco-Procurement”,
done by the Bundesverband für Umweltberatung e. V., Bremen. On www.beschaffung-info.de
(German version) and www.ecoprocurement.info (English version, still under construction)
public authorities and private organisations gets first hand information on a broad range of
legislative/regulatory aspects and product specific aspects related to green public
procurement, like cleaning and hygiene, office, horticulture and landscaping, canteens/food,
general information to procurement laws on the national, EU-wide and international level,
eco-labelling and so far. With this information source the professional purchaser has the
opportunity to copy directly product or service related specifications into relevant procedures
like call for tenders or management requirements. The project will be supported by the
Government till summer 2004.
Project for Evaluation and Development of Green Public Procurement
The Federal Ministry of the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety and the
Federal Environment Agency set up the above mentioned research project, which results are
now finalized. One objective of the project is to quantify the environmental reduction
potential which can be effected by systematic application of environmental criteria within
purchasing decisions. As case study, a model scenario for IT-infrastructure and relevant
purchasing requirements of an average public authority (400 employees) was set up,
complemented by a sensitive analysis for de-centralised vs. centralized features of the ITinfrastructure. As one result out of this analysis a guideline on green public IT procurement
was developed, which specify environmental related criteria and options to better integrate
green public procurement into existing legal frameworks. The second objective of the project
was the further development of the scientific legal contribution to the ongoing legal debate on
public procurement at EU level.
Green Energy for public authorities
Since the beginning of 2004 all authorities and buildings under the direction of the Federal
Ministry of the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety receive “Green
Energy”. To widespread the share of green energy use within public authorities it is planned
to develop guidelines for a “model call for tender” and to organize a workshop for the
relevant target groups to give practical information about the procedures and options to
promote green energy use in public authorities.
Handbook on Environmental Controlling in Public Authorities
The handbook on environmental controlling in public authorities, published by the Federal
Ministry of Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety and the Federal
Environment Agency in 2001, gives an overview on various aspects and practical guidelines
related to the establishment of an environmental controlling system within public authorities.
2.7.
Economic Instruments
31
General
Energy taxation
Ecological Tax Reform (ETR)
The ETR in Germany has imposed increasing energy tax rates for the years 1999-2003. In
order to ensure revenue neutrality – whereby people would not have less income overall or the
state more overall revenues – these increases have been offset by reducing contributions to
pension funds. Overall about 2%of the revenues of total taxes and social security
contributions were shifted from the production factor labour on to the production factor
energy/environment. In addition, in some major areas of the economy reduced rates were
introduced for competition reasons. Since its introduction in 1999, the ETR has helped
Germany to achieve substantial reductions in GHG emissions and energy consumption. The
tangible indications of this include:



A reversal in trends in the transport sector where, for the first time in the history of
Germany, a constant decline in CO2 emissions was achieved during the last four years.
Fuel consumption fell by 1.5 % in 2001, having already shown a 1.1% year-on-year
reduction in the year 2000. The downward trend in CO2 emissions continued in 2002
and 2003, amounting to an overall decline of more than 10% since 1998.
For a growing number of consumers and automotive companies, a car’s fuel efficiency
has become a major selling point.
Following a growing decline in the number of passengers using local public transport up until
1998, passenger numbers increased by 0.4 % for the first time in 1999. This was followed by
a further increase of 0.8 % in 2000, 0.5% in both 2001 and 2002, and a stabilising increase in
2003 by 1.5%.
State aid for environmental purposes
Emissions trading system
Preferential tariffs and trade policies
2.8.
Information tools
Education, awareness raising and public information
Contest “Schulträger 21”: New ideas for environmental education
The contest “Schulträger 21”, organized by the German Foundation for Environmental
Education (DGU) and sponsored by the BMU/UBA will distinguish municipalities and
counties that involve their schools particularly intensively in the implementation of the local
Agenda 21, thereby propelling local sustainable development. In order for sustainable
development to become more than a matter of politics and administration, and instead a cause
borne by the population, the involvement of schools is especially important. The DGU has
developed a catalogue of criteria by which it assesses individual school supervisory boards’
concepts. It focuses on concrete measures such as waste avoidance and plans for saving
energy as well as so-called “soft factors”. Only if school supervisory boards and schools can
communicate freely and involve parents and schoolchildren in this dialog environmental
education and practical environmental work will harmonize. The “Schulträger 21” project
awards exemplary commitment and makes it known to a broad public. Results are discussed
and redeveloped in talks with all participants.
32
Education for Sustainable Development in Environmental Centres
Environmental Centres are important institutions of the informal educational sector. They
play an important role within environmental education policies, which is now in the stage of
transforming into a wider concept of education for sustainability. This conceptional
transformation become highly relevant not only for the formal educational sector, but also for
environmental centres, where new forms of learning are developed and practically
implemented, like the participation within local Agenda 21-Initiatives or learning models
along the supply chain of products. To support this institutional and conceptional
modernisation process of this part of the German educational system the Federal
Environmental Agency sponsored two projects of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Natur- und
Umweltbildung (ANU). The objectives of the projects are to improve the organizational
capabilities of the centres in a more professional manner to be an active partner and driving
factor while promoting local initiatives towards sustainability. Here, environmental centres as
intermediate institutions between different local groups and public institutions could stimulate
the shift towards sustainable consumption patterns in a given local and cultural context52.
Civil Society and Culture of Sustainability
The Federal Ministry of Environment, Nature Protection and Nuclear Safety and the Federal
Environment Agency sponsored several projects to better inter-link civil society movements
with the sustainability agenda. It becomes clear that bringing the principles of sustainable
development forward within German society, civil society initiatives play a vital (but still
underestimated) role. Therefore, within the projects possibilities and practical ways were
explored, how civil society initiatives (f. e. within churches and the peace movement) could
form a baseline to establish a common “culture of sustainability”, trying to incorporate
sustainability-orientated lifestyle-transformations into daily routines or to widespread the
ethical dimension of sustainability through the promotion of the “Earth-Charta” in Germany,
while increasing its potential as common baseline for further international dialog on
sustainable development and shared responsibility53.
Environmentally friendly and healthy school start
Environmentally friendly and healthy school start is a joint campaign of BUND (German
branch of Friends of the Earth), Karstadt Warenhaus AG, and the Federal Environmental
Agency (UBA). Simple clever action—that is the motto of Clemens Clever, the spiffy little
environment mascot. This motto also applies for the upcoming school year. In a free brochure
published by BUND, Karstadt, and the Federal Environmental Agency the little hedgehog
shows children the way to an environmentally friendly, healthy and safe start to school. Its
eight pages tell parents and children what they can do for the environment when buying
school supplies. It also offers advice on getting to school safely, healthy snacks, and school
bags. The brochure titled “Here’s what you can do for the environment! – Clever throughout
all classes” marked the environmental association, department store, and environmental
agency’s launch of their joint campaign, which will be organized at the fifth time this
summer. Since 2003 the joint campaign is complemented by a “kids drawing contest”. Within
this successful contest over 600.000 drawing books were distributed and over 20.000 pictures
52
www.umweltbildung.de; http://www.umweltbildung.de/nachhaltigkeitsinitiativen/
53
www.ecunet.de; www.anders-besser-leben.de
33
from school kids were received, from which 100 drawings were prized and officially
celebrated54.
Eco-label
German Ecolabel: Blue Angel
The German ecolabel “Blue Angel” has now successfully continued for more than 25 years.
Confidence, transparency of processes, co-operation among all stakeholders and a wide range
of application safeguards the high performance of this instrument within environmental and
consumer protection policies. The Blue Angel could be seen as one of the driving factor to
stimulate the shift towards more sustainable consumption and production over the last two
decades in Germany. At present, about 3.800 products and services from approximately 710
label users in Germany and abroad are entitled to bear the Blue Angel. The Blue Angel offers
industry, trade and crafts companies the opportunity to document their environmental
competence in a simple and inexpensive way for all to see. By using the eco-label, they can
significantly increase the competitive market potential for their products and services. The
Blue Angel makes a difference. The Blue Angel can be used as a modern marketing
instrument and communication tool and thus give the labelled products a competitive
advantage. The benefits of the Blue Angel for consumers are clear: they are given practical
guidance to help them considerably in their selection and their decisions on what to buy. The
Blue Angel provides much of what consumers want. For example, the Blue Angel helps
consumers to save money because they decide to buy products with an excellent quality and a
long service life – or by simply saving energy.
The Federal Environmental Agency and the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature
Conservation and Nuclear Safety have decided to run a broad communication campaign for
the German eco-label in its 25-anniversary year in 2003, to strengthen the overall awareness
of the Blue Angel as a “brand”. Lasting from January to June 2003 the campaign has been
designed towards the needs of the consumers and their lifestyles. Apart from the brand
perspective considerations concerning different consumption styles were another cornerstone
of developing the communication strategy, because in order to maximise the probability of
resonance of the Blue Angel’s marketing communication in the target groups it is promising
to address consumers’ ‘Alltagswelten’ (‘everyday life worlds’). It was less the technical and
environmental information about Blue Angel products, which shaped the campaign, but more
the message that the labelled products fit well into the current and modern lifestyles of the
campaign’s target groups like young modern families, professionals in modern offices or flats
or elder active people. To reach the consumers, the Federal Environmental Agency stimulated
systematically the most different players in society to carry the campaign into the public
operating through their own organisations. Key partners have been industry and retailers using
the Blue Angel in their own marketing activities55.
Project “ label online”
To provide the consumer with relevant information on sustainable products and possibilities
to identify such products, the Federal Environmental Agency sponsored a project by the
German Verbraucher Initiative e. V. to build up a virtual platform on a broad range of
labelling activities in Germany and Europe. Under www.label-online.de the consumers will
find updated information on over 300 (eco)labels used by industry in various product
categories and branches. Additionally, the consumer gets information on the institutional
setting and the procedures, which stands behind every label.
54
55
www.clemens-clever.de
www.blauer-engel.de
34
Consumer information
Eco-Fair Trade products
The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety and the
Federal Environmental Agency sponsored a range of projects that promote fair trade of
ecologically produced products from less developed countries. First, an exploration of nearly
all national initiative in the field of eco-fair trade was sponsored. This resource of information
was put together in a brochure and formed a baseline for an information platform in the web 56.
Second, the launch of the new international TransFair label57 was supported through
production of promotional materials and the organisation of events at the point-of-sale with
various partners from civil society and companies. Third, an initiative organised by the
Verbraucher Initiative e. V. was actually sponsored to develop a marketing strategy for the
promotion of fair trade products in Germany, which is now actually implemented through
financial contribution from the Federal Ministry of Consumer Protection, Food and
Agriculture and the Federal Ministry of Development and Economic Cooperation. The
objective of the marketing activities is to increase the market share of eco-fair trade
products58.
Project “Sustainable Shopping Basket “
The project “Sustainable Shopping Basket“ was launched in 2002 by the Institute for Market Environment - Society (called imug) on behalf of the German Council for Sustainable
Development. In 2003 the Federal Ministry of Consumer Protection59, Food and Agriculture
decided to accompany and further develop the project.
The objective of the “Sustainable Shopping Basket “ is to inform the consumers about the
opportunities and benefits of sustainable consumption. It provides behavioural
recommendations on eight relevant fields of consumption, ranging from food and household
supplies to transport and financial services. The main emphasis is laid on improving consumer
information. The “Sustainable Shopping Basket “ does not intend to provide regulations and
ready-made answers about “right“ or “wrong“ ways of consumption, but it aims at facilitating
the search for sustainable alternatives by showing possible ways of behaviour.
By means of an information campaign starting in mid-2004, which is based on the booklet
“The Sustainable Shopping Basket“, the Federal Ministry of Consumer Protection, Food and
Agriculture intends to draw consumers‘ attention to questions of social and ecological
production methods and to increase awareness of their own consumption behaviour. It is
intended to raise awareness among the economy and trade sector accordingly and to involve
them in carrying out activities.
Fair Trade information campaign “Fair feels good”:
Currently, the German Development Cooperation is financing a large scale public awareness
campaign which aims to inform about principles, structures and backgrounds of Fair Trade
(funding: 2003-2005 EUR 3.3 mio.). This support is part of the “Program of Action 2015”
which describes the German Government‘s contribution towards halving extreme poverty
worldwide. The campaign is implemented by the “Verbraucherinitative”60 in cooperation with
56
www.eco-fair.de
www.transfair.org
58
See www.fair-feels-good.de
59
www.verbraucherministerium.de
60
www.verbraucher.org
57
35
TransFair61 and Weltladendachverband62 (non governmental organisations). It includes
numerous activities with media, commerce and industry.
Development of an audit and certification system for medical plants
Many medical products derive from medical plant species that have been collected from the
wild. Risk assessments show that the harvesting of many of these species often is not
sustainable. The development of criteria for a sustainable harvesting of medical plants is a
first step towards the establishment of an auditing and certification scheme that raises the
awareness of traders and producers and helps consumers to identify sustainable medical
products63.
2.9.
Analytical tools
Indicators
Integrated Environmental Monitoring
The concept of integrated environmental monitoring was developed at the request of the
Bavarian State Ministry for Regional Development and Environmental Affairs and the
Federal Environmental Agency with additional participation by the Environmental Ministries
of the federal states of Hesse and Thuringia. Integrated environmental monitoring





supplies instructions to the federal states about how to more effectively use their
measurement networks and monitoring programmes,
provides detailed approaches for better harmonisation of data collection,
offers suggestions for integrating data analysis,
makes it possible to more effectively use a limited financial budget and
can be implemented by the federal states step by step.
In the future, the results of integrated environmental monitoring are to be used more
effectively to make clear the need for action in the environmental field and to support
performance reviews of measures of environmental policies64.
Reporting mechanisms
2.10. Research and development
New Research Programme in 4 areas
The German government has stated in its national strategy on sustainability, that research and
development inter alia should be used for developing innovative methods, concepts, processes
and strategies for giving the concepts of sustainability a concrete form.
Sustainability is considered to be a driver for innovation in economy, government and society.
These issues are therefore also the objectives of BMBF’s (Federal Ministry for Research and
Education) new research program for applied sustainability concepts (planned for
spring/summer 2004). Supporting an interdisciplinary approach and research networks, 4
main areas of action are covered:
 actions in society towards sustainability including e.g.
o socio-ecological research for sustainable consumption patterns
www.fairtrade.org, www.transfair.org, www.oeko-fair.de
www.weltlaeden.de
63
www.bmu.de
64
(http://www.umweltbundesamt.de/uba-info-daten-e/daten-e/oeub/index.htm)
61
62
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sustainability concepts for industry and economy including e.g. research to
o improve the economical use of resources in production patterns or to
o analyse business models in a sustainable marked economy as well as to
o address the sustainable agriculture and forestry production chains as main
topics for research and technological development
sustainability concepts for regions including e.g.
o (further) development of innovative agricultural methods like Precision
Agriculture
o sustainable land use methods
concepts for the sustainable use of natural resources including e.g. research for
o sustainable use of water
o concepts for monitoring biodiversity
These 4 areas of action have one horizontal aspect in common, the international encourage.
Already existing bilateral and multilateral co-operation on European as well as international
level will continue - from student exchange programmes (supporting the knowledge transfer)
to research projects with international participants (encouraging networks of excellence)65.
Survey on environmental awareness and behaviour in Germany
The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety and the
Federal Environmental Agency initiated various social science research projects in the field of
SCP. One of the main activities is a nation-wide survey on environmental awareness and
behaviour in Germany every two years. The continuity makes time lines possible, which
allow drawing conclusions on social trends and development. The results of the survey are
part of the environmental reporting in Germany. Besides general attitudes of the German
population towards environmental protection issues and policy measurements the survey
examines the self-reported environmental behaviour in different fields, like mobility,
household consumption of goods, energy, information, willing-to-pay and so far. The survey
is also complemented by in-depth studies on several issues and socio-structural aspects, like
engagement potential, justice or leisure mobility66.
Research initiative ‘Challenges and Limitations of New Strategies of Use, Regional
Approaches’
The Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) is funding joint research projects
in the field of new strategies of use within the research program of sustainable economy.
New strategies of use are strategies which contribute to an increase of the productivity of
resources and to a decrease of environmental pollution through technical, social,
organizational and economical innovations (e.g. reuse of products, replacement of products
by services, long-term use of products or joint use). In part A of this priority research area,
the regional approach, 10 projects are funded with a high number of participants. One main
objective of the joint research is to build up regional networks, network structures and new
cooperations (e.g. between households and housing industry) in different regions and for
different product groups or services to implement sustainable strategies of use.
The networks, which were built up, for example reuse furniture or computer and should be
stable after funding is going down. They will give examples of best practice on how regional
networking supports avoiding waste. Agencies will be built up to bring together demand and
supply of waste prevention activities by internet or by service centres67.
65
www.bmbf.de
66
www.umweltbewusstsein.de
http://www.nachhaltig.org/Startseiten/index1.html
67
37
Gender and Sustainability
As empirical studies show, gender aspects are increasing important while promoting the shift
towards sustainable consumption patterns. Therefore, an evaluation of existing empirical
studies was launched to identify possibilities and new ways of a gender sensitive
environmental policy strategy (see results UBA-Berichte 06/02).
3.
SECTORS AND ISSUES
3.1.
Industry/cleaner production
Regulatory framework
IPPC - Emerging Techniques for Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control68
The project „Emerging Techniques for Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control” is funded
by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research for evaluation of environmental
aspects in different industrial sectors. More than 3600 projects have been reviewed by the
Federal Environmental Agency as to weather they are relevant to the BREF. Emerging
Techniques are often still under development, this often implies a high potential for further
reduction of environmental pollution or resource efficiency.
The tasks of the project group are:
 Evaluation of funded projects and establishing contact to the firms and project
managers,
 Description of the projects for the information exchange under the IPPC-Directive,
 To inform the public, authorities, institutes and industrial associations about the IPPC
process,
 Identification of industrial sectors where funding could bring the development of
ambitious environmental standards forward.
Environmental Technology Action Plan
Technology Transfer/Environmental Action Plan/Cleaner Production Germany/Energy
Germany
ne important outcome of the UN Environment and Development conference in Rio de Janeiro
in 1992 was the recognition by all participants that a more intensive exchange of technology
is an essential precondition for sustainable global development. In Agenda 21 and the Rio
Convention the industrial nations have committed themselves to greater technical cooperation, including the transfer of such technologies. Both developing and threshold
countries and central and eastern European states rely particularly heavily on access to
progressive environmental technology to solve their environmental problems and build up
sustainable economic structures. In accordance with the Agenda 21requirement to promote
access to environmentally sustainable technologies Germany has established an internet
information system about German environmental technology ("Cleaner Production
Germany"69) and about German energy-technologies70. This platform should improve access
to commercial technical or organisational environmental solutions and also to German
contacts. With a further extension of this "navigation systems” we want to boost international
environmental and developmental co-operation and promote the transfer of environmental
68
www.umweltbundesamt.de/nfp-bat/index.html
69
www.cleaner-production.de
www.energy-germany.de
70
38
technologies. This is one of Germany´s contribution to the Environmental Technology Action
Plan (ETAP) of the European Commission (COM (2004)38).
Product standards
Voluntary initiatives and Codes of Conduct
Voluntary commitments for reducing emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases
Within the framework of the national climate protection programme two voluntary
commitments aiming at reducing emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases are currently
being elaborated by industry in close co-operation with the Federal Ministry for the
Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety.
1) The German producer of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) as well as operators and producers of
electrical equipment containing this substance with a voltage exceeding 1000 V are
developing further their 1997 voluntary commitment on the use of SF6 as extinguishing and
insulating gas in electrical equipment. The commitment is intended to cover the whole life
cycle of SF6 used in electrical equipment. Process optimising measures in the entire product
chain from the production to the recycling and final disposal which aim at reducing SF6
emissions are at the core of the voluntary commitment. SF6 shall only be used if its use
entails clear ecological, technical and economical advantages in comparison with alternative
technologies. Compliance with the voluntary commitment shall be monitored on the basis of
annual balances of SF6 emissions.
2) The "Memorandum of Agreement between member companies of the European Electronic
Component Manufacturers Association (EECA), European Semiconductor Industry
Association (ESIA)" of 2 February 2001 provides for the reduction of the absolute emissions
of fluorinated greenhouse gases covered by this voluntary commitment in the EU by 10 per
cent (referring to CO2 equivalents) until 2010 (reference year 1995). This reduction is to be
seen against the background that the average annual growth of the global production of
semiconductors amounts to approximately 15 per cent .Producers of semiconductors
represented by the German central association of the electrical engineering and electronics
industry (ZVEI) with production sites in Germany intend to commit themselves to a similar
reduction target. To this end they intend to strive i.a. for a more efficient use of fluorinated
gases, the uses of alternative gases and the recycling and re-use of fluorinated
gases. Compliance with this voluntary commitment shall also be monitored on the basis of
annual balances of emissions of the fluorinated gases covered.
Both voluntary commitments are expected to be adopted by industry shortly71.
Voluntary agreement to reduce poorly biodegradable chelates
A voluntary agreement between the photo industry and the Federal Environment Ministry was
made in1998 to reduce the specific release of weakly biodegradable chelating agents by 50%,
such as EDTA and PDTA.
Manufacturers of photo chemicals as well as users, i.e. photofinishers, were involved in this
agreement.
Sub-ordinate targets were:
71
www.bmu.de
39




Development and supply of new photo chemicals with 50% less content of poorly
biodegradable chelates until 1999
Use of the new products within one year after their market introduction or taking
equivalent measures
Use of adequate disposal routes
Providing relevant data to stakeholders
The aims of the voluntary agreement were achieved in 2002, i.e. 2 years later than targeted.
This delay was due to the late supply to the market of low-chelate photo chemicals. This
agreement has considerably contributed to water pollution prevention relating to poorly
biodegradable chelates. With regard to possible EU-wide measures concerning the reduction
of EDTA, it can be concluded that the German photo industry has achieved state-of-the-art
progress.
Round Table Codes of Conduct
The Round Table Codes of Conduct in Germany, moderated by the Federal Ministry for
Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), is a multi-stakeholder approach to codes of
conduct, which is unique in Germany. It brings together representatives of the private-sector,
trade unions, non-governmental organisations and government and provides a forum for an
exchange of experience from a wide range of perspectives. The objective is to improve social
standards in developing countries. This is to be achieved through voluntary corporate codes of
conduct. Based on the exchange of experience, recommendations for the introduction,
monitoring and verification of codes of conduct are being elaborated (activities: elaboration of
a guidebook “codes of conduct”, different pilot projects)72.
Common Code for the Coffee Community
The “Common Code for the Coffee Community” is a public-private financed
Multistakeholder-Initiative to develop a Code of Conduct for sustainability in the production,
post-harvest processing and trading of green “mainstream” green coffee. It therefore
addresses the social, the environmental and the economic dimension of sustainability. In this
global approach, representatives of the international coffee trade and industry, producing
countries of all coffee regions, non governmental organizations and trade unions as well as
multilateral institutions and organizations co-operate to develop the Code of Conduct in a
transparent, participatory and innovative process. By implementing the Code, actors along the
value chain are aiming to create a new definition of quality, including the quality of the
product as well as the quality of a sustainable production. Pilot Projects test preliminary
aspects of the Code and integrate their results into the formulation of the Code. The Common
Code-Initiative will develop an implementation system and guidelines for independent
verification and monitoring to ensure that the Code is suitable for binding agreements. The
implementation of the Common Code will help to allow reasonable earnings over time for all
in the coffee value chain, to protect the environment and to respect human rights as well as
social standards73.
AVE Sector Model Social Responsibility
The AVE (“Außenhandelsvereinigung des Deutschen Einzelhandels e.v.”) – Foreign Trade
Association of the German Retail Trade – has elaborated within the framework of a three-year
Public Private Partnership project the uniform AVE Sector Model Social Responsibility
72
73
www.bmz.de
www.bmz.de
40
which is a joint initiative of the German retail trade. The project in co-operation with the
German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the GTZ has the
aim to improve the working conditions in companies supplying goods to retail business, in
particular those based in newly industrialised and developing countries. Its main focus is on
enterprises producing textiles, sports, apparel, shoes and toys. A system for auditing and
qualification of suppliers is being set up in 15 countries, based on the international standards
SA 8000. The project has four main criteria: multi-stakeholder-dialogue with the focus to be
in dialogue with the society, to have independent audits which guarantee also transparency
and credibility, the qualification of the local audit-firms and enterprises for improving their
management-systems74.
Biotechnology
EMAS
Analysis of the incentives and rewards regulations for EMAS-organisations at European level
and assessment with respect to their feasibility at domestic level
The research-and-development project aims at gathering, systemising and assessing the
entirety as well as selected points concerning the promotion of participation to EMAS by the
use of incentives and rewards regulations as practised in the member states of the European
Union. It intends, furthermore, to make proposals for measures and regulations to improve the
situation. This research centres on the impact of environment-policy or environmental- law
instruments as regulating incentives and rewards. The survey involves three different,
interlocking methodical approaches: the jurisprudential analysis and interpretation method,
secondary analysis and empirical components in the form of polls. The concepts of
“incentive” and “reward” are used as synonyms. Binding commitments, explicitly promising
advantages to organisations applying EMAS are considered to be “incentives and rewards
regulations". Incentives and rewards regulations have – in part – already become an integral
part of the EMAS Regulation in domestic Federal law, mainly in the shape of the EMASPrivilege Regulation (EMAS-PrivilegV). The interpretation of the incentive and rewards
regulations in the member states reveals striking similarities: there, one concentrates mainly
on environmental information, reduction of fees as well as promotional programmes as
instrument categories. Compared to this, the categories of environmental obligations and
official handling still experienced a clear, though weaker, preference. Planning instruments,
official handling, environmental agreements and most of economic instruments are either not
used, marginally used, or little used. As it turns out, the exemplary registration of the public
sector, in particular, strongly needs to be upgraded. The instrument of “official handling” still
contains valuable potential for the promotion of EMAS. There is still plenty of room for
improvement in the use of the EMAS logo, in spite of the very restrictive requirements
concerning product labelling. Conclusions are drawn as theses from the results of the
research-and-development project75.
Environmental Liability
PREMA (Profitable Environmental Management) Programme
On behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) the
Pilot Programme for the Promotion of Environmental Management in the Private Sector of
74
www.ave.de
75
Report will be published in June 2004 under UBA-Texte 72/04 www.uba.de
41
Developing Countries (P3U) of GTZ developed the training and consulting programme
PREMA (Profitable Environmental Management) for micro, small and medium-sized
enterprises. The programme aims to identify and implement measures that help to 1) reduce
production costs, 2) improve the environmental impact of enterprises and 3) promote the
organisational development (triple win) simultaneously improving workplace safety. The
PREMA programme is carried out with groups of enterprises and includes trainings, network
meetings and company visits. It is characterised by the fact that it passes on content in an
interactive, practical and implementation-oriented way and can therefore be adapted to the
specific requirements of businesses and countries. PREMAplus provides the opportunity to
analyse the gaps between PREMA and the standards in the fields of the environment, quality
and workplace safety. PREMA programmes have been carried out in 30 different countries in
Asia, Africa and Latin America as well as in South Eastern Europe and Germany.
Together with the Convention Project Chemical Safety (see 3.8.) P3U has developed a
Chemical Management Guide and a corresponding training programme in order to improve
chemical management to gain cost savings, reduce hazards and improve safety in the
enterprises.
With the objective to raise the awareness of enterprises about the importance of social
standards in order to improve productivity and competitiveness P3U has developed a training
module together with the Programme Office for Social and Ecological Standards (see 3.1.1)
and tested its pilot implementation.
Fosterage of the involvement from the private sector in regions with weak economies in Latin
America and the Caribbean
The target of this measure is to support the preconditions for a stronger involvement of the
private sector especially from the tourism industry in prioritised regions of Latin America and
the Caribbean. A particularly strong focus is on the potentials of strategic alliances and
“Public-Private-Partnership” (PPP) Programmes for sustainable development and poverty
alleviation in countries marked by weak economic activities.
The expected results and activities of this measure can be summarised as follows:


Potentials and obstacles for a stronger involvement of the private sector of weak
economies in Latin America and the Caribbean have been screened. Resulting
activities and strategies can be defined for joint initiatives between the private sector
and GTZ.
Relevant developmental impacts in these regions, such as poverty alleviation and
environmental practices from key sectors e.g. Tourism have been evaluated.
The results and the information gained from these activities are used to conceptualise
recommendations and strategies for best practices and co-operation with relevant sectors76.
Housing and construction
Sustainable building and housing in Germany
The research project “Sustainable building and housing in Germany” resulted in two different
scenarios that were created to show alternative ways for sustainable development in the
building and housing sector in a long term perspective up to the year 2025: reference scenario
and sustainable scenario. The scenarios where created by the computer model BASiS-2. In
this computer model the material-flows of the building and housing sector can be analysed
76
www.gtz.de
42
together with the corresponding infrastructure of housing areas. The scopes for the analysis
include material flows, airborne emissions, waste streams and land utilization. The detailed
inputs of the scenarios were discussed intensively with experts and protagonists of the sector.
The scenarios are suitable to simulate and quantify the effects of single assumptions and
different trends on the environment. The results of the research project show important
perspectives for sustainable development in the building and housing sector.
Implementation of Environmental Declaration of Building Products in Germany
The Type III AUB – EPD System
An environmental declaration of building products (EPD) aims to gather and assess
comprehensive and reliable information regarding environmental and health impacts of
building products used in construction works. EPDs can be used in concepts for sustainable
construction. They improve the knowledge about the products, assist in a selection of
environmentally sound products and are the basis for an ecological optimisation of buildings.
The heart piece of the EPD is a LCA of the product. Environmental declarations are based on
international standards like the 14040 and 14020 series. There is an intensive standardisation
work to specify the requirements of these standards for building products.
The German Association of Producers of environmentally sound building products AUB
organizes the process for implementing such schemes in Germany. The general requirements
for AUB schemes are described in a guideline and must be specified for every product group
by expert panels. The results of this work are so called product specific documents (PSX).
The process and the documents are overviewed by a panel of independent experts from
academia, science and German authorities. This group also assist in the supervision of the
EPDs of concrete product.
Until now the following product groups are preparing PSXs: bricks and tiles, aero-concrete,
lightweight concrete and lightweight aggregates, particleboards, MDF and OSB, non-ferrous
metals (copper and zinc sheets) and mineral wool77.
3.2.
Energy
The Renewable Energy Sources Act
The Renewable Energy Sources Act aims to double the share of renewable energies in
electricity supply by 2010. By that year, renewable energies are to provide at least 12.5% of
total electricity supply. The medium-term objective for 2020 is to increase the share to at least
20%. Thus, the framework for expanding renewable energies has been clearly set for all
parties involved. The aim is to reduce the costs of energy supply for the national economy by
integrating long-term external effects. The Renewable Energy Sources Act provides for the
connection to the general power grid of plants producing electricity from renewable energies
and from mine gas on the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany including its exclusive
economic zone. The act also provides for the priority purchase, transmission and payment of
the electricity by the system operators as well as for a nation-wide compensation scheme for
the electricity purchased and paid for.
The fees paid for electricity from renewable sources are the following:

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77
Wind farms: 8,2 - 9,1 cents per kWh
Biomass: 9,5 - 11,5 cents per kWh
www.uba.de
43
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Solar: 45,7 cents per kWh
Geothermal power: 7,2 - 15 cents per kWh
Hydropower 6,6 – 7,6 cents per kWh
Landfill gas, sewage treatment plant gas and mine gas: 6,6 – 7,6 cents per kWh.
Energy Savings Ordinance
The energy savings ordinance contains an obligation for house builders. Since February 2002
every new house built in Germany has to apply the low energy house standard. This standard
not only relates to the building itself but also implies standards for the heating and the warm
water supply systems.
In addition to this ordinance there is a 360 Mio.€ support system for carbon dioxide saving
measures. Support will be given for modernisation measures in heating systems, house
electricity and in the building itself and for the use of renewable energy systems. Further
support will be given for the building of so-called “passive houses” which only use 15kW per
square meter per year for heating.
CaPP – Climate Protection Programme for Developing Countries
After the Earth Summit in Rio (1992), the German Federal Ministry for Economic
Cooperation and Development (BMZ) initiated the Climate Protection Programme for
Developing Countries (CaPP), which was launched in 1993. Its primary goals are to support
partner countries in fulfilling commitments made under Framework Convention on Climate
Change and to ensure that the partners increasingly take climate change into account in their
national development policies and projects. Priority areas are the reduction and avoidance of
greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation to the inevitable impacts of climate change.
Since 1998, capacity building for the “Clean Development Mechanism” (CDM) is a key
component of CaPP. Focus sectors are renewable energy and energy efficiency, fuel
substitution, solid and liquid waste management, and transport. National experts, project
developers, industry, financial institutions and NGOs can seek CaPP’s support on all issues
along the CDM project cycle.
The politically important conferences of parties to the UNFCCC in Bonn (July 2001) and
Marrakech (November 2001) have given new impetus to CaPP activities, not only because the
entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol has become within reach but also because the issue of
adaptation to the impacts of climate change has become more important on the national and
international level. As developing countries are especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate
change, CaPP now supports partner countries in the development of national adaptation plans
and in the integration of adaptation concerns into national sustainable development
programmes. CaPP also encourages scientific and stakeholder dialogue to improve projections
of climate change impacts in key regions as well as the assessment of vulnerability of people
and communities “on the ground”.
PROKLIMA – Protecting the Ozone Layer
On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development
(BMZ) the GTZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit GmbH) has
developed PROKLIMA. Since 1996 PROKLIMA assists developing countries technically as
well as financially in meeting their Montreal Protocol obligations and other international
conventions for the phase-out of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS).
In most of the developing world a lack of know-how and personnel and institutional
prerequisites prevents a rapid and – in terms of the environment and development - optimised
substitution of ozone-depleting industrial fluids that are detrimental to the climate.
44
The goal of PROKLIMA is to support countries of the south in the search for pollution free
alternatives to ozone-destructive technologies. Political consultation and the implementation
of concrete projects go together and influence each other positively. The basis for success is
the combination of political counselling and implementation authority. Until today
PROKLIMA accomplished more than 110 projects in approximately 40 countries for over 22
million euro78.
3.3.
Agriculture and forestry
Project `Rural Development´
In 2001 the Federal Republic of Germany launched a pilot and demonstration project aiming
at promoting sustainable rural development called “REGIONEN AKTIV - Land gestaltet
Zukunft“ (ACTIVE REGIONS – rural areas shape the future”) within the framework of the
National Sustainable Development Strategy. Against the backdrop of changing agricultural
framework conditions and the associated reorientation of the European Agricultural and
Structural Policy, new ways to develop rural areas are analyzed and shown. The underlying
concept is that the regions themselves determine development targets, develop strategies to
achieve them and decide on the implementation of the necessary measures. The targets
include generating additional sources of income and increasing regional added value,
promoting ecologically sound land management and reinforcing the consumer focus of
production processes. Within the years 2002 to 2005, the 18 model regions will receive a total
of some € 45.5 million in federal funds.
In connection with the adoption of the new funding principle “Integrated Rural Development“
of the Joint Task for the Improvement of Agricultural Structures and Coastal Protection
within the framework plan 2004 to 2007, these new approaches, which have also been tested
under the Community initiative LEADER, will be integrated in the wider support. In future,
regional management and rural development concepts will be eligible for support. This is
based on the finding that every region has its own strengths and weaknesses und that
supporting measures are most effective if they are matched with the regions‘ characteristics.
By supporting the development of integrated rural development concepts, previously isolated
individual measures can be better matched with each other and can be used specifically for
developing rural regions. Through regional management, the targeted implementation of this
strategy, which is drawn up by the regions, will be supported79.
Federal Organic Farming Scheme
To further improve the overall conditions for organic farming, a Federal Organic Farming
Scheme (Bundesprogramm Ökolandbau) has been drawn up in 2002. It is to contribute to
sustainable growth based on a well-balanced expansion of supply and demand. The Federal
Scheme launches a medium- to long-term Action Program on Organic Farming that is to be
developed within a social discourse and is to encompass all relevant policy fields and actors.
Based on the identification of problems and development potential, the Scheme envisages
support measures where growth can be efficiently boosted by closing gaps in support.
78
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79
www.verbraucherministerium.de
45
Bearing this aim in mind, the Federal Scheme incorporates various measures in line with a
production chain concept in the following sectors:
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agricultural production,
recording and processing,
trade, marketing, consumers,
development and transfer of technologies,
accompanying measures such as research and development.
The Scheme focuses, on the one hand, on training, educational and general information
measures. A further priority is the promotion of research and the development of new
technologies as well as the practical implementation of the acquired insights80.
Regional marketing
In the course of the new orientation of its consumer and agricultural policy, the federal
government aims to boost regional economic systems. The Federal Environmental Agency
(FEA) is therefore sponsoring a joint project by the German Association for Land care (DVL)
and German Association for Nature Conservation (NABU) to support regional initiatives and
to distinguish the work of regional initiatives that act in an especially environment-friendly
manner. Key element of the project was to build up a network of regional initiatives. This is to
serve as exchange of contacts, expert forum and for representation of interests. There are over
400 regional initiatives at work throughout the country in the foodstuffs production,
handicrafts, and tourism sectors, which strengthen regional economies. The objective of the
project is to promote these initiatives through publicity and lobbying and to improve political
conditions.
Another main part of the project is the “Natürlich regional” contest. It awards regional
initiatives that unite the three areas of regionalism, conservation, and quality control in an
exemplary fashion. It is more than just awarding four winners for all participants judged as
regional and environmentally compatible by the jury may market themselves as “naturally
regional” for the next two years81.
Organic Agriculture projects in developing countries
Commissioned by BMZ the Programme Office for Social and Ecological Standards of GTZ
(Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit GmbH) promotes organic farming in
developing countries. The GTZ supports the conversion of small-scale farmers and their cooperatives into sustained Organic Agriculture. This means that ecological, economical and
social aspects are taken into consideration.
The GTZ offers consultancy services in following topics:

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80
81
Advisory concepts on organic agriculture, internal quality control systems and support
for growers’ associations. Instruments are cultivation guides, training modules as well
as the development of advisory systems developed by the GTZ.
Development of local certification and accreditation structures: GTZ advises
governments on the following topics: legal norms on organic agriculture and
www.verbraucherministerium.de
http://www.reginet.de or http://www.regionalvermarktung.info.
46
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implementation of an accreditation system. Local certification bodies can get advisory
on following subjects: organization of a certification body, ISO Guide 65, application
of other norms such as social and forestry standards
Marketing strategies and concepts: seminars and workshops are organised on
following topics: marketing strategies for national and international markets, seminars
on cost accounting etc.
Development of Public-Private-Partnerships: Projects with German companies
interested in building up small-farmers groups in developing countries that deliver
organic products to Europe.
GTZ´s main project activities concentrate currently mainly on Central America and the
Andean region. From July 2004 the activities will focus more on Africa and Asia82.
GTZ Programme Office for Social and Ecological Standards in the forestry sector
Commissioned by BMZ83 the Programme Office for Social and Ecological Standards of GTZ
(Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit GmbH) promotes the introduction,
implementation and monitoring of ecological and social standards as an instrument to foster
sustainable production and consumption and sustainable development. Forest certification is
one major pillar of the programme. The activities of the forest certification component mainly
address:

Consolidation of forest certification in developing countries through the support of
participatory development and implementation of forest certification standards. Regional
networks (CATIE, community forestry in Latin America) are supported for the exchange
of experiences.

Analysis of incentives and constraints for the application of forest certification as well as
support of the development of incentive mechanisms through producers groups, buyers
groups and group certification.

Studies and investigations on the impacts of forest certification processes which go
beyond the level of the individual enterprise. Public relations work and information
management in order to develop and offer instruments of forest certification to developing
countries and to raise awareness at the international level about the significance of the
mechanism of forest certification for development policy.
3.4.
Fisheries
"Sustainable Marine and Aquaculture Technologies" (2003-2005)
The action plan's objective is to develop environmental-sound and sustainable aquaculture
technologies, which can be used in different climate zones, in particular in tropical transition
countries. Following aspects have priority:

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
82
83
Integrating different technologies like plant construction and -operation, process
engineering and operation technologies
Development of integrated systems
Quality management: environment-friendly management and the economical use of
resources
www.gtz.de
www.bmz.de
47

Reducing the use of fish meal and oil by introduction of omnivore and herbivore piscine
species
Apart from the technology development an interdisciplinary approach as well as the education
and vocational training of professionals are targeted84.
3.5.
Transport
3.6.
Tourism
Viabono – a label for environmentally sound tourist services
The label Viabono85 is the result of a longstanding discussion on the introduction of a uniform
environmental label for tourist service products. The first and foremost aim is to give
consumers guidance in their search for environmentally sound offers in the tourist service
sector. The Federal Government expects the label not only to give a boost to offers available
in the field of sustainable tourism but that it will also trigger a rise in the demand for these
offers.
Anyone fulfilling the criteria developed for the segments local tourist communities, hotels,
restaurants, apartments and bed and breakfast, camping sites and large protected areas can
become a licensee. All catalogues of criteria cover the areas waste, energy, water noise,
mobility, nature and landscape, architecture and settlement structure, information, wellbeing
of tourists, regional economic cycles and environmental management. The catalogues provide
a uniform basis for offers in major areas of the tourist service sector. 250 licenses under the
label have already been granted.
The body responsible for the label is made up of several tourist, local authority and
environmental associations.
Sustainability and Sports: Manual on "Sports and Environment"
Conservation and intelligent use of natural resources as one prime goal of sustainability is
also of major concern in sports-related environmental policies.
Involving all actors from all parts of society, sports organizations, environmental action
groups, consumer organizations, local administration, scientists, the federal Minister for
Environment published a handbook-type guide towards environmentally friendly exercise of
sports, how to handle conflicts between sport and ecology and how to sustainable use
environmental resources both in indoor as well as in outdoor sports.
3.7.
Waste
General
The key to waste management policy in Germany is product responsibility / extended
producer responsibility which provides for incentives to consider issues of waste avoidance
and recovery already in the production stage86.
84
www.bmbf.de
www.viabono.de
86
www.bmu.de
85
48
Packaging Ordinance
The model example for extended producer responsibility is the Packaging Ordinance. The
purpose of this regulation is to avoid or reduce the environmental impacts of waste arising
from packaging. Packaging waste shall in the first instance be avoided; reuse of packaging,
recycling and other forms of recovery shall otherwise take priority over the disposal of
packaging waste. As a result of the ordinance manufacturers have changed their packaging
habits and industry has set up a nationwide collection system (the „Green Dot System“) for
throw-away packaging and has increased its recycling capacities significantly for all
packaging material. The system organises the collection, sorting and recycling of packaging
waste in Germany with the support of about 400 waste management partners. In order to
obtain the right to print the Green Dot trade mark on their packaging, licensees must pay a
licence fee based on the polluter-pays principle (depending on the number of packaging items,
their weight and materials used). Today, around 19,000 companies (licensees) in Germany
and abroad make use of the services provided by the German Green Dot scheme. The total
quantity of packaging has decreased by some 14% as a result of material savings and
packaging optimisation. 5.3 million tonnes of packaging manufactured from glass,
paper/cardboard, plastics, tinplate, aluminium and composites are recycled every year.
Compulsory deposit on one-way beverage containers
In order to support waste avoidance in the field of drinks packaging a compulsory deposit on
one-way beverage containers was implemented on 1 January 2003. A deposit of 25 cent is
levied on mineral water, beer and carbonated beverages sold in one way packaging of glass,
plastic or cans. This deposit is reimbursed on return of the empty container. The compulsory
deposit strengthens environmentally friendly reusable systems.
Voluntary Commitment on graphic paper
A voluntary commitment of AGRAPA (Graphic Paper Alliance) which is a group of
associations and organisations of the paper manufacturing industry, paper importers, paper
wholesalers, the printing industry and publishers on the recycling of used graphic paper was
agreed upon in 1994 and updated in 2001. In the update AGRAPA commits itself to keep the
recycling quota at about 80 % in the future. In 2001 a recycling quota of nearly 84 % was
achieved. This contributes to considerable environmental relief as was confirmed in an
ecological balance set up by the German Federal Environmental Agency.
Ordinance on the Disposal of Waste Wood
On 01.03.03 the Ordinance on the Disposal of Waste Wood entered into force. It specifies
concrete requirements for the material and energetic recovery from waste wood and for its
disposal. This gives a sustainable boost to the environmentally sound recycling of waste wood
and guarantees that pollutants no longer enter the economic cycle. Germany opened up new
terrain with this Ordinance because so far there had been no uniform requirements for the
disposal of waste wood neither in Germany nor on the European level. The Ordinance covers
production residues from the processing of timber and timber-based materials and used
products such as wooden packaging material, pallets, furniture or timber from demolitions. It
covers all currently well established disposal practices for waste wood ranging from the
processing of waste wood to produce timber-based materials, the production of activated
carbon, industrial charcoal and synthetic gas to the energy recovery by combustion using
waste wood as substitute fuel. If it is not possible to recycle waste wood it is to be disposed of
by combustion. Land filling is not permitted. Viewed under ecological and economic
considerations the ordinance is a further important element on the way to a tangible extension
of closed loop cycles.
49
3.8.
Chemicals
Guidance for the use of environmentally sound substances
This management guidance has been developed in the framework of the project no. 201 28
213 of the German Federal Environmental Research Programme. It addresses producers and
users of chemical products relevant to water ecosystems. With the focus on the priority
substances under the European Water Policy, the guidance outlines a systematic procedure for
the environmental evaluation of chemical substances and the identification of appropriate risk
reduction strategies87.
Sustainable Washing
Developing sustainable washing strategies requires the inclusion of a broad range of subjects:
Sustainable consumption and production of washing and cleaning agents with a focus on
energy and water consumption. The identification of substances which are or might be
harmful to health and the environment to ensure a high level of environmental protection,
especially of the aquatic environment. Reduction or, where appropriate, exclusion of poorly
biodegradable, accumulating, eco-toxic or sensitising substances. At present UBA is
interested especially in odorous substances and substances with biocidal properties. The
standard of consumer information will be risen by extending the legal labelling requirements
for the products ingredients and enhanced information on proper use and dosage88. The
inclusion of life cycle considerations for the environmental assessment of ingredients is part
of UBA´s participation in an OECD activity on Chemical Product Policy. Additionally UBA
supports an initiative of the German producers of washing agents in co-operation with
stakeholders on sustainable washing.
Help for developing countries on the implementation of International Chemicals Related
Conventions
In 2004 both the Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain
Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the Stockholm Convention on
Persistent Organic Pollutants entered into force. The EU is party to the Rotterdam Convention
and will soon be party to the Stockholm Convention. The German Federal Ministry for
Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) has commissioned to the GTZ a Chemicals
Convention Project to support the implementation of these Conventions through development
assistance projects and programmes in developing countries. Internationally accepted
standards and tools for sustainable chemical safety are provided. Contacts are established
between governmental authorities as well as the private sector in developing countries and EU
Member States to facilitate exchange of information and to provide expertise and lessons
learned in the process of chemicals convention implementation.
87
88
http://www.umweltbundesamt.de/umweltvertraegliche-stoffe-e/guidehome.htm
Further details can be found on the UBA internet site, see http://umweltbundesamt.de/uba-infodaten/daten/wasch/index.htm
50
HUNGARY
1.
INTRODUCTION
2.
GENERAL POLICY STRATEGIES AND INSTRUMENTS
2.1
General policy framework
The Hungarian Network for Sustainable Consumption and Production is a cross-sectoral
partnership composed of a unique assemblage of stakeholder groups in Central and Eastern
Europe. The partnership emerged from the initiative of the UNEP with strong support from
the Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe’s (REC) Hungarian
country office. The Network has been launched in November 2002.
The main tasks of the network are to promote dialogue among stakeholders and to develop
and implement the strategies and actions for sustainable consumption and production. The
network was further extended during several cross- and intra-sector events. The efficiency of
the network’s actions is ensured by the participants covering all stakeholder groups (relevant
governmental authorities, business, civil society, academia and media)89.
1. The Network of Environmental Consultants – Information and awareness-raising on
sustainable lifestyle for citizens (to chapter 2.8 Information tools)
The offices of the Network of Environmental Consultants are operated by environmental
NGOs all over the country. The Network was initiated by the Association of
Environmental Consultants in 1997, the establishment and to some extent also the
operation was financed by the Ministry of Environment. The Network works in cooperation with the Information Office of the Ministry and provides information supporting
the environment-aware lifestyle, distributes publications and organises awareness-raising
campaigns and programs for the citizens90.
2. Cleaner production criteria for evaluation of project proposals (to chapter 3.1 Cleaner
production). The Hungarian Cleaner Production Center – on the request of the Ministry of
Environment – has prepared a set of cleaner production criteria which was used for
evaluation of project proposals applied to the Environmental Fund in 2001 already.
The projects of manufacturing industry (co-)financed from the Environmental Fund are
obliged to audit the project in terms of environmental protection91.
89
90
web site: www.rec.hu/hftf
web site: www.kothalo.hu
91
Further information: Ministry of Environment and Water, Department of Environmental Technology
51
IRELAND
1.
INTRODUCTION
2.
GENERAL POLICY INSTRUMENT: CLEANER GREENER PRODUCTION
PROGRAMME
2.3
Integrated Product Policy
The ESP initiative was developed in response to the increasing drivers for industry to produce
more sustainable products and services e.g. Integrated Product Policy and Producer
Responsibility legislation. The aim of ESP is to promote and increase the development of
sustainable products, services or Product Service Systems by Irish industry. Under ESP, a
packaging of supports to include general and technical information and advice on designing
more sustainable products and services as well as financial supports are available. Financial
support of 50% of the cost of a project to reduce the environmental impact of a product and/or
service up to a maximum of €32,000 is available to SMEs. To date, over forty Irish SMEs
from a range of industry sectors have participated in ESP. Companies participating in ESP are
from a range of manufacturing industry sectors (e.g. electronics, IT, construction, packaging,
furniture and timber) and play different roles in the supply chain (e.g. raw material,
component or sub component suppliers to OEMs). All use a life cycle thinking approach and
a range of environmental improvement strategies to improve the environmental performance
of new or existing products and/or services. The result for many projects has not only been
more sustainable products, and Product Service Systems but also commercial and other
business benefits92. ESP is one aspect of a larger programme of environmental supports from
Enterprise Ireland designed to improve the environmental performance of Irish industry93.
Best Practice Example: Race Against Waste Campaign
2.7
Economic Instrument
“Waste prevention is the first priority of the waste management hierarchy contained in
Community legislation on waste. This includes both quantitative prevention (producing less
waste) and qualitative prevention (reducing the hazardous character of waste)” 94. In Ireland,
the Cleaner Greener Production Programme is focussed on the avoidance and prevention of
waste and is funded by the EPA95. The programme seeks to promote environmentally
friendly business through increased resource productivity, waste reduction, recovery of
materials, improved efficiency in a product value-chain and a change of culture within
organisations. The long-term goal is to ensure that cleaner greener production becomes the
established norm in Ireland.
Due to resource limitations, the EPA contracted a consultancy team to manage the
programme. This team consisted of experts in cleaner production (the Clean Technology
Centre, Cork), an engineering consultancy specialising in energy efficient and sustainable
92
Practical case examples from ESP participant companies which highlight the environmental, commercial and
other business benefits achieved are at www.enterprise-ireland.com/esp Further information: Dorothy Maxwell,
Environmental Policy Dept. Enterprise Ireland, email: dorothy.maxwell@enterprise-ireland.com;
Tel. + 353 1 808 2612, Fax + 353 1 808 2259
93
see www.envirocentre.ie
94
Ref: Sustainable Consumption and Production: Inventory of Relevant Policies, Activities and Instruments at
the EC Level Draft 30 January 2004.
95
http://www.epa.ie/
52
actions (ENTRAC) and a public relations company (O’Sullivan Public Relations Ltd).
Twenty-nine successful projects were completed under Phase 1 of the programme (cleaner
production / results)96. It is intended that Phase 2 will be launched in May 2004. This call for
proposals will encompass a broader range of projects than Phase 1 and will include topical
issues such as Integrated Product Policy and Environmental Technologies as well as others97.
Economic Instruments:
A budget of €3.8 million was made available to the EPA for the CGPP from the Department
of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. This funding is provided under the
National Development Plan 2000-2006. A total of €1.7 million was committed under Phase 1
of the programme. Grant aid was provided to successful applicants on the following basis:




The country is divided into two areas for the purposes of state grant aid: the Border,
Midlands and Western (BMW) region and the Southern and Eastern (SE) region.
Companies located in the BMW region qualify for an additional 5% over companies in the
SE region.
Location is defined as the place where the project is being
undertaken/implemented as opposed to the registered office or head office of the
Participant company.
The size of the Participant company also has a bearing on the grant aid percentages, with
an additional 10% being made available for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) as
defined in the EU Commission Recommendation 96/280/EU of 3rd April 1986.
The type or category of cost will also have a bearing on the grant aid percentage available.
Project costs including staff, training, consumables, travel, external assistance,
consultancy and promotion and publicity costs qualify for higher grant aid than capital or
equipment costs.
Maximum grant aid available is €100,000 per applicant.
The table below shows cost categories and percentage grant aid:
NON-SME
SME
SE
BMW
SE
BMW
35%
35%
35%
35%
35%
35%
35%
40%
40%
40%
40%
40%
40%
40%
45%
45%
45%
45%
45%
45%
45%
50%
50%
50%
50%
50%
50%
50%
25%
25%
25%
25%
PROJECT COSTS
Staff Costs
Training
Consumables Costs
Travel Costs
Promotion and publicity
External Assistance and Consultancy
Other Costs
EQUIPMENT COSTS
Plant and Equipment
96
Details of the projects can be accessed at http://www.epa.ie/r_d/default.htm
Further information: Ms Helen Walsh, CGPP, Environmental Protection Agency, Richview, Clonskeagh
Road, Dublin 14, Ireland, e-mail: h.walsh@epa.ie Tel: + 353 1 268 0100, Fax: + 353 1 268 0199
97
53
Examples of projects completed under the CGPP Programme:
(a) Improving environmental performance at the Furniture College:
The aims of this project were to reduce energy and water usage as well as reducing the
amount of waste produced within the College. Students and staff were involved from the
outset. Current practices in the College were evaluated and areas where improvement could
be made were identified. Emphasis was placed on continuous improvement in the areas of
waste minimisation, material reuse, recycling and energy saving. The achievements
associated with this programme are:




Development of an environmental policy statement for the College
Establishment of a materials management system.
Introduction of lectures on the environmental evaluation of raw materials and designs.
The enhanced level of environmental awareness by College staff, students, and other
businesses within the College grounds.
An estimated 1.5 tonnes of waste have been diverted from landfill through the reduction of
material use, segregation of materials for re-use, and the recycling of MDF and other Timber
materials. As a result of the CGPP, the College is moving towards the use of smaller-scale
student projects that retain the educational and skills learning element while saving raw
materials. This will result in a more efficient use of materials within the college and reduce
waste. Through energy management the College was able to reduce their emissions from 112
tonnes in January through June 2002, to 97 tonnes in the period of January through June 2003.
The on-site management practices for materials and energy usage and waste will set an
example to the many students attending the College. It is anticipated that in the future this will
have knock-on benefits environmentally, and economically, within the furniture industry98.
(b) Clean Technology Options at Sligo General Hospital:
As a first step towards improving the environmental performance of the North Western Health
Board (NWHB), Sligo General Hospital (SGH) developed a programme to reduce the volume
of waste sent to landfill, reduce resource usage throughout the hospital, incorporate green
procurement principles into the hospital’s purchasing strategy, reduce discharges of
wastewater to public sewer and raise environmental awareness amongst staff at all levels in
the organisation. It is proposed to apply a similar programme to other sites within the
NWHB. Some of the benefits of the programme are listed below99:





12% reduction in water usage and the initiation of a system of regular monitoring and
reporting of leaks.
Identification of a potential 5% reduction in electricity use and initiation of an on-going
awareness campaign to achieve these savings.
Identification of a potential 5% reduction in clinical waste disposal costs and initiation of
an on-going awareness campaign to achieve these savings.
Initiation of the recycling of 1.1 tonnes of cardboard per week rather than landfilling,
potentially saving the hospital €17,000 per annum.
Identification of areas where the quantity of organic waste discharged to the public sewer
can be reduced and initiated further investigations on how this can be achieved
98
Further information: Mr. Finian Sheridan, Head of Department, The Furniture College, Letterfrack, Co.
Galway, e-mail: finian.sheridan@gmit.ie Tel: + 353 95 41660, fax+ 353 95 41112
99
Further information: Mr Pat Carr, Technical Services Department, Waterfront House, Bridge Street, Sligo, email: pat.carr@nwhb.ie Tel: + 353 71 913 8032, fax: + 353 71 913 8036
54

Initiation of an assessment of the environmental aspects of purchases with a view to
initiating a green procurement policy.
(c) Waste reduction at pre-cast company
Oran Precast produces hollow core flooring by casting a continuous narrow slab of concrete
which is then cut to the required length. Prior to implementation of this project, cutting
positions were marked out manually and errors led to a large volume of waste. Installation of
a bed plotter directly linked to the design office CAD system significantly reduced such
errors. Since installation, there have been zero measuring defects. Plant capacity has improved
by 20% due to the elimination of this waste100.
Best Practice Example: Enterprise Ireland EnviroCentre Environmental Information Portal
for Irish Industry
2.8
Information Tools (for Industry)
EnviroCentre.ie is a free online environmental support designed to provide education,
awareness raising and information for Irish industry with a particular focus on SMEs. A
holistic range of supports for sustainable production are available on the site backed up phone,
email or site visits from in house environmental specialists. Supports are designed to be
pragmatic and highlight the business case for sustainable production. The aim of the supports
is to improve the environmental performance of industrial process, products and services as
this is essential to good business and to assist Irish companies to increase profitability
and competitiveness through improved environmental performance.
Information, technical and advisory support is provided in key environmental areas to include
legislation, licensing e.g. IPPC, Cleaner Production, Climate Change and Energy, resource
efficiency, Environmental Management Systems, Waste Minimisation, Eco-Efficiency,
Ecodesign, ambient air quality, effluent treatment, noise/vibration and water and air emissions
monitoring. There is a special focus on meeting the needs of SME industry in terms of
facilitating access to environmental information and provision of financial supports. Specific
supports available include:
 Guides on environmental legislation and standards
 Cross sector and sector specific Best Practice guides
 Industry case examples
 Details of financial environmental supports
 News and events
 Databases, publications and links
 Free regional industrial environmental business clubs to provide a platform for
information dissemination and good industry environmental practices
 Free on site visits and an eco-efficiency assessment designed to measure and benchmark
environment performance.
Activity on the Site has been monitored since its launch in April 2002, and to date the Site has
attracted over 40,000 hits per month101.
100
Further information: Ms Michelle Melville, Oran Precast Ltd, Deerpark Industrial Estate, Oranmore, Co.
Galway, e-mail: info@oranprecast.ie Tel: + 353 91 794 537 Fax: + 353 91 794 586
Web URL: www.enviroCentre.ie Further information: Dr. Vincent O’Malley, Environment Policy Dept,
Enterprise Ireland, envirocentre@enterprise-ireland.com, Tel. + 353 01 808 2231, Fax + 353 1 808 2259
101
55
Best Practice Example: Enterprise Ireland Environmentally Superior Products (ESP)
initiative
Information Tool – Education, awareness-raising and public information
The purpose of the Race Against Waste Campaign is to highlight actions which both
householders and businesses can take to prevent and reduce waste, and address the many
misconceptions people have about waste.
The campaign is comprised of two separate but related elements:

A Waste Awareness Media Campaign. This is a strong, creative, high quality multimedia campaign, designed to raise awareness of the need to address waste and to get
people at home and at work to prevent, reduce, re-use, and, recycle or compost their
waste and ultimately to reduce quantities for final disposal.

A Waste Communications Strategy. This strategy will address general issues, public
concerns, information needs, misunderstandings / misconceptions of waste and the
measures required to deal with waste in an integrated way. The communications
strategy will complement the extensive investment in waste infrastructure.
The campaign specifically targets consumption practices by encouraging people to favour
products that use less packaging and to buy products that themselves can be reused or
recycled.
The recently launched Small Change campaign for SMEs provides information on how to
prevent and reduce commercial waste and points out the reductions that can be achieved in
operating costs through waste reduction and environmentally friendly disposal102.
The total budget allocated by the Department for the “Race Against Waste” campaign for the
twelve-month period to June 2004 is €3.5m.
102
Further information for both householders and businesses on how to prevent, reduce, reuse and recycle waste
can be found at www.raceagainstwaste.com and Paul Morrissey, Environmental Awareness Section,
Department Of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, paul_morrissey@environ.ie, Tel. + 353 01
888 2488 Fax + 353 1 888 2014
56
ITALY
1.
INTRODUCTION
2.
GENERAL POLICY STRATEGIES AND INSTRUMENTS
The National Environmental Action Strategy for Sustainable Development, approved by the
Inter-Ministerial Committee for Economic Planning (CIPE) on August 2002 contains specific
indications on SCP, with a particular focus on certification, lifecycle approach, eco-efficiency,
fiscal and economic measures, awareness-raising, renewables sources and waste. It also
includes specific targets on public procurement. Multi-stakeholder consultations have been
carried out for the preparation of the Strategy, involving more than 140 authorities and
organizations.
According to the CIPE’s Decision the evaluation on the Strategy’s implementation, on the
basis of specific indicators singled out in the strategy itself, must be carried out each year by
the end of April, by CIPE itself on the basis of a report of the Minister of the Environment.
A public fund (“Fund to promote sustainable development”) has been established in 2000 in
order to contribute financially to some of the instruments envisaged to implement the Strategy
(among the others application of EMAS to SMEs and technological innovation in the water
protection field)103.
Local Agenda 21
Voluntary LA21 processes are successfully spread throughout Italy, involving more than 500
local authorities in a network, and supported financially by the Ministry for the Environment
by a periodical call for tender (public notices).
In particular, the Public notices published by the Ministry in December 2000 and July 2002
envisage the co-financing of projects for the starting and strengthening of Local Agenda 21
processes (local sustainable development plans) promoted by Municipalities, Provinces, other
local public authorities. The Ministry of Environment is also in charge of monitoring the
implementation of the co-funded projects104.
Structural Funds
The Ministry of Environment ensures the integration of the environment into the regional
policy, and in particular in interventions co-funded by the EU Structural Funds. As member of
the “Surveillance Committees” of the main strategic documents (Community Support
Framework, National and Regional Operational Programmes, Single Programming
Document) the Ministry contributes to the definition and implementation of the actions and
interventions, in order to ensure their sustainability105.
Voluntary Agreements with Industry and CSR
A large number of agreements have been signed since 1996/7, involving the Ministry for the
Environment (and in some cases local authorities) and industries, mainly large companies, but
also industrial districts of SMEs, with the aim of reducing polluting emissions. Most of them
in the field of electric energy, transports, mining, chemicals and fuels production. Some
examples:
103
www.minambiente.it/SVS/svs/strategia_ambientale.htm
www.minambiente.it/SVS/agenda21/agenda.htm
105
www.minambiente.it/SVS/fondi/fondi.htm
104
57





Agreement with FIAT and Fuel Producers Union;
Agreement with 90 chemical producers (to reduce waste);
Agreement with MONTEDISON;
Agreement with ENEL and Ministry of Industry;
Agreement with the association of Municipalities and scooter producers.
Presentation of “environmental reports” by enterprises on a voluntary basis (measures and
strategies to increase environmental performance), traditionally produced by large groups or
companies (e.g. “Highways ltd”), has become recently popular also among SMEs and local
providers of public services, as well as organisation of professional categories.
The debate on CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) has started in 2002, leaded by the
Ministry of Social Affairs106. Draft criteria for the social certification have been produced by
the University of Milan “Bocconi” and are in course to be finalised. Operational details need
then to be defined. Other successful initiatives to promote ethic/social responsibility are in
place since a number of years ago, like for instance by the Q-RES project, started in 1998. A
CSR Management Framework has been defined within this project, which can be adopted by
any company or public organisation willing to manage fairly and efficiently its relationships
with stakeholders. The projects aim at the development of quality management standard,
certifiable by independent third parties107.
2.8
Information tools
Education, awareness raising and reporting
A network of local “Environmental Education Centres” has been established (INFEA),
coordinated by the Ministry for the Environment and Territory and the Regions. Mainly
focused on promoting public awareness, it brings together the various actors involved in
activities of environmental education. The centres (about 140, some of them located within
natural protected areas) are managed by local public institutions in cooperation with various
stakeholders, like environmental NGOs, private enterprises, universities, research centres.
They address various categories of learners, of different ages. Some projects are carried out
within or in collaboration with schools108.
RSA
In accordance with the Aarhus Convention, the Ministry for the Environment publishes every
couple of years a national report on the state of environment (RSA). Many regional and local
institutions also follow this example. In 2002 an ad hoc version for kids of the national report,
named RSA Junior, has been produced for schools, aiming at promoting the environmentrelated knowledge in all its complexity109.
3.
IPP, ECO-LABEL, EMAS, GREEN PUBLIC PROCUREMENT
A large number of Italian enterprises apply eco-label (second place in the EU after France),
covering more than 200 types of products in 9 sectors (e.g. detergents, paper, tissues, shoes,
paints).
106
www.welfare.gov.it
http://www.qres.it.
108
www.minambiente.it/SVS/infea/infea.htm
109
www.minambiente.it/Sito/pubblicazioni/Collana_RSA/RSA_junior/RSAjunior_indice.asp
107
58
Many industrial sites have been registered to EMAS (mainly large enterprises operating in the
North, in the field of chemicals, energy, waste) and to ISO 14001. EMAS has been recently
applied to municipalities110.
In order to facilitate the use of EMAS by Small and Medium Enterprises an agreement
between the Ministry of Environment and the main business association (Confindustria) has
been signed to promote the use of EMAS, and a public fund (“Fund to promote sustainable
development”) Art. 109 of Budget Law 388/2000) contributes to cover the consultancy’s
costs.
Furthermore, the possibility to apply to EMAS has been recently given to industrial
“districts”, which include all SMEs operating in the same area and in the same industrial
sector (or same chain), rather than only to individual sites. An example is the Pordenone area
(North East), specialised in furniture production, where an agreement involving the Provincial
government, the Region, the Ministry of Environment, and a committee of local forniture
producers is going to define the basis for the experimental registration of the whole
Organisation “Pordenone Furniture District”.
Efforts are under way to apply the voluntary schemes and IPP to services, and in particular to
the tourist sector, based on specific criteria. A pilot case is under way to apply IPP to a
touristic site: Jesolo (Venice area)111. The project is based on a 10 years-old initiative ”hotels
for the environment”, promoted by the local hotel managers association and then extended to
the Municipality, the Province and the Tourism Office, which had firstly led to the ISO
certification for the company in charge of the touristic services and for the Municipality itself.
The IPP project has been promoted by the Municipality, the Hotel managers associations, the
Tourism Office and the National Agency for Environmental Protection (APAT), partially cofunded by the European Commission. It aims at reducing the environmental impact from
touristic activities, improving the environmental quality of services, and, what is more, testing
and producing a management model for IPP approach in the tourism sector that could be used
also in other contexts.
Another successful experience in the field of sustainable tourism is represented by Bibione,
the first European tourist resort to be certified EMAS (June 2003) for its environmental policy
and relating management choices enforced in the whole area, due not only to the measures
taken by the Municipality, but also for all the economic/tourist operators of the area112.
The Olympic Committee TOROC, in charge of the preparing the Winter Olympic Games Turin 2006, as well as 5 municipalities involved , have also started procedure to register
EMAS. The planning of the activities related to the Olympic Games is also subject to
Strategic Environmental Assessment113.
3.1
Green Public Procurement
An agreement between CONSIP (a public consultancy providing support to the modernisation
of the Public Administration) and Ministry for the Environment in course if definition in order
to “green” the public procurement of goods and services. It foresees that the Ministry for the
110
www.minambiente.it/Sito/ecolabel_ecoaudit/ecolabel_ecoaudit.htm
http://ipp.jesolo.it
112
www.bibione.com
113
www.torino2006.org/ambiente/content.php?idm=100011
111
59
Environment is consulted on the draft “calls for tender” of various administrations in order to
ensure that environmental aspects are appropriately integrated.
3.2
Environmental liability
Law 349/86, art.18, foresees the obligation, for everyone who by fault produces an
environmental damage, to pay the State for the restoration of the damage. If the restoration is
not possible, the judge quantifies the amount to be paid on the basis of the cost to restore the
damage, the fault of the responsible person, the profit that it gained. Environmental NGOs are
allowed to intervene in criminal proceedings to request for such restoration. Sectoral
legislation on waste (d.lgs.22/97) and water (d.lgs.152/99) integrate law n.349 with some
provisions on “strict liability”.
3.3
Research and development on hydrogen
The Ministry of Environment is promoting and co-funding a broad programme for research
and development on hydrogen/fuel cell technologies. The 7 projects focus on hydrogen
vehicles, production of electric energy/heat from hydrogen and fuel cells, hydrogen buses for
public transport, development of technologies, such as “fused polycarbonate” or “protons’
exchange membrane”, creation of a new centre for fuel cell certification.
3.4
Water re-use
Italy faces quantity-related problems, due to scarcity, drought, inefficient use, infrastructural
gap and leakages. A law (185/2003) has been recently adopted in order to promote wastewater re-use. It sets quality standards (different standards depending if the use is intended for
industrial, civil, and agricultural purposes) and modalities for recycling of treated wastewater.
3.5
Economic measures
Economic measures to promote sustainability are foreseen in various fields. Incentives include
public contribution for covering the cost to install solar heat power or photovoltaic plants114.
Concerning costs recovery of environmental services, actions are taken in the field of water
and waste management to shift the charge from a tax-based system to a tariff-based system,
which takes into account the amount of water used/waste produced, and related environmental
degradation115.
114
115
www.minambiente.it/Sito/settori_azione/iar/FontiRinnovabili/programmi/elenco_programmi.asp .
www.minambiente.it/Sito/cvri/cvri.htm
60
MALTA
1.
INTRODUCTION
This report outlines some examples of good practice from Malta in the field of Sustainable
Consumption and Production. Since most of Malta’s institutional attention is currently
focused on implementing the EU Acquis, which is covered under the main part of the EU
report, this report covers a small part of the work Malta is actually undertaking in this area.
The report is organised along the lines of the European Community level inventory, starting
with general policy, strategies and instruments, and then addressing particular sectors and
issues where there is relevant good practice in Malta. Where choices exist with regard to
where to place initiatives within this framework, a sectoral approach has been adopted.
2.
GENERAL POLICY STRATEGIES AND INSTRUMENTS
2.1
Information tools
Education, awareness raising and public information
A number of innovative actions have been carried out on this theme including a series of
“Eco-Breakfasts” as part of campaign to target key industry groups about the new legislation
arising from the transposition of the EU environmental Acquis. An Agenda 21/Eco Schools
project aims to empower school children to participate, act and be responsible for their
school’s environment in line with Local Agenda 21 principles. This aim also extends to
encouraging environmental responsibility both at home and in the wider community. For
more information on these two projects contact the Malta Environment and Planning
Authority.
The Malta Environment and Planning Authority website116 is considered a state of the art
example of best practice by UNEP, and registered almost a quarter of a million hits between
October 2002 and September 2003. Popular searches on the MEPA website are mainly those
involving development applications. Considerable interest was also shown in the Enforcement
Cases and Development Notification Order cases. Through the MEPA website, the public is
becoming increasingly aware of the facility for keeping track of planning applications and
development occurring on the Islands as well as staying in touch with aspects of the state of
the environment. This not only enhances participation but directly contributes to
accountability. For the past year MEPA's portal continued to be updated with new services.
The site now contains integrated services from both Planning and Environmental data. The
Environment section has been re-designed with the look-in feel of the organization's portal
and now has up-to-date legislation, including Government and Legal notices, supplementary
guidance and publications relating to the Environment. EcoExplore can also be found under
the Environment section. This gives interesting information about plants, animals and
habitats. Images and descriptions are included for a better explanation of the flora and fauna
found on the Maltese islands. A search facility has also been included in this section to help
the user locate the required information easily and quickly.
One of the most successful environmental initiatives in this area has been the creation of the
cartoon character Xummiemu to promote environmental education amongst children. During
the early 1990s the Environment Protection Department used a hedgehog character called
116
www.mepa.org.mt
61
Xummiemu (which means ‘spotlessly clean’) to raise awareness, which proved extremely
popular with school children. This initiative has been taken up in other countries in the
Mediterranean. For more information one may contact MEPA (www.mepa.org.mt).
2.2
Analytical tools
The Sustainability Indicators – Malta Observatory (SI-MO) was established in November
2000 to meet the requirements of the MED-ERMIS (Malta) project. SI-MO is an organisation
hosted by the Islands and Small States Institute within the Foundation for International
Studies. The Observatory’s main remit is to conduct research and development work, and to
disseminate information on Sustainability Indicators for Malta. SI-MO engaged research
assistants, consultants and secretarial staff in order to assist in the execution of this project.
The final phase of the MED-ERMIS project involved the computation of the 127 indicators
based on the Mediterranean Commission for Sustainable Development (MCSD) methodology
(3 out of the 130 indicators were not applicable for Malta). This exercise was carried out in
collaboration with the National Statistics Office. This work was disseminated as follows: a
book was published with the data sheets for each of the 100 indicators, containing data and
main trends over the 1995-2000 or 1995-2001 periods, and useful information about 27
indicators for which data could not be obtained. An interactive compact disc, with an
accompanying manual, containing all the research output of SI-MO was produced and
disseminated. A press conference was organised during which the press was briefed on the
meaning and importance of these indicators.
Another initiative that SI-MO took in order to increase public awareness on issues of
sustainable development and sustainability indicators is the production of a fast paced 25minute video. This video was aimed at the general public and it explained the need for
sustainable development and how sustainability indicators can be used to gauge a country’s
performance in this respect.
The output of the SI-MO project included reports on air quality, fresh water and wastewater,
biodiversity and terrestrial and marine ecosystems, solid waste, territories and human
settlements and economic activities. Studies were also carried out on the feasibility of
constructing sustainability indicators for Malta, using the MCSD methodology. SI-MO also
prepared two studies on cross cutting issues, dealing with reporting requirements by the
Maltese government in the field of the environment, and an assessment of environmental
statistics collected by the National Office of Statistics. SI-MO also organised a national
conference on sustainability indicators. The conference discussed developments in the
computation of indicators for Malta covering areas such as: Population and Society;
Sustainable Development: Actors and Policies; and Cooperation in the Mediterranean.
This two-year project received high acclaim from the Maltese Government because it was the
first project of its kind, where information on sustainability indictors was collected, analysed
and published. Furthermore, SI-MO offered the opportunity for cooperation between the
public sector, the University of Malta and individuals specialised in different fields. This
cooperation has long-term implications as the National Office of Statistics has agreed to
continue the work initiated by SI-MO117.
3. SECTORS AND ISSUES
3.1.
117
Industry/cleaner production
For more information see www.um.edu.mt/intoff/si-mo
62
Industrial use of land has a significant impact in Malta, with its high population density and
small land area, so efficient use of industrial is an important priority. Malta Industrial Parks
Ltd has been given the necessary means to be able to develop factory space for the future,
readapt existing factories, monitor the needs for maintenance, and manage Government
industrial property. Alternative financing methods are currently being explored, aimed at
improving existing facilities and attracting local and foreign investment without any increase
in outlay from the national budget. An updated policy of factory allocation and leasing will be
put into place, and more efficient use will be made of existing factory space. New methods for
the generation of funds for the maintenance and development of industrial property will be
devised, whilst cutting down on the artificial demand for factory space due to the existing low
leasing rates.
Voluntary initiatives and Codes of Conduct
1) The Malta Building Industry Consultative Committee (BICC) has used a range of
instruments aiming at resource conservation in the construction sector. One of these is the
publication of guidelines on energy efficiency in buildings, and another relates to the
numerous training courses on subjects such as restoration of buildings and random rubble
walls in the countryside (soil conservation). BICC has also set up a Recycled Building
Material Working Party in cooperation with environmental non-governmental organisations,
to promote the recycling of construction and demolition waste118.
2) The Cleaner Technology Centre was established by the Government of Malta in 1993. The
particular format of the Centre was chosen with the specific objective of making the best use
of the limited intellectual and financial resources typically available within a small country.
The aim is clearly to facilitate the emergence of joint initiatives between the Government,
Industry and the University. It is felt that the ‘formula’ developed in Malta is likely to be of
relevance to other small countries.
In February 1993, the Environment Secretariat in the Ministry for the Environment) published
a National (Solid) Waste Management Strategy at the conclusion of a 2 year study under the
auspices of METAP. This broad policy document emphasised the central importance of waste
minimisation as an indispensable component of the overall strategy and it specifically advised
the Government of Malta to set up a Cleaner Technology Centre to help local industry to
introduce cleaner production processes which favours waste minimisation. The Environment
Protection Department immediately acted upon the recommendation and entered into an
agreement with the Department of Industry and Malta University Services Ltd to set up a
Cleaner Technology Centre (CTC), to be based at the University of Malta.
The CTC is a therefore joint venture between the Environment Protection Department (to
emphasise environmental objectives), the Department of Industry, to highlight the relevance
of clean technology to improved efficiency, industrial re-structuring and economic
development, and, Malta University Services Limited which is a limited liability company set
up within the University of Malta to facilitate the interaction between the University,
Government and the private sector through the successful exploitation of the knowledge and
expertise at the University.
The objectives of the Cleaner Technology Centre are as follows:
a. to encourage industry to apply the least polluting technologies;
b. to transfer know-how to industry about the implementation of cleaner technology;
118
http://www.bicc.gov.mt/bicc/default.asp
63
c. to offer assistance with the analyses of existing systems to find feasible solutions with
regard to pollution prevention;
d. to become involved in any initiative likely to lead to cleaner technology being taken up by
local industry;
e. to pursue any other objectives which both parties may consent to include.
Some of the above points have been subsequently clarified and in part amplified further as
follows: Technology refers to the widest possible definition of this term, which is not
concerned only with techniques of production but also with the appropriate management
practices. Industry does not relate only to manufacturing companies but to all sectors of
economic activity. In fact, the search for cleaner technology must adopt an even wider
horizon since one of the most relevant aspects is consumer preferences and behaviour. Public
information, awareness building and education assume central relevance in this respect.
Consideration needs to be given to all factors likely to bring about the introduction /diffusion
of cleaner technology. In this respect, the assessment of economic instruments for the
achievement of environmental policy objectives is assuming an ever increasing relevance.
The CTC is run by a full-time director in consultation with a Management Board, chaired by
the representative of the Environment Protection Department and made up of one
representative from each of the other partners (i.e. the Dept of Industry and Malta University
Services Ltd). To secure, as much as possible, a positive and proactive dialogue with the
private sector and to ensure that the Centre effectively responds to the real problem facing the
country - an Advisory Board has been set-up to define priorities and to provide the longerterm direction to the Management Board and hence to the Centre. The advisory board is
chaired by the representative of the Malta Federation of Industry and includes members from
such institutions as the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Council for Science and Technology,
Department of Manufacturing Engineering at the University and the Chamber of Professional
Engineers.
The objectives of the centre remain that of cooperating with the Maltese Industrial Sector in
capacity building and promoting industrial sustainable development. With the accession of
Malta as a member of the European Union this becomes an imperative target to be achieved to
enable industry to be compliant with the EU Environmental Legislation for Industry. To
achieve the desired goals experience has shown that the contacts that the CTC has with
centres in countries adherent to the Barcelona Convention is essential. The Cleaner
Technology Centre helps in identifying the relevant counterparts within business,
environment and sustainable development issues in each country as well as corporate
organisations. This will open the door to companies and especially SMEs to gain access to
pollution prevention and eco-efficiency materials and capacity building activities.
Collaboration with these centres has resulted in instances of technology transfer and other
forms of information exchange of profit to Maltese industry119.
Housing and construction
There are three groups of initiatives in this sector, relating to incentives to improve properties,
the Housing Authority schemes, and evolving good practice on conservation of building
materials.
1. Incentives for improvement of property. Refurbishing works on properties registered under
the Voluntary Registration Schemes in the historic cities of Valletta, Floriana and the
119
The contact person at the CTC is Mr Anton Pizzuto Tel: (+356) 2131 3416/7 ctc@mus.com.mt
64
Cottonera area are eligible for a refund of VAT payment on cost of works requiring Full
Development Permit from MEPA.
2. The Housing Authority120 has undertaken three main initiatives via which it addresses
environment concerns:
a) repair schemes for older properties: the Housing Authority has a number of repair schemes
through which one can apply for a cash grant to upgrade and adapt older properties. This
includes repairing dangerous ceilings, apertures, facades, and repairing/installing bathrooms.
b) energy saving buildings: the Housing Authority has just completed a block of ten
apartments which have been installed with energy saving measures. These include not only
solar water panels which reduce water heating energy but also photovoltaic cells that reduce
domestic consumption of electricity. There are also passive measures including louvers on
windows, double glazing, size and positioning of windows, and insulation.
c) building smaller housing units: following a board decision taken some 24 months ago, the
Housing Authority is building only one and two-bedroom housing units for rent. The idea is
to have a better ‘fit’ for smaller families as well as to conserve land for building use.
3. Evolving good practice in the land use/construction sector:
a) Hotel redevelopment: the demolition of the Golden Sands Hotel in Mellieha and the reconstruction of a new hotel involved the systematic stripping of all aluminium, pipework and
furniture for eventual sale or re-use. The construction waste was retained to use as fill
material for road structures. The new hotel is to be fitted with a sewage treatment plant and a
reverse osmosis plant. It is the policy of the Island Hotel Group to shift furniture to other
hotels, always discarding the most worn furniture and replacing the best.
b) Use of specific permit conditions regarding development in Urban Conservation Areas
with the aim of constraining developers to re-use existing stone in applications for additions
and alterations.
3.3
Agriculture and forestry
The Building Industry Consultative Committee is running courses on how to rebuild rubble
walls (see 3.1 (1)). Rubble walls are a major contributor to soil conservation on the islands,
and their loss has other impacts on loss of biodiversity and countryside character.
3.6
Tourism
Malta has prioritized the tourism sector for sustainable development initiatives. Here four
initiatives are described: the Eco-certification scheme; the 2000 Tourism Carrying Capacity
Study; an earmarked fund to channel government’s tourism-derived revenues into improving
tourism infrastructure and the environment; and, the assistance to local authorities scheme
called ‘Landscaping for a Greener Surroundings’.
1) One of the initiatives undertaken by the Malta Tourism Authority to mark Eco-Tourism
Year last year was a scheme encouraging hotels to reduce their impact on the environment. In
2002 consultants were contracted to assist the Malta Tourism Authority’s (MTA) Product
Planning and Development Directorate with the undertaking of this project. The consultants
assisted the MTA to team up with Alcudia, a region in the East of Majorca that has similar
tourism characteristics to Malta.
120
http://www.msp.gov.mt/services/housing.asp
65
The Eco-Certification scheme has 130 criteria distributed in 10 areas of assessment of which
40 criteria are compulsory. Following the launch of the scheme in October 2002, training was
given to the applicant hotel eco-coordinators and in March these hotels were audited. The
Green Commission, a board set up to overview this scheme asked the hotels selected to
present an improvement plan in order to comply with the compulsory criteria. The
Commission took into account both the results of the audit as well as the commitment
undertaken to comply with the criteria. The 16 hotels that this year showed the required
commitment to reducing their impact on the environment have now received awards as part of
the Eco-Certification scheme, and this now covers 14% of Malta’s accommodation. The
certification is conditional to the implementation of their plan of investment to satisfy the 40
compulsory criteria. These hotels are committed towards implementing environmental
management systems that, amongst many others, will include environmental initiatives such
as:






training staff on environmental best practises,
introducing waste management strategies including separation of waste
developing green policies for product procurement
creating environmental awareness amongst staff and guests
promoting local culture
reducing the usage of harmful chemicals such as pesticides and chlorine by
introducing environmentally friendly alternatives.
Over 25 other hotels have already shown interest in joining the scheme in the next intake.
These will shortly receive training in order to be eligible to take part in the Eco-Certification
scheme in October 2003. More information online on the eco-label scheme in available on:
http://www.mta.com.mt/index.pl/mta_news.
2) One of the main instruments for ensuring that Malta’s tourism strategy becomes more
sustainable has been the preparation in 2000 of the Tourism Carrying Capacity Assessment
for the Maltese Islands. This contains a recommendation to go for controlled growth scenario
in the tourism sector, which has been adopted within Malta’s Strategic Plan. The tourism
carrying capacity assessment for the Maltese Islands indicates that heavy demands are being
placed on resources and this is even more evident during the peak summer months, and
recommends that tourist flows be moved from the peak months to the shoulder and possibly
winter months.
3) More focused management of finances is being proposed in the tourism sector, through the
creation of an ‘ad hoc’ account for tourism which will be credited with VAT receipts from
hotels and restaurants as well as from revenues from heritage sites. Funds credited to this
account will be allocated, amongst others, towards capital projects related to the development
and enhancement of tourism products.
4) In terms of land resources, the MTA has also worked to improve the quality of Malta’s
existing urban areas- this helps to use land efficiently: it has launched a scheme called
‘Landscaping for a Greener Surroundings’, which encourages landscaping projects in tourist
areas (5 projects have already received assistance). It has also launched a scheme to assist
local council projects of tourism relevance (9 local councils are already being assisted). The
Authority has also contributed to the management of rural areas: projects include the
upgrading of countryside areas and tourist areas.
66
POLAND
The most important and best known legal act in the field of SCP is the so-called Biofuels Act
of 2nd October 2003. It provides instruments for the promotion of use of biofuels which goes
much farer than Community’s initiatives. Due to its provisions biocomponents shall be added
to all kinds of fuels. Gasoline will have to consist of up to 5% of bioethanol and up to 15% of
oil ether and diesel fuel shall consist of up to 5% of esters. The act allows a higher share of
biocomponents in fuels, which then have to be sold from separate distributors with the
information about the amount of biocomponents. The minimal share of the biocomponents
will be quantified in the governmental regulation by the 31st October of each year.
One of the essential issues in the development of rural areas is the promotion of agri-tourism
as a sustainable form of tourism. In Poland the key role in this field play Centers of
Agricultural Advisory. They popularize agri-tourism among farmers and help them in
organizing their activity. Another important propagators of countryside rest are the regional
agri-touristic associations gathered in Polish Rural Tourism Federation. One of the most
significant event promoting agri-tourism is Agri-touristic Meeting organized by Nationwide
Touristic Society “Gromada” which takes place in Warsaw annually.
Links to Polish publications and WebPages dedicated to SCP:
1. www.biopaliwa.pl - web portal providing informations and publications on biofuels,
biooils and ecological agriculture
2. www.agroturystyka.pl - website under the auspices of Polish Rural Tourism
Federation created with the financial support of Ministry of Economy, Labor and
Social Politics
3. www.agroturystyka-ggg.pl - website of Agri-toristic Association GGG, which main
aims are promotion of agri-tourism, legal and financial advisory, helping in
advertisement of agri-touristic services among city agglomerations inhabitants
4. Webpages dedicated to renewable sources of energy:

www.ekologika.com

www.zakelp.ps.pl/publikacje - publications and studies on wind powerhouses

www.darmowa-energia.eko.org.pl - website promoting ecological methods of
supplying energy
5. www.beids.tec-hh.net/beids_archive/polish/index.html
-
webpage
of
Baltic
Environmental Information Dissemination System
6. www.odpady.net.pl - informations about conferences, seminars and trainings in the
field of waste
7. www.abrys.pl - webpage of publisher of specialistic magazines: Comunal Review,
Recycling, Clean Energy
67
EXAMPLE
INITIATIVES
FOR
CONSUMPTION IN POLAND
SUSTAINABLE
PRODUCTION
AND
Governmental initiatives
In October 2003 the Government adopted the „Strategy of changing production and
consumption patterns to favour the implementation of sustainable development principles”.
The subsequent „Program of changing production and consumption patterns in the economy
sector 2004 – 2012” is being developed at present.
The implementation of the Strategy will be based on the tools provided for by governmental
programmes and specific sectoral programmes which determine state’s policy for sustainable
development, mainly to meet international commitments (especially towards the EU) on
environmental protection.
Among those tools there is:
National Environmental Policy 2003 – 2006 including prospects for 2007 - 2010 among its
priorities considers also activities conducive to changing production and consumption
patterns, such as:
- reducing material-, water- and energy-consumption in the economy,
- rational waste management,
- air protection against pollution,
- comprehensive implementation of best available techniques in industry,
- scientific research and technical progress, access to information and environmental
education.

National Environmental Protection Strategy 2000-2006 (adopted by the Government’s
Committee for Regional and Sustainable Development Policy in 2000) and its
executive programmes, combined with budgetary resources and funds supervised by
the Ministry of Economy, pave the way to launch and support the initiatives aimed at
changing production patterns, especially developing air and water protection
infrastructure.

National Ecological Development (adopted by the Government in 2002) – the
programme is an integral part of the Government’s Economic Strategy
„Entrepreneurship–Development –Jobs”, provides for heavy investment in
environmental protection in various sectors of the economy. The investments will
constitute an important part of total investments in the economy. The continued
operation of state-of-the-art environmental protection equipment in the coal-based
energy sector is expected to enable to preserve the role of coal in ensuring long-term
national energy security, while modern sewage treatment plants will improve water
purity, thus providing high-quality water for the population, industry, communal
economy and agriculture.

The orientation of governmental policy towards small and medium-seized enterprises
2003 - 2006 (adopted by the Government in 2003) focus on direct support to
initiatives launched by entrepreneurs, associated with the application of new
techniques and technologies, including information technology and aimed at obtaining
quality certificates, which improve corporate organisational structure and quality of
68
services. They also enhance the emergence of new companies in high-tech sectors,
including services and trade.

National Environmental Education Strategy (adopted by the Government in 2001)
implemented through the Executive Programme of the National Environmental
Education Strategy determining actions designed, i.a. to provide adequate importance
to environmental education, considered as a prerequisite of sustainable development,
and to include environmental education in the system of comprehensive education of
society.

National Waste Management Plan (adopted by the Government in 2002), which
implements the provisions of the Waste Act, determines the guidelines for low-level
plans in the area of waste management. It provides for actions aimed at preventing and
minimising waste output, implementing waste recovery, mainly recycling and
neutralization, and waste disposal safe for human health and the environment. The
National Waste Management Plan specifies supraregional priorities, necessary to
develop and maintain an integrated and sufficient waste-neutralising network of
installations and units throughout the country.

Programme of removing asbestos and products containing asbestos used on Polish
territory (adopted by the Government in 2002) designed, i.a. to eliminate products
containing asbestos which have been used for many years as well as their detrimental
health impact, and to gradually remove asbestos environmental impact.

Guidelines of the National Energy Policy until 2020 (updated by the Government in
2002) place emphasis, i.a. on integrated energy and environmental management, as
well as energy efficiency enhancement - related actions. An important element will be
the promotion of cogenerated electrical power and heat, introduction of permit trade
for pollutant emissions, growth of the role and importance of renewable energy use in
future national energy balances.

Programme of the introduction of a competitive electrical power market in Poland
(updated by the Government in 2003) provides for enhancing efficiency and reducing
the costs of the electrical power engineering sector’s operations, and maximising
benefits for power customers, by accelerating market processes consisting, i.a. in
restructuring long-term power supply contracts, consolidating and privatising energy
companies.

Strategy for Development of the Renewable Energy Sector (adopted by the
Government in 2000) providing for its 7.5 % share in the country’s fuel-energy
balance in 2010. In order to implement this Strategy, a comprehensive executive
programme including common guidelines and optimising criteria for all types of
renewable energy sources will be created. Particular fragments reflecting specific
characteristics of each of the renewable energy „subsectors” will be linked to the
above guidelines, and the plans to support their development will include the
economic-budgetary conditions.
69

Other sectoral strategies have been developed on the basis of the Guidelines on the
principles and scope of inclusion of environmental protection issues in sectoral
programmes (adopted by the Government in 2002). The guidelines covering the
objectives associated with sustainability prospects in specific sectors provide for
actions conducive to changes of production and consumption patterns. They will be
verified within the framework of the assessment procedure of the environmental
impact of the implementation of plans and programmes.
Since 1992 the Quality Promotion Programme has been carried out in order to promote and
disseminate modern management systems in activities determining quality (ISO 9000), the
environment (ISO 14000) and work safety and health (PN-N-18000), as well as management
strategies based on quality, such as TQM and EFQM Excellence Model.
The above objective is implemented by:
a. spreading information on benefits resulting from implementation of management
systems in accordance with the requirements of international standards,
b. giving access to information facilitating development and implementation of
management systems as well as their certification,
c. initiating and supporting activities which facilitate enterprise adaptation to the new
requirements,
d. disseminating information on acreditation and certification systems,
e. promoting entities with implemented and certified management systems.
At present there are 434 enterprises possessing ISO 14001 certificate and 914 entities with
ISO 9001:2000.
Among the initiatives promoting sustainable production and consumption there is also a
competition named the "Leader of the Polish Ecology", organized annually since 1996 by the
Minister of the Environment. The awards are granted to participants in three categories:
company, product, and municipality/union of municipalities.
The Competition, while awarding effective ecological, economic, technical, technological and
organisational solutions, accounts for philosophy of sustainable development.
In 2003 edition, 129 projects participated, including 32 companies, 115 products, and 82
municipalities/unions of municipalities. In the period of 1996-2003, the applications on 801
projects were submitted. 45 of them were granted the "Leader of the Polish Ecology" title and
42 received special awards.
Poland has also been a signatory to the International Declaration on Cleaner Production since
1999.
In December 2003 a Group for Environmental Education was formed as an assistance body of
the Prime Minister. One of its main tasks is to update and coordinate the implementation of
the Executive Programme of the National Environmental Education Strategy. The group is
multisectoral in nature, as its members are designated, i.a. by ministers for economy,
infrastructure, agriculture and the environment.
In April 2004 the Polish Council on Corporate Social Responsibility will start operating under
the auspices of the Minister of Economy, Labour and Social Policy. The Council will gather
representatives of the government administration, NGOs and business sector and its main task
will be to elaborate a national strategy regarding the principles of responsible business in
70
Poland. The Responsible Business Forum, which will coordinate the strategy development, is
going to invite all key stakeholders to cooperation. The announcement of the Strategy is
planned for May 2005.
Based on legal regulations determining requirements in the field of energy efficiency, Poland
has implemented a system of energy efficiency labels for household devices. This applies to
products such as: coolers, freezers, washing machines, dish washers and bulbs.
The Thermomodernisation Act called into being the Thermomodernisation Fund, which is an
institution financing projects aimed at the improvement of building envelope, internal
technical systems, local sources and distribution networks. The State help is offered in form
of a thermomodernisation bonus which may amount up to 25% of credit raised for the
investment.
GOOD PRACTICES
Cleaner Production (CP)
There are two centres coordinating the implementation of Cleaner Production programmes in
Poland – the National Centre for Implementation of Cleaner Production at the Central Mining
Institute121 and the Polish Cleaner Production Centre122. The CP implementation methodology
consists of five levels of active environmental education. They are meant to lead to
measurable environmental and economic benefits on local and regional scale through
implementation of CP projects and environmental management systems based on ISO 140001
or EMAS.
First level
Education of the society – education and promotion of the CP idea addressed to all social
groups carried out in the Internet and through lectures for university and high school students,
in which more than 570 listeners have participated so far.
Second level
Education of managers and decision-makers – process preparation for CP programme
implementation in enterprises, local governments and administration. So far more than 1500
representatives of enterprises, local communities and offices have participated in workshops,
seminars and conferences organized within this level.
Third level
Implementation of cleaner technologies – the participants of CP Schools master the procedure
of environmental management based on CP principles and then elaborate and implement
concrete projects in their organizations, achieving measurable environmental and economic
effects, such as: reducing consumption of materials, fuels, raw materials and energy, as well
as reducing environmental charges to pay as a result of lower waste generation, sewage
discharge and gas emission.
Fourth level
ISO 14001 implementation within the CP Programme – the National Centre assists pilot
enterprises to implement ISO 14001.
121
122
http://cp.gig.katowice.pl
(www.programcp.org.pl/polpcp.htm)
71
Fifth level
Implementation of regional sustainable development strategies – initiating Regional
Environmental management Systems (REMAS) in the regions.
In the period of 1996-2001 the National Centre for Implementation of Cleaner Production
carried out the following initiatives:
 development and implementation of 25 CP projects 25 which bring concrete
environmental and economic effects,
 organization of 5 regional CP and Environmental management Schools with 73
projects developed and 139 certificates of CP and Environmental management Expert
granted,
 carrying out monitoring of the implementation effects of CP school projects which
bring measurable environmental and economic effects expressed in minimizing energy
consumption by 55% and reduction of waste generation:
o solid waste by ca. 23 %,
o liquid waste by ca. 16 %,
o dust and gas waste by ca. 22 %.
The project named „Implementation of environmental management in plastics industry in
Poland” was carried out from 2001 to 2002. Its aim was to implement environmental
management system in accordance with the requirements of ISO 140001 and EMAS in
plastics industry. It was composed of several units combining trainings and practise with
application of learned skills into firm functioning in order to implement environmental
management system afterwards. As a result of the project, five participating organizations
have implemented the integrated management system (ISO 9001 and ISO 14001).
Additionally, the Responsible Care Programme has been implemented since 1992
(www.rc.com.pl). At the national level it is supervised by the Polish Chamber of Chemical
Industry (Employers’ Organization). At present there are 35 significant associated enterprises
(producers and distributors) focused in environmental protection, technical security and health
prevention.
Companies implementing Responsible Care Programme are committed to:
 take over a conscious responsibility for human safety and environmental quality
completely voluntarily, without any constraint exercised by law regulations and
legislation,
 adopt the following as a priority: searching for funds to be allocated for progressive
company modernization, leading in consequence to energy saving and decreasing of
wastes and effluents volumes and reduction of emissions,
 interact between companies and local communities to promote cooperation and a
mutual responsibility system for safety and environmental health,
 promote the Programme and its principles outside the Chamber.
2.5
Corporate social and environmental responsibility
Since 2000 there has been the Responsible Business Forum playing an important role in
disseminating the idea of corporate social responsibility in economic and political circles, as
well as in society123.
Forum activities generally concentrate in:
123
www.fob.org.pl, www.responsiblebusiness.pl
72




promotion of responsible business (through organization of annual conference
“Responsible business – a new development strategy”, Internet presence, publication
of RESPO Magazine),
education (through Responsible Business Academy Programme for companies,
workshops for representatives of local governments and a student competition for the
best essay on responsible business issues),
preparation of reports on responsible business in Poland (so far 2 such publications
have been issued presenting the initiatives carried out in 2002 and 2003),
participation in international events devoted to corporate responsibility.
Forum participates also in the „Green Office” Programme, which is a partner initiative of the
Environmental Partnership Foundation and two companies: Ricoh Poland and NBS Public
Relations124. The Programme aims at stimulating environmentally friendly attitudes at
workplace. It is a practical application of sustainable development principles into firm and
institution functioning. The objective is to organize office work in a way that would
contribute to lower environmental impact, better office functioning and reduction of operating
costs. “Green Office” is addressed to companies, local governments, governmental
institutions, schools and NGOs. Responsible Business Forum, as one of the founder members
of Green Office Club, wishes not only to actively participate in the implementation of “Green
Office” principles, but also to shape and develop the programme itself.
The programme participants may apply for a “Green Office” Certificate, which recognizes the
firm’s environmentally friendly performance. The certificate is granted after the certification
audit, which is valid for two years and takes the following into account:






electrical and thermal power management and measures taken to save it,
paper management,
water supply and measures taken to save it and sewage discharge,
waste management,
environmentally friendly purchasing policy,
environmental education for employees and customers.
Among the initiatives respecting responsible business principles and carried out in 2003 there
are the following:





124
125
two Polish companies (Power Station Laziska and Thompson Zyrardow) received a
certificate of social responsibility management system compliance with the
international standard SA8000.
first Polish ethical audit according to AA1000 principles was granted to the British
American Tobacco Poland,
launching an Internet portal named „Philanthropist’s Manual” in order to popularize
corporate social involvement by the Academy for the Development of Philanthropy in
Poland125,
inaugurating the first Polish utilisation programme for used mobile phones, batteries
and other accessories of cellular telephony by Nokia Poland,
carrying out the collection and recycling programme for laser printer refills by Hewlett
Packard.
www.epce.org.pl/pl/cb/cb_zielone_biuro.htm
www.filantropia.org.pl
73
2.8
Information tools
Education, awareness raising and public information
In the period of 10.09.2003 – 31.08.2005 the National Energy Conservation Agency (Polish
KAPE126, together with German partners is running a nationwide informative-educational
campaign named “Energy Bus”127. The bus serves as a mobile informative-educational centre
and is planned to visit at least 100-150 local communities during 11 regional campaigns.
In the three past campaigns KAPE experts answered most frequently asked questions related
to:
a) water-, electricity- and gas saving methods,
b) operating basics and installation costs of heat pumps, solar collectors, fuel cells,
photovoltaic cells, gas and biomass pots,
c) thermo modernization of buildings and opportunities to get financial aid for this purpose,
d) ventilation systems in habitable buildings,
e) energy audits,
f) use of wind energy,
g) biomass production,
h) financing opportunities for energy saving investments, including use of UE funds.
The experts also share their knowledge on example initiatives already implemented and
bringing concrete energy efficiency effects for local governments and individual households.
An interesting initiative for sustainable consumption - „Buy responsibly” Campaign is run by
the Polish Green Network (PGN) – a group of environmental organisations taking nationwide
actions128. PGN provides consumers with information on what responsible shopping means,
on consumer boycots and rights, as well as on eco-labels129.
Among PGN partners there is „The Third World and We” Fair Trade Association founded in
2003 and devoted to promotion of the ethical style in consumption and economic activity130.
Since 1998 tens of products, mainly artificial and organic fertilizers, as well as some textile
and paper materials have been granted an „Eco-sign” label. These products can be of Polish or
foreign origin and should not have a negative environmental impact (in comparison with the
acceptable levels established before) and must meet standards of health protection, the
environment and economic use of natural resources along their life cycle.
The „Eco-sign” certification is based on the environment and health requirements set by the
„Eco-sign” Committee. This body is formed by representatives of governmental institutions,
non governmental entities working in the environmental protection field, as well as producers,
consumers and banks.
„Green Certificate – environmentally friendly kindergarden/school” is a nationwide
programme developed and run by the Foundation of the ECO-EYE Environmental Education
Centre since 2000 under the auspices of the Ministry of National Education and Sports, the
Ministry of Finance and the National Environmental Protection and Water Management Fund.
This non governmental educational initiative, carried out in cooperation with the National
126
www.kape.gov.pl
www.autobus-energetyczny.pl
128
www.zielonasiec.pl
129
www.ekokonsument.pl
130
www.sprawiedliwyhandel.org
127
74
Teachers’ Development Centre, effectively supports the Polish education system in
developing attitudes and raising environmental awareness of children, youth and entire
communities within school neighbourhood. The educational entities participating in the
programme (35 so far) decide to undertake various initiatives, depending on local conditions.
One of them carried out a total thermo modernization of the school building (changing central
heating installation, windows, introducing regulatory devices), which lead to reduction of
energy costs by approximately 50%. Another school built a sewage treatment plant and a
wind power station together with the local convent.
In recognition of their efforts for sustainable development, the best participants are granted a
Green Certificate for the period of two years with the possibility (and encouragement) to
prolong it. So far 23 participants have received such certificates.
Sustainable consumption and production issues are also included in the school curricula of
extra voluntary classes. They are to develop attitudes and social involvement and at the same
time teach practical skills, including consumer behaviour.
Another educational initiative encouraging local communities to good practices – waste
selective collection and recycling is a nationwide annual „Clean up the world” action
launched in 1994131. Litter collection, segregation and partial recycling is accompanied, i.a. by
poster and leaflet awareness raising actions concerning segregation methods, meaning of
packaging signs, as well as promotion of conscious and economical consumption. In recent
years some 1,5mln people, mostly children and youngsters, participated in each Action.
3.6
Tourism
Greenways132 are green trails of natural and historic heritage running along „green corridors”
– rivers, traditional, historic trade routs, natural ecological corridors etc. They join regions,
tourist attractions and local initiatives, stimulate sustainable tourism and recreation
development and promote a healthy lifestyle and alternative means of transport. They bring
opportunity to improve living standards and environmental quality, stimulate local economies,
foster entrepreneurship in local communities and preservation of unique values of nature,
landscapes and cultures. This project is a partner initiative, based on cooperation of NGOs,
local governments, governmental institutions and entrepreneurs working together for the
natural and cultural heritage conservation.
Within the project there are several new cycling trails developed, i.a. 700 km long „Green
Bicycle”, which forms part of an international network called „East Carpathians Greenway”
and is carried out by the „Green Bieszczady” Partner Group. The Group gathers local
governments, NGOs, schools, local entrepreneurs and administrators of protected areas.
And in the Polish North „ Northern Necklace Greenway” was created. This cycling trail is
870 km long and was launched in 2000, when the Northern Necklace Social Agreement was
signed. It aims at integrating activities for sustainable development of the Central Pomerania
region and one of its main tasks is to develop environmentally friendly tourism.
Among the projects for sustainable tourism, coorganised or cofinanced by the Tourism
Department of the Ministry of Economy, Labour and Social Policy in the last two years, there
is one interesting example investment carried out in Bielsko Biala. It consisted in installing
131
132
www.naszaziemia.pl/v3/index.php
www.epce.org.pl/pl/gw/greenways.htm
75
solar collectors to warm water in washing rooms, showers and swimming pools at the local
camping site.
3.2
Energy
The use of landfill gas to cogenerate electricity and heat at the Torun municipal landfill is a
good example of sustainable energy production133. It is the first, state-of-the-art installation of
this type in Poland. Collection and combustion of the landfill gas, reducing methane emission,
brings significant environmental benefits and its use for energy purposes has got economic
importance at the same time.
To produce the energy equivalent with traditional installations, 2600 tons of coal would have
to be burned annually, which would be accompanied by emission of 41,6 tons of carbon
dioxide, 117 tons of carbon monoxide, 3,3 tons of nitrogen oxides and 58,5 tons of dust into
the atmosphere.
3.3
Agriculture
There are several labeling systems for agricultural produce obtained with ecological methods
in Poland. Among them, the most known and recognized on the national market, and the one
associated with healthy food, is a logo of the „Ekoland” Ecological Food Producers
Association. The right to use this sign on products is restricted to producers, processing
entities and sellers who meet the requirements set in the Act on ecological agriculture, posses
a certificate granted by an entitled body and at the same time are members of the „Ekoland”.
The credibility of producers and products from ecological farming is provided by controls
performed by a certificating body. Thorough controls in farms and processing plants are run
once a year and there are also additional inspections.
Not only all buildings on the farm, but also the documents, such as, i.a. general ledge,
purchase receipts, labels and publicity materials are subject to control.
Based on the control protocol, a certifying body assesses whether the criteria are met and then
issues a certificate, which entitles to trade with ecologically produced goods.
3.5 Transport
In the face of a rapid car transport development in Poland, taking care to preserve alternative
means of transport, especially collective ones, is of special importance.
In 2002, when the monopoly of the Polish State Railways for passenger and goods transport
was officially abolished, the rebirth of narrow railways began. They started to revive in the
form of independent and autonomous small and medium-seized enterprises. At present, the
Local Railway Transportation Association is the main carrier operating on five local narrow
railways134.
Since 2002 also the Gdansk Bicycle Investment-Promotion Project has been underway. It
stipulates the development of 30 km of cycling paths and 70 km of lower traffic streets and a
campaign aimed at breaking cultural barriers for sustainable transport in Poland.
Another positive example of alternative local transport is a rickshaw undertaking launched in
the city of Lodz in 2003 by a company that provides yearly bicycle rickshaw transport and
advertisement services135.
133
www.biogaz.torun.pl
kolejelokalne@wp.pl
135
www.riksza.com.pl
134
76
3.7
Waste
In 1998 a packaging return system for specified hazardous substances was introduced in
Poland. It aims at collecting scattered used packagings which are polluted with hazardous
substances. The system is regulated by the Act of 11 May 2001 on packaging and packaging
waste, which defines the mechanisms for establishing, bonding and return of a deposit for the
above mentioned packagings. Producers and importers of hazardous substances are obliged to
establish a deposit for separate packaging at 10 to 30% of the included substance price. Only
packagings introduced on the market in order to be used in scientific research or for
instructive purposes are not subject to this obligation. Then sellers of hazardous substances
must ask its users to pay the deposit. Having used the product, users should return the
packaging and packaging waste, receiving the deposit in return. Afterwards, producers and
importers of hazardous substances should retake the packaging from sellers at their own
expense. In case of closing down the selling business, producers and importers are obliged to
receive the packagings and packaging waste and pay the deposit back.
77
SPAIN
1.
INTRODUCTION
Both horizontal aspects and key economic sectors related to this issue are currently regulated
by specific regulations, standards, policies and strategies, all of which are in line with the
guidelines established by the European Union.
Below, we have elaborated a list of best practises that are currently being developed, or which
have recently been developed in Spain at both a nationwide and a local scale, following the
structure of the European Commission’s inventory.
Remarks on the draft version of the Inventory of Sustainable Consumption and Production:
Relevant Policies, Activities and Instruments at the European Community level, of the 30th
January 2004.
There are two issues we would like to point out that did not appear under the heading 2.7 on
preferential tariffs and trade policies:

The question of tariff advantages and of access in general to industrial goods makes no
mention of the specific treatment of environmental goods and services. Although
significant difficulties remain in this issue, starting with the differences in opinion
with regard to how to define and clarify them, their importance in fostering
environmental sustainability is self evident. And, given the interest that the European
Union and some of the member states have been showing in them in a range of forums
like the OECD, they should not be left out of this inventory.

We also believe that there is a need to mention the efforts made by the European
Union in the matter of co-existence and compatibility between International
Agreements on the Environment and the World Trade Organisation (WTO), to prevent
the former from being subordinated to the latter. This matter appears in paragraph 31.
i) of the Doha Declaration, with a substantial long term impact on the relationship
between Trade and Sustainable Development. The EU has made material contributions
in this matter too, such as, for example, the contribution put to the Committee on
Trade and Environment in its special session of 2002.
2.
GENERAL POLICY STRATEGIES AN INSTRUMENTS
Local Agenda 21

In recent years, the concept of local sustainability has spread in Spain, and the Aalborg
Charter has been promoted as a symbol of this movement among cities and of the
commitment of local authorities to working on the development of Local A21
processes. At this time, there are over 600 Spanish municipalities that have made the
commitment to joining the movement and many others are currently in the process of
doing so.
The Ministry of the Environment is developing a framework to foster institutional cooperation for drafting Local Agendas 21 in the municipalities that have not yet done so
78
and to provide support for the work in course in the municipalities that have already
started the process. There are two lines of action:

2.6
2.7

Elaboration of an Agreement between the Ministry of the Environment and
the Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP)
Design and creation of instruments to facilitate the implementation of Local
Agendas 21 in Spanish municipalities.
In 1997, the city of Calviá, and in 1999, the municipality of Barcelona have received
the European Sustainable Cities Award, granted by the Council of European
Municipalities and Regions (CEMR).
Public Procurement Policies
The Ministry of the Environment, in its Order of the 14th October 1997 (Official State
Gazette – BOE – of the 29th October 1997) rates companies that meet the EMAS or
ISO 14,001 Standards in public procurements.
Economic instruments
General/ Energy taxation
The measures that involve the introduction of new taxes, or an increase in existing ones and,
therefore, an increase in the tax burden, run contrary to the over-arching policies of the
Government136. Environmental fiscal policy in Spain should consist of providing tax
incentives to improve the environment, rather than raising taxes that could affect business
competitiveness.
The tariff measures adopted are as follows:
a) Concerning CORPORATION TAX, article 35 bis of the Corporation Tax Act 43/1995,
passed on 27th December (Official Government Gazette of the 28th), hereinafter LIS,
establishes tax incentives for investments in tangible assets for the protection of the
environment. In principle, the incentive is established for investments in installations
preventing air pollution originating in industrial facilities; the pollution of surface,
subterranean and marine waters and for the reduction, recovery or treatment of industrial
waste. They take the form of a 10% deduction from the full tax rate of the investment made.
This deduction is also applicable to the acquisition of industrial or commercial road transport
vehicles, but only for the part of the investment that is determined by the regulations as
effectively contributing to reduce air pollution.
10 percent of the investments in new tangible assets to be used to take advantage of renewable
energy sources can also be written off against taxes. In order to be eligible for deduction, the
investments must consist of facilities or equipment for any of the following purposes: the use
of solar energy to transform it into heat or electricity; the use of solid domestic waste or
biomass from agricultural or forestry waste and energy crops to transform it into heat or
electricity; the treatment of biodegradable waste from livestock farms, waste water treatment
plants, industrial effluents or effluents from solid domestic waste to transform it into biogas;
136
Before the general elections of the 14th March 2004.
79
and the treatment of agricultural or forestry products and used oil to transform it into biofuel
(bio-ethanol or bio-diesel).
This deduction forms part of the measures established in the “Plan to Foster Renewable
Energies”.
Finally, it should be pointed out that the research and development activities, and
technological innovation activities in general and also, therefore, when they are dealing with
renewable energy sources, provided that the requisites established in the LIS are met, are also
eligible for the tax incentives established for expenditure and investments relating to said
activities (article 33 of the LIS).
b) With regard to the TAX ON HYDROCARBONS, concerning its possible use as a
stimulus for renewable energies, article 6 of the Tax, Administrative and Social Measures Act
53/200, of the 30th December 2002 (Official Government Gazette of the 31st December),
provides that, generally and without the need of linking it to a pilot project, a special rate of
0 euros per 1,000 litres will be applied to bio-fuels.
c) Concerning the SPECIAL TAX ON CERTAIN TRANSPORT MEANS, Additional
Provision 35 of Act 62/2003 on Tax, Administrative and Social Measures, passed on 30th
December 2002 (Official Government Gazette of the 31st December) establishes a tax relief
for renewal of the vehicles equipped with engines not suited for the use of lead-free petrol.
This program will only be in force until the 31st December 2006.
d) On the question of LOCAL TREASURIES, it should be noted that Act 51/2002, passed on
27th December 2002, reforming Act 39/1988, passed on the 28th December 1988 on the
regulation of Local Treasuries (Official Government Gazette of the 28th December),
introduced a number of amendments in relation to the granting of tax incentives and tax relief
for companies and persons improving the environment, such as the following:
iv)
REAL ESTATE TAX
Relief (established at the discretion of the Local Authorities) of up to 50 percent of
the tax base on properties which have installed systems for the thermal or electric
use of solar energy for producing heat or electricity.
v)


Relief (established at the discretion of the Local Authorities) of up to 50
percent of the tax rate for taxpayers using or producing energy based on
facilities that use renewable energies or co-generation systems.
Relief (established at the discretion of the Local Authorities) of up to 50 per
cent of the tax rate for taxpayers establishing efficient transport plans to
take their employees to and from their workplace, such as collective or shared
transport.
iv)

TAX ON PROFESSIONAL AND COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES
TAX ON MECHANICALLY DRIVEN VEHICLES
The maximum relief that can be established by Local Authorities for vehicles,
depending on the fuel class or engine type and their impact on the
environment, is extended from 50 to 75 per cent.
80

It is possible to remove vehicles that are 15+ years old from the Traffic
Administration’s Registers without having to produce the last receipt proving
that the relevant tax has been paid. This is allowed in order to favour deregistration and to prevent the vehicle from being abandoned.
iv)

TAX ON CONSTRUCTION, INSTALLATION AND WORKS
Relief (established at the discretion of the Local Authorities) of up to 95 per
cent of the tax rate for construction, installations and works incorporating
systems for the thermal or electric use of solar energy for own consumption,
using approved solar collectors.
Region of Andalusia:
 Taxation: New environmental taxes have been adopted in the regional context. They
apply to air and water emissions of certain pollutants including GHG emissions, and to
the production of hazardous wastes. Fiscal incentives are offered to enterprises
investing in equipment for pollution prevention and control, and for those that have
been implemented environmental standards such as ISO 14000 or EMAS.
 Subsidies in the context of the Programme “Ciudad 21” (“City 21”). In 2003, 120
subsidies have been granted to local entities for implementing environmental
protection measures. In particular for reducing emissions from transport and
increasing the use of renewable energies. The budget for these activities for the year
2004 is 5 million euros.
State aid for environmental purposes
The Act 36/2003 on Economic Reform Measures , passed on 11 November:
 Fiscal stimulus for companies, irrespective of their size, for investing in environmental
protection tangible fixed assets intended for the protection of the environment
(atmospheric, water and soil pollution), new industrial or commercial road vehicles,
and new tangible fixed assets of companies, irrespective of their size (previously only
small and medium sized enterprises were eligible) to foster renewable energy sources:
solar (thermal and electric), biogas from waste, waste as fuel to produce heat or
electricity, and bio-fuels from agriculture and forestry residues, and used oils.

2.9

Fiscal stimulus for owners or tenants of dwellings to install solar systems (thermal or
electrical) for their own use.
Analytical tools
The Ministry of he Environment has been working on creating a Spanish System of
Environmental Indicators since 1996, with the objective of making a contribution to
monitoring and evaluating the environmental situation in Spain. This line of action has
included the development of specific indicators for different environmental areas (air,
waste, the urban environment and natural resources). A new phase of the System was
started recently, in which a System of Environmental Indicators by Sectors of Activity
is being developed. This kind of analysis has started with the tourist sector (published
in 2003). It should be noted that the progress in formulating environmental indicators
developed by AEMA, OECD or EUROSTAT in this sector has been less important
than in other sectors like Transport, Industry or Energy. The Ministry of the
Environment published “The Spanish System of Environmental Indicators for
Tourism” in 2003.
81
2.10

3.
Research and development
The Ministry of Science and Technology’s policy for providing incentives for
competitiveness, while bearing in mind the environment, has been further enhanced by
the new Programme for Fostering Technical Research (PROFIT), in force during the
2004-2007 period. The supportive instruments considered by PROFIT include
refundable pre-payments, non-interest bearing loans, with grace periods and flexible
repayment commitments depending on the characteristics of each project, and
subsidies.
SECTORS AND ISSUES
3.1
Industry/cleaner production
EMAS

The Ministry of the Environment has engaged in support activities to improve
organisations’ awareness and knowledge of EMAS. The most important of these are:
-
Publication of an EMAS guide for SMEs.
Starting work on implementing the EMAS Project in twelve national parks.
“Study of mechanisms to drive the application of the EU Regulation in Spain”.
2001.
Courses, conferences.
In addition to this, many Autonomous Regions have published implementation
manuals, Best Available Environmental Practice Guides related to the EMAS
instrument, and they have undertaken dissemination actions like explanatory
conferences.
Eco- labelling

In this sector, the Ministry of the Environment has organised a wide range of
promotion actions, along with the Autonomous Regions and other agencies, either
individually or jointly. These include:
-
Conference on the European Eco-label. Chamber of Zaragoza. 15th November
2001.
Workshop on Community Eco-Label. OCU-UCE. 5th July 2001.
Conference on eco-marketing, eco-design and eco-labelling. The Bilbao
Official Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 3rd July 2001.
Conference on eco-marketing, Community Eco-Label. The Madrid Chamber
of Commerce. 25th April 2001.
Workshop on Community eco-labelling. OCU-UCE. Madrid. 21st March
2001. Bilbao, 28th June 2000. Valencia, 23rd February 2000.
Conference on eco-labelling in the Autonomous Region of Madrid. 27th
September 1999.
Others:
-
Organisation of workshop “Enterprise, consumption and the environment: a
common language”, 25th February 2003, on the implementation of the
different environmental management systems.
82
Housing and construction
Local measures
The following list of practices has been taken from the set of Best Spanish Practices, chosen
by the Spanish Habitat Committee to represent Spain in the International Award for Best
Practices in Improving the Living Environment, sponsored by the U.N. and the municipality
of Dubai137.
IV International Award for Best Practices (2002):
1. Sustainable building in the ecological municipality of Amayuelas de Abajo
(Palencia).
2. Strategy of innovation and environmental adjustment in the buildings made by the
Madrid Municipal Housing Company.
3. Re-cycling of sludge from the Arazuri treatment plant: a common interest shared
by the city and the countryside. (Navarre)
4. Alcudia eco-tourist label. (Balearic Islands).
5. Zaragoza, water saving city.
6. Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. Practising sustainability in a man-made European
landscape (Vizcaya).
III International Award for Best Practices (2000):
7. Bio-mass fired central heating. (Cuellar)
8. “Universidad Autónoma” University of Madrid Eco-Campus Project.
9. The water cycle. Re-use of treated waste waters for irrigation in the town of
Alcobendas, Madrid.
10. Sarriguren Eco-City. (Navarre).
II International Award for Best Practices (1998):
11. Barnamil, 1,000 m2 of solar panels for heating water for the year 2000.
(Barcelona).
Sustainable building in the ecological municipality of Amayuelas de Abajo
Amayuelas De Abajo, is an outstanding place in its own way. It belongs to the municipality of
San Cebrián de Campos, in the province of Palencia. It has a population of 6 inhabitants
(2001).
This practice consists of a new model for the building of new bio-climatic houses with
traditional methods, with the following results:
- Construction of 10 bio-climatic houses.
- Merger of old and new technologies and the recovery of traditional building systems.
- This example is showing that sustainable building is possible and, furthermore, with
clean energy technologies: 40 m2 of thermal solar panels and 6,658 W of total
installed photovoltaic solar energy.
137
These practices, along with others dealing with a range of different thematic areas, can be found in the
“Spanish Catalogues of Best Practises” published by the Ministry of Public Works, and in the Electronic Library
of Sustainable Cities on its web site: http://habitat.aq.upm.es
83
Strategy of innovation and environmentally friendly measures in the development projects of
the Madrid Municipal Housing Company
This practice consists of introducing environmentally friendly criteria in the developments
promoted by the Municipal Housing Company by building and refurbishing buildings based,
among others, on the following criteria: energy efficiency, reduction of emissions and the
consumption of resources, renewable energies, improved comfort and quality, with the
following results:
- Seven residential Development Projects, applying criteria of energy efficiency and
bio-climatic architecture, with a total of 389 houses, including all kinds of social
housing.
- Integral refurbishing work on a 9,000 m2 Municipal Sports Centre, installing 500 m2
of solar panels and efficient installations.
- Treatment of 36 Ha of free areas and gardens in the Gavia ECO-Park.
- Provision of the conditions for using and maintaining buildings to enhance user
comfort, promote their environmental education and extend the lifetime of buldings.
Re-cycling the sludge of the Arazuri water treatment plant: a common interest shared by the
city and the countryside
The aim of this practice is to combine the interests of the city and the countryside by
establishing a Bio-Solids Re-Cycling Plan to be applied to agriculture. The following results
have been obtained:
- Construction of a Waste Water Treatment Plant
- Control of industrial waste effluents
- Stabilisation and sanitation of sludge.
- Analytic characterisation of bio-solids.
- Creation of an experimental farm in Arazuri (13 Ha).
- 18,000 tons of sludge have been used in agriculture, with the acceptance of farmers
- 11,000 tons have been used to produce compost.
Alcudia eco-tourist label
Alcudia is a coastal-tourist municipality in the Autonomous Region of the Balearic Islands
with a population of 12,500 inhabitants (2001).
The aim is to promote sustainable tourism, seeking a balance between economic development
and protection of the environment with actions aimed at winning the active and committed
participation of tourist entrepreneurs and to enhance the environmental awareness of both
businessmen and their employees and clients. The results obtained include:
- Award of the “Eco-Tourist Label” to establishments that meet 13 requisites: courses
on tourism and the environment, selective waste collection, energy and water saving,
the use of re-cycled materials, respect for the environment, noise reduction, aesthetic
conditions, information for employees and clients, local island menus, etc. Out of the
80 establishments in the municipality, 22 have been granted the label.
- Average water consumption of the establishments entitled to show the eco-tourist
label is 258 l/pax, which is below the normal consumption figures for establishments
in tourist areas.
- Average electricity consumption is 6.86 Kwh/pax (data from 2000).
- The volume of waste waters reaching the treatment plant in summer has decreased.
- There has been an increase in the amount of glass and paper/cardboard accumulated
in the selective waste collection containers that have been installed inside these
establishments.
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Zaragoza, water saving city
The purpose of this practice is to show that it is possible to solve problems of water shortages
with a cheaper, more ecological approach that avoids social confrontations: increasing the
efficient use of water, creating new use and management models and building a civic
consensus. This is intended to use the price of water as an incentive for efficiency, in line with
the new European Union directive, and encourage the dissemination and use of water saving
practices and technologies. The main results achieved are:
-
-
To set a rate of domestic consumption per inhabitant and day that is the lowest in
Spain, below one hundred litres.
A saving of over one billion litres of water in one year (5.6% of annual domestic
consumption).
Almost 60% of the schools of Zaragoza have taken part in the Educational
Programme.
Co-operation of 150 entities: public administration, NGOs, companies, unions,
shops, schools, professional colleges, neighbourhood associations, trade and business
associations and the media.
Around fifty examples of efficient water use have been put into practice
Six thousand copies of the “Periódico del Agua” (Water Newspaper) have been
printed.
An electronic newsletter has been circulated with information about the project and
water management related news.
An internet sitel has been designed and hosted on the web.
Management efficiency has been included among the aims of the Autonomous
Region’s Foundation for a Water Policy
Urdaibai biosphere reserve. The practice of sustainability in a European man made
landscape
Urdaibai, is a district set in the province of Vizcaya (Basque Country). It covers an area of
230 km2 and includes a total of 22 municipalities with a population of about 45,000
inhabitants. The towns of Gernika-Lumo and Bermeo are its most important centres.
This action is seeking to foster compliance with the functions of conservation, development
and logistic support: it aims to attain a sustainability scenario for the welfare of the local
community, a development model for society and to preserve the heritage for current and
future generations. Actions carried out so far:
- Enactment of legal instruments: Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve Protection and Planning
Act. Use and Management Master Plan. Regional Action Plans. Socio-Economic
Activity Harmonisation and Development Programme (PADAS).
- Creation of appropriate co-ordination and co-operation instruments: The Urdaibai
Biosphere Reserve Board. The Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve Co-operation Council.
PADAS Monitoring Committee. Local Agenda 21 for the Urdaibai Biosphere
Reserve.
- Active public participation in the selective collection of waste, the use of public
transport, environmental voluntary projects. Demand of more actions along these
lines by citizens.
Promotion of sustainable tourism, rural tourism and agro-tourism.
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Bio-mass fired central heating. (Cuellar)
Cuellar is a municipality in the Province of Segovia with a population of approximately 9,118
inhabitants (1996).
This action consists of implementing a central heating system using an energy efficiency
system with a high ecological value. The aim of this system is to replace a highly polluting,
perishable and imported fossil fuel, as diesel, with a less polluting, renewable and locally
available fuel, through the use and recovery of forestry waste generated by clearing the
undergrowth, allowing to reinforce the forest’s sustainability. The following results have
been obtained:
- Good yield of the boiler in both summer and winter and good service for the
different users.
- Generation of enough energy for all the users connected to the system with still
potential for others to connect.
- A major cost has been eliminated for each owners’ association, i.e. maintenance of
the old boilers and cleaning chimneys.
Universidad Autónoma (Madrid University) Eco-Campus Project
The purpose of this action is to turn the “Universidad Autónoma” University of Madrid into a
model of sustainable environmental management that can act as a reference for other public
and private institutions and centres. The results are:
- Enhance awareness of the need to develop more sustainable environmental actions
and behaviour.
- Replacement of florescent lamps and tubes with more efficient light sources.
- Installation of taps with timers.
- Creation of an efficient chemical and toxic product collection system.
- Plan to increase and optimise paper, battery and glass collection and re-cycling
systems.
Sarriguren Eco-City
This practice consists of creating a new urban development based on the principles of EcoPlanning and bio-climatic Architecture, seeking to generate a demonstration effect on Navarre
society. The results are:
- Creation of a genuine urban community (social diversity and integration).
- Reduction of house prices.
- Energy saving, the integration of renewable energies and the application of healthy
building principles.
- Facilities for collective transport and alternative modes of transport.
- Landscape and ecological aspects have been taken into account, creating ecological
corridors to overcome the barrier effect of the infrastructure that the city requires.
- The emphasis has been placed on the quality of common spaces by using traditional
urban layouts and by planning new and attractive resources.
Barnamil, 1,000 m2 of hot water solar panels by the year 2000. Barcelona
This practise consists of installing 1,000 m2 of hot water solar panels on existing buildings,
with the following actions:
- Signing agreements with a series of NGOs whereby they undertake to: distribute a
promotion leaflet, publish articles promoting STE and organise dissemination
meetings and talks.
86
-
Information and support for people interested in using STE.
Dissemination and promotion with special events, press articles and co-operation
agreements with local entities.
Creating a permanent office to provide the public with information, with technical
and administrative support.
REDUCING POLLUTION
AENA (Spanish Public Air Traffic Control and Airports Agency)
AENA is now working on a strategy to reduce the pollutant emissions from airport activities
and promote energy efficiency in the installations. The key areas of this strategy are:
 Infrastructures: an agreement with the National Institute for Aerospace Techniques is
exploring the energy efficiency and renewable energy possibilities of installations.
The renewable energies projects in study include wind energy – Almería, Jerez,
Lanzarote, Tenerife and La Palma airports-, photovoltaic panels –for air traffic control
in Villanova I la Geltrú, and in airports (Jerez, Cuatro Vientos and Melilla)-, solar
thermal energy for hot water and air conditioning – Jerez, Cuatro Vientos and Palma
de Mallorca. The energy efficiency projects include improving of illumination and air
conditioning, benefiting from environmental conditions and CHP plants in Lanzarote,
Melilla, Tenerife and Valladolid airports.
 Airport operations (mainly Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona airports): there are three
main lines of action: i) reducing the taxi operations before taking-off and after landing;
ii) renewing the ground vehicle fleet with electric or natural gas vehicles; iii)
substituting the Auxiliary Power Units of aircrafts with Ground Power Units (400 Hz).
 Air traffic control: improvements in the CNS/ATM (Communication, Navigation and
Surveillance/Air Traffic Management) systems, to reduce the waiting time for takingoff and landing. Some initiatives have already been implemented.
 Other measures: Furthermore, there are some additional measures under study, such
as a pilot phase of an emission allowance trading scheme for air transport by means of
a voluntary agreement, divulgation of the ICAO report on fuel savings and emission
reduction, and R + D programmes on fuel cells for the commercial aviation sector.
3.2
Energy

The IDAE (Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving), part of the Ministry of the
Economy, along with the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP),
played an essential role on the design and dissemination of a model of municipal bylaw on solar thermal energy . (The important increase in the number of Spanish Local
Authorities that have developed by-laws to promote solar thermal energy is reflected
in a short report that can be sent to the Commission by ordinary mail.)

The development of projects based on renewable energy sources and the promotion of
energy efficiency were favoured by third party financing, a financing instrument that
has been successfully adapted by the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving to
the features of the Spanish market. (There is a short explanatory report that can be
sent to the Commission by ordinary mail).
Region of Aragon
 Eight new wind farms started up operation in 2003, and two more increased their
capacity. In total, wind energy capacity grew by nearly 250 MW during the last year.
87
Region of Valencia
 Wind Energy Plan of the Region of Valencia.
construction of new wind farms within the region.
It regulates and promotes the
Region of Navarre
 Renewable energies. Wind energy accounts for 60 per cent of the electricity
consumed, avoiding 1.9 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. The regional
government has already approved the construction of further renewable energy sites
aiming at producing 97% of the electricity consumed by the region by 2005.
 Energy savings and efficiency. A social forum has been created to foster public
awareness on energy efficiency.
Region of Asturias
 Renewable energies. The regional government is promoting renewables through
several actions, including: i) establishment of an administrative unit responsible for all
issues related to renewable energies (regulation, permits, subsidies); ii) subsidies,
given to local entities, small and medium size enterprises, and the public in general,
for the purpose of installing solar panel systems, implementation of innovative
industrial processes, use of bio-fuels in transport, etc; iii) the regional administration
participates in the “Energy Foundation of Asturias”, foundation with the objective of
promoting a sustainable use of energy, energy efficiency and renewables.
 Wastes. Biogas from landfills is recovered and used for energy purposes, producing
around 46 GWh every year.
3.3

Agriculture and forestry
Among measures in the agricultural sector that contribute towards sustainable
consumption and production are, for example, the promotion of best practice codes for
fertilisation (reducing the amount used to just the appropriate), reduction of cultivated
surface, prevention of fires and conservation of extensive pasture systems, selective
disposal of agricultural wastes or the increase of surface for bio-fuel crop production.
Other measures are intended to establish coordinated actions with other production
sectors that make it possible to use the capacity of the agricultural sector to absorb byproducts from other activities without generating additional problems for this sector.
A particular noteworthy additional factor is the low intensity level of the Spanish
ruminant livestock and of Spanish agriculture, as well as the will to increase correct
management of waste and manure from intensive cattle raising.

The use of wood from forests that are managed in a sustainable way. On the 10th
October 2003, the first Sustainable Forestry Management Certification was awarded in
Spain to the ENCE Group, thus making it the first and largest certified forestry
manager in Spain.
The Custody Chain Forestry Certification, carried out by an independent third party,
proves that raw materials of forestry origin used in a productive process are harvested
from forests that are managed in a sustainable way, and the process is controlled and
documented, as required by the Pan-European Forestry Certification System (PEFC).
To obtain this certification, the traceability of the products involved must be
guaranteed throughout the transformation process. The aim is to allow that the end
88
products obtained from the raw materials taken from the forests, can be provided to
society with all the guarantees of good management that she requires.

The Spanish Association of Wood Importers (AEIM)138, adopted the “Code of Best
Environmental Practices” in 2002, signed by all member companies.
The Spanish Association of Wood Importers (AEIM) is a private business organisation
that is made up of the main Spanish importers supplying raw materials and processed
products to the wood industry: carpentry, construction, decoration, etc.

EDUFORES: Multi-media forestry education programme to foster a wider knowledge
of forests and their products139. The programme is targeted at teachers who wish to
raise awareness among their students of the important role that forests play.
This programme has just been published by the Ministries of Education and the
Environment and the Spanish Association of Pulp, Paper and Cardboard
Manufacturers (ASPAPEL), with a view to fostering knowledge of forests and their
products and to raise awareness of the responsibility of society in general for their
protection and care, according to information provided by paper manufacturers.
The project offers education material presented in an “Educational Forestry Case”,
which includes a guide, a video, a CD-Rom, a comic, a pack of cards and a web site,
all designed to enhance society’s understanding of our dependence on the environment
and the importance of forests.

Future projects:
 Wood importer’s manual, to ensure that wood imports are legal
 Campaign to promote the use of wood as a renewable raw material.
Region of Andalusia
 In 2003 the revision of the Forestry Plan 2003-2007 was adopted. Among other
activities, the Plan foresees reforestation of 70.000 hectares, and deforestation on
81,000 hectares of agricultural land.
Region of Aragon
 400 hectares were reforested during 2003.
Region of Navarre
 Deforestation and reforestation activities are promoted. A target of an annual increase
of 2 million of m3 of wood has been set for 2005.
Region of Asturias
 A new Forestry Plan for Asturias is now under analysis. It spans 60 years and sets up
the following targets: deforestation and reforestation of 163,000 hectares (one sixth of
the region), and implementation of improved practices in 150,000 hectares of forests.
The measures within the Plan will result in a growth in wood produced by forests of 3
million m3/year (the present figure is 0.6 m3/year).
138
139
www.aeim.org
www.edufores.com
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3.6
Tourism
Central Government Actions
Objectives
Actions
-
Tourism and Environmental Management
-
-
Programme for defining and
extending a Tourist Quality
System in Protected Natural Areas.
-
Courses on the sustainable
development of tourism
Tourism and Protected Natural Areas
Sustainable tourism training
Programme
for
applying
environmental
management
Systems in hotels
Programme
for
applying
environmental
management
Systems in tourist municipalities.
Programme for applying environmental management Systems in hotels
Phase one 1999-2000: Project to apply an Environmental Management System for Hotels,
based on the European EMAS Standards. The objective of the project was to define an
environmental management system, based on the EMAS standards, adapted to the hotel
industry. To this end, a pilot programme was organised with 15 hotels from 3 tourist areas:
Benidorm, Tenerife and Granada. The following has been done:
- Diagnosis of the environmental situation of the 15 hotels
- Design the methodological corps of the system and its documental and computer tools.
- Training staff involved in the system
- Direct technical assistance for implanting the system in each hotel.
At the same time, a more open training course was given on environmental management in
hotels, with over 160 participants, using a methodology that mixed two face to face systems
(the initial and final sessions) with distance training.
The main result of the Project is a CD containing all the information and documentation
necessary for implanting the system. In general, the conclusion reached from one part of the
industry is that EMAS certification is highly complex and difficult for an enterprise like an
hotel.
Phase 2 2001-2002: Based on the previous experience, an Internet training Project was
designed for Environmental Management in the Hotel Sector, in accordance with the EMAS
Standard (“e+turismo Programme”). The final result has been to train 400 technicians and
managers from 200 hotel facilities in Spain, using a system that has combined face to face
classes with virtual training through the Virtual Classroom, which uses the latest new
services.
Paradores: Paradores is a chain of 86 publicly owned, state hotels with characteristically
outstanding architecture and locations, and which are excellent value for money. The
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Paradores chain is an instrument of State tourist policy for conserving properties of
outstanding historic-artistic value, for catalysing tourism and for enhancing the prestige and
quality of certain tourist destinations. But the Paradores chain has another singular feature
too: it is the hotel chain with the most number of environmentally certified hotels in the
world. Fifty eight of its eighty six hotels have obtained an environmental certificate based on
the EMAS Standard, and the objective, which will be attained in the near future, is to certify
one hundred percent of these hotels.
Sustainable Tourist Municipality Project
The “Sustainable Tourist Municipality” Project is an initiative driven by the General
Secretariat for Tourism, the objective of which is to define and implant an environmental
management system for tourist municipalities, financed by the Secretariat. The Spanish
Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP) also participate in the Project, as the main
interlocutor and the Secretariat, providing a municipal point of view and facilitating the
choice of municipalities.
The Project emerged from the consideration that the success of a tourist destination depends
increasingly on whether or not it can maintain an attractive environment, avoiding a
degradation of the surroundings that is often caused by the sometimes mass affluence of the
tourists themselves.
The aim of the Project is to provide know-how for managing the environmental implications
of a tourist municipality more responsibly and efficiently, and for municipalities to get used to
this kind of management, in order to gain recognition at the end of the day, in the form of
environmental certification.
Benefits of the system:
-
-
-
Competitiveness, positioning and image: Environmentally responsible destinations
will remain competitive in the mid and long term, and will enjoy a better position and
image in the market.
Continual improvement in municipal management: This system belongs to the area of
the continually improving systems, which involves rationalising processes, reducing
costs, increasing service qualities and establishing controls.
Improving relations with the community, tourists, visitors and with the environment.
Methodology: To implement the system, the methodology arising from European Parliament
Regulation (CE) Number 761/2001 and from the Council of the 19th of March 2001, allowing
organisations to voluntarily join a common management and environmental audit system
(EMAS).
The methodological working sequence is as follows:
1. Environmental diagnosis of the municipality
2. Establish a programme of improvement objectives
3. Introduction of changes in the municipal management system (environmental management
system)
4. Audit
5. Certification
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Phases of the project: This initiative started in 1997, with an initial pilot phase, with the
participation of 6 municipalities. In 2000, the second phase of the project was carried out,
considering the implementation of an Environmental Management System (EMS) in a further
16 municipalities. In phase 3 (2002 – 2003), the ambitious goal set is to provide technical
assistance and to introduce the system in 202 tourist municipalities in Spain.
Preliminary conclusions April 2003: Implementing the Environmental Management System is
an arduous task that requires a major effort from all involved. In some cases, there were
obstacles to overcome, such as the shortage of human and material resources, with a special
effort being made to improve co-ordination at all administrative levels: local, regional,
national. The positive aspects include enhancing environmental awareness and the
implementation of environmental management habits in 202 Spanish tourist municipalities
and obtaining environmental certification in a percentage of them that remains to be
determined.
Project to define and apply the Spanish Tourist Quality System in Protected Natural Areas
The General Secretariat for Tourism, at the request of EUROPARC-Spain, (an association of
protected natural areas) decided to tackle the design and pilot implementation of a specific
Quality System for protected natural areas (PNA). This is a peculiar and atypical sector of the
system, as it is not an enterprise like other tourist sub-sectors (hotels, restaurants, agencies,
etc). The objectives of the system focus on improving the quality of a tourist visit, without
entering into other, conservation related aspects of managing these areas, of course. The
Quality System refers to publicly used services and amenities offered by the protected area,
either directly or through concessions.
In phase one of the project (2000-2001), a diagnosis was made of the supply and demand
situations of the activities available in the protected natural areas, including a major effort in
field work in 7 pilot areas to gain an accurate diagnosis of the quality of the publicly used
services. This was used to draw up the quality Standard and tools necessary for implanting the
System. As one of the basic premises is that it is the sector itself that should define the quality
criteria, a Technical Standards Committee was established, made up of EUROPARC-Spain
and representatives of the pilot protected natural areas, which has been given the mandate of
drafting the Standards. The Standard chapters include references to the different areas of
action of public Use, and to the different support activities: Management, Welcoming and
Recreation, Information, Sign-posting, Environmental Education and Heritage Interpretation,
Marketing and Reservations, Security, Cleaning and Maintenance, Environmental
Management, Monitoring and Evaluation.
Phase two: 2002-2003. The objective of this phase is to extend the Spanish Tourist Quality
System to cover 19 new Protected Natural Areas, and to continue working with the 7 pilot
areas of phase one. The work of phase two will continue until December 2003.
The Quality System will provide us with a set of tools and procedures that will enable us to
continually assess the efficiency of the services offered to visitors and tourists by protected
areas, with a view to attaining the principle end-point of improving the attention given to the
growing number of users of these services, making a contribution to improving the general
level of Spanish tourist product through a resource that is constantly increasing in importance
as a tourist attraction.
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Sustainable tourism raising awareness
In the period 1997-2002, the organisation of over 75 courses on the sustainable development
of tourism in the main Spanish tourist destinations.
Actions of 5 Autonomous Communities
Balearic Islands
The Autonomous Community of the Balearic Islands is one of the most active areas in the
country in the development of public actions in the areas of environment and tourism. These
presently include three kinds of actions:
1) SUSTAINABLE REGIONAL PLANNING
The regulatory framework for regional planning is highly restrictive in Majorca, limiting the
construction of all kinds of new tourist accommodation with a view to reducing the pressure
of tourism on the environment. The regulations were adopted by the Council of Majorca in
October 2000 and January 2002.140
At this moment in time, pending the adoption of the Majorca Regional Land Use Plan, the
regulations limit most of the accommodation facility building projects in the islands, which
has managed to reduce building pressure on tourism and increase the quality of the current
supply and protect the environment.
2) ECOTUR Programme
In recent years, Programme actions are giving priority to two specific sectors of tourist
management:
- Development of Environmental Management Systems in Tourist Establishments
Within the ECOTUR Installations programme, special emphasis is placed on the
implementation of environmental management systems in tourist establishments. Currently,
according to Regional Ministry data, over twenty establishments have managed to implant the
EMAS environmental management system. The Balearic Government has led the way in the
domestic tourist industry, in applying the Environmental Management and Audit System
(EMAS).
140
Preliminary Territorial Standards, adopting provisional measures to ensure the feasibility and effectiveness
of the Majorca Partial Regional Land Use Plan. (published in the BOIB – Official Balearic Islands Gazette –
on the 28/10/2002) : Measures include the suspension of construction Works on buildings and developments
in certain tourist zones.
Preliminary Territorial Standards, adopting provisional measures to ensure the feasibility and effectiveness
of the Majorca Partial Regional Land Use Plan (published in the BOIB on the 05/02/2002): Modifies and
extends the previous Standard with more restrictive measures. This includes the granting of licenses for
building new hotel beds only if other beds are taken off the market, that is, accommodation establishments
that have partially or completely demolished the building.
93
- Developing the Local Agenda 21 in Island Municipalities
Planned actions of the ECOTUR Destinations sub-programme include the development of the
Local Agenda 21 in island municipalities. At the moment, 65 municipalities have signed up to
the Aalborg Charter, the document that regulates the implementation of Local Agenda 21s.
After implementing the phases of Diagnosis and having drawn up the Action Plan, another
three Balearic Local Corporations are already promoting their own Agenda 21s (Calvià141,
Alcudia and Sant Antoni de Portmany), and another dozen are far advanced in their legislation
on this point142.
Canary islands
The Canary Island Government has been especially active in promoting actions aimed at
controlling the territorial pressure of tourism on the environment of the Islands. Up until
recently, this issue was developed through a highly restrictive regulatory system 143, which, to
a large extent, limited the construction of new tourist accommodation.
In April 2003, the Canary Island Government, after a long process, adopted the General
Regional Land Use and Tourism Planning Guidelines for the Canary Islands, known as the
Tourist Moratorium, a set of measures aimed at controlling pressure on the Canary Island
environment by restricting the building of new accommodation.144
The new Guidelines will hereafter regulate planning and land use, as it will remain in force
indefinitely, not withstanding whatever reviews and modification may be introduced in the
future. The new regulations are organised in three inter-dependent sections, the contents of
which are summarised below:
a) Tourism model
Definition of a new tourist development model for the Islands based on the premise of quality
and sustainable supply.
b) Renovation of buildings and urban rehabilitation
Renovation and maintenance actions for present tourist properties, with a view to increasing
the quality of tourist supply.
c) Conditions of growth
Actions to occupy land zoned for tourism subject to strict limits145; and the planning of new
tourist products that will help to renew the market of the Islands, from the quality perspective.
142
More information: ECOTUR Programme of the Balearic Government Ministry of Tourism
http://www.caib.es/medi_ambient/DG_residusier/ecotur/index.htm http://www.ecotaxa.org/
143
Law 6/2001, of the 23rd of July, urgent measures in matters of regional planning and tourism in the Canary
Islands and Decree 10/2001, of the 22nd of January, regulating tourist standards.
144
LAW 19/2003, of the 14th of April, adopting the General Planning Guidelines and the Tourism Planning
Guidelines of the Canary Islands
145
The granting of new licenses will depend on a large number of limits: carrying capacity of the area, growth
rates, current accommodation supply, sustainable nature of the Project, etc.
94
Regulation of whale watching activities
On the 6th of October 2000, Decree 178/2000, of the 6th of September, was published,
regulating whale watching activities. The basic objective of this Decree is to regulate whale
watching activities, in order to establish the necessary conservation measures for protecting
the existing species in the area of the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands. An
administrative authorisation will be necessary for companies to operate in the whale watching
industry. In the case of whale watching for tourist purposes, the permit will be granted by the
Canary Island Regional Government Ministry with competence for Tourism, having received
a binding report from the Regional Ministry responsible for the Environment and a
Declaration of Ecological Impact. Authorised tourist vessels will have to display the "Barco
Azul / Blue Boat" label, in the form of a flag, and will have to carry a tourist guide aboard.
The Decree establishes a Regimen of Sanctions that, among other measures, includes a series
of behaviours that could disturb or prejudice the animals, as a means of identifying these as an
administrative infraction. Finally, a Whale Watching Monitoring Committee has also been
created as a technical and advisory collegiate body. Its main tasks will include the monitoring
and assessment of whale watching activities, and they will also propose measures to provide
incentives for protecting and conserving protected marine species from whale watching
activities.
The Canary Islands government has drafted a law on this matter146.
Andalusia
Andalusia is one of the most active autonomous communities in the development of Local
Agenda 21s, most of them in tourist municipalities. The Ciudad 21 Environmental
Sustainability Programme has been implemented in the region, based on an exchange of
support and technical advice among the different institutions (Andalusia Regional
Government “Junta de Andalucia”, Andalusia Federation of Municipalities and Provinces –
FAMP– and local entities...), with the aim of providing incentives to municipalities to develop
their own Agenda 21s. Over one hundred (112) municipalities of Andalusia have signed up to
the Ciudad 21 Protocol, thus joining the Programme.
The Andalusia Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FAMP), with the same intention,
created the Network of Sustainable Cities of Andalusia (RECSA) in July 2001, made up of the
local authorities of Andalusia that voluntarily wanted to join the network and which signed up
to the Aalborg Charter. There are presently over two hundred municipalities that are members
of the network, many of which are far advanced in defining their own Agenda 21s.
With this initiative, over one hundred municipalities of Andalusia (and most provincial
capitals) have, so far, ratified the Aalborg Charter, mainly driven by the Ciudad 21
Programme and other initiatives147.
146
More information: Canary Island Tourism Planning Guidelines
http://www.gobiernodecanarias.org/directrices/direordtur.html, Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Canary
Island Government http://www.gobiernodecanarias.org/turismo/
http://www.gobcan.es/medioambiente/biodiversidad/ceplam/vidasilvestre/charlascetaceos/CharlaFranciscoMolin
a.pdf
147
More information: Environmental City Programme
95
Valencia
In the context of the Qualitur Programme, or Programme for Excellence in Valencia
Tourist Enterprise Management, a range of initiatives has been implemented in an attempt to
take on board environmental parameters in tourism policy.
The main contributions of Qualitur include backing for all initiatives, especially enterprising
initiatives148, that seek to develop quality and environmental management systems aimed at
obtaining the corresponding certification. To this end, the Programme establishes a Register
of Enterprises that are certified by one of the Systems recognised in Spain (ISO 9000, ISO
14000).
At this moment in time, a total of 157 tourist enterprises and entities of the Autonomous
Community of Valencia have been awarded one of the quality and environmental certificates
from the modalities recognised by the Qualitur Programme.
During the year 2002, the Valencia Tourism Agency provided grants for 60 new companies,
to the tune of a total of 172,764 euros. With this, the Agency has registered a 90% increase in
grants for the quality incentive programme, within the Qualitur 2002 Programme.
On the other hand, coastal tourist municipalities149 have also embarked on programmes to
implant management systems for their beaches. In total, the Agency has provided grants for a
total of 109,647 euros for implementing these systems, to a total of 7 municipalities and 12
implementation projects.
The Valencia Tourism Agency forecasts that, by the end of this year, Valencia tourist
enterprises and entities will have a total of over 200 certifications in environmental quality
and management, leading all other regions of Spain in the number of certifications in the
tourist sector150.
Catalonia
The institutional experiences, as a whole, carried out in Catalonia, in the area of tourism and
the environment, have promoted, amongst others, the aspects of a rapid expansion of the
Local Agenda 21 processes in Catalan municipalities, taking the Community into the
European Sustainable Cities and Towns Campaign, and a general rapid expansion in criteria
of quality and sustainability in the tourist business sector. Actions include:
Programme to Foster Local Sustainability
The introduction of environmental and sustainable criteria in administrative decisions in the
Region has notable experience, especially since 1991, when the Catalan Government
Department of the Environment was created.
http://www.juntadeandalucia.es/medioambiente/medio_urbano/indmedioamburb.html
Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Andalusia Government http://www.juntadeandalucia.es/turismoydeporte
148
This support covers all kinds of companies related to the tourist sector: tourist hotel and apartment
management companies or owners, restaurants, rural accommodation, bars, travel agencies and auxiliary
tourist product enterprises.
149
In 2002, Qualitur moved towards incentives for tourist enterprises, along with a second line of action aimed at
implanting quality and environmental systems in the beaches of the coastal municipalities of the
Community of Valencia.
150
More information: Qualitur Programme http://www.qualitur.com/
96
Since 1994, there have been a variety of Catalan Government initiatives for coming within the
Agenda 21 framework. This was made more effective after 1998, with the development of the
Programme to Foster Local Sustainability, and its review in 2002. The Programme was
established with the objective of providing strategic support and proposals from local entities,
aimed at achieving a more sustainable development.
On the other hand, the depth of some experiences guarantees the singularity of Catalonia in
the overall framework of Europe. Some Agenda 21 experiences are not only quoted on a
municipal scale, there are also supra-municipal and district lines of work that help to enhance
the synergy in these matters. In fact, there are relatively few European regions that are
defining – or have already defined – a development framework for the years to come, that is
not similar to the Catalan model151.
3.7
Waste
Green Flag-Sustainable City Award152
The Federation of Independent Users and Consumers is a nationwide association, founded in
1986 with the main purpose of promoting and developing the rights of consumers and users.
With this action, FUCI intends to honour the work of the Local Authorities that manage their
solid domestic waste efficiently, preserving their environment, raising awareness of the
population and sharing the environmental care of their cities and towns with their citizens.
With this prize, FUCI considers such important issues as the investment made, the budget earmarked for collecting SDW, cleaning streets and waste paper bins, the procedures used in
waste collection, the frequency of waste collection and the number of containers installed for
selective waste collection, among others. But all this is merely part of a more extensive
analysis aimed at developing responsible consumption habits among citizens, with campaigns
aimed at users promoting re-cycling, keeping streets clean and raising awareness among
children, thus promoting their environmental education.
Demand for municipal accreditation with the “Green Flag-Sustainable City” is growing
among Local Authorities.
The list of municipalities that have been awarded this prize in recent years is as follows:
2002: Marín, Villaviciosa de Odón, Vilagarcía de Arousa, Alcobendas, San Fernando,
Salobreña, Santiago de Compostela, Santa Coloma de Ceruello, and Chiclana de la Frontera.
2003: Castro Urdiales, Finestrat, San Bartolomé, Collado Villalba, Espartinas, Navacerrada,
Colmenarejo, San Roque, El Prat de Llobregat, and Benissa.
151
152
More information: Agenda 21 Catalonia http://www6.gencat.net/a21cat/home.htm
since 1997, the Federation of Independent Users-Consumers (FUCI) has awarded this prize annually www.efuci.org
97
SWEDEN
During the last 20-30 years the Swedish Government has carried out and encouraged
measures to reduce the environmental impact of products and services in Sweden. A large
number of both soft and hard policy measures have been taken. We see environmentally
sound products and services as one key to sustainable development. Sustainable development
is only possible though, if we apply an integrated approach taking into account the entire
lifecycle of products and if all sectors of society – central, regional and local governments,
industry, organisations, and individual citizens- are involved in the solution. IPP is one
strategy to contribute to Sustainable Consumption and Production.
Since cooperation on different levels is necessary in order to change unsustainable
Consumption and Production Patterns, Sweden welcomes the EU Inventory on SCP in order
to identify ongoing measures and activities, the gaps and need for new or different actions on
EU level. The EU Survey should also be available for the UNDESA/UNEP survey on SCP to
follow up the WSSD and the commitments from Johannesburg.
We have chosen to present the following activities. There are however a number of other
initiatives, for example the use of economical instruments, partnerships, energy-reducing
programmes, implementing environmental managements systems (EMS) in business as well
as in Government and central agencies and development of Environmental Product
Declaration, EPD, etc.
The Swedish EPA presented the summer 2002 the report “Towards Greener Products”
(Report 5296) – a commission by the Swedish Government to develop a basis for further
development of the Integrated Product Policy, IPP. There is also a report from the
Confederation of Swedish Enterprise “A toolbox for greening of products”, presented in May
2002153.
1. DIFFERENT
WAYS OF USING ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AS A DRIVER FOR
INCREASED COMPETITIVENESS IS PILOTED BY 350 SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED
ENTERPRISES
The business development programme Environment-driven business development aims at
strengthening the competitiveness of SME’s by stimulating product- and business
development from a sustainability perspective. NUTEK, The Swedish Business Development
Agency, has used 28 mSEK to the programme and there are 34 on-going projects that will end
2004.
The programme Environment-driven business development started 2001 and will end by 2005
and compared to previous programmes it is oriented more towards integrating environmental
issues into the core business strategy of the SMEs. The on-going projects are typically
managed by Regional development agencies, Municipalities, Consultants, Universities and
Industrial Research organisations. The projects are conducted in networks with active
participation by 350 small and medium-sized enterprises. Tools, methods and products
coming out of these projects will be documented and disseminated widely. NUTEK
contributes with 30 percent of the total project cost.
By Jan 2005, the aim is:
 60 inspiring business case studies
153
www.swedishenterprise.se
98





15 new/developed methods for environment-driven business development that
are relevant to a large number of SMEs
180 of the participating companies (50%) believe the project has increased their
competitiveness or will do so in the coming 3 years
180 of the participating companies (50%) believe they can prove a reduced
environmental impact of their products or operations due to changes done in the
project
80 products (goods or services) have been designed for the environment within
the programme and;
80 participating companies have secured an internal system for continuous
improvements
19 projects focus on ”Environmentally sound products as a competitive device” where the
global demand for more sustainable products is addressed at a local level to find innovative
solutions. In some of these projects design for the environment is linked to business strategy
and tools for design for the environment (DfE) are applied, tested or developed. Several
companies work actively with supply-chain co-operation and some focus on environmental
market communication, for example Environmental Product Declarations.
Another 15 projects work with ”Operational development focusing on continuous
improvements”. The demand stems partly from the general challenge to create staff
participation in order to achieve continuous improvements and more specifically from a lot of
companies loosing momentum for continuous improvement within the boundaries of their
environmental management systems. Participating SMEs are aiming to integrate ecological
and social sustainability aspects into core business development. Some projects are primarily
focusing on employee participation and leadership commitment to improve business and
environmental performance. A couple of projects are using environmental performance
indicators to bring about continuous improvements in a specific region or business sector. A
handful projects are looking into the area of responsible entrepreneurship, i.e. ways for SMEs
to respond to and work with Corporate Social Responsibility.
The projects will continue until mid-2004 and the programme will finish by the end of
2004154.
2.
LOCAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMMES (LIP) IN SWEDEN
Support for local investment programmes has one major purpose - to significantly speed up
the transition of Sweden to an ecologically sustainable society.
Work with local investment programmes took part between 1998-2003. The funds available
for LIP during this period sums up to SEK 6.2 billion. By 30 June 2002, a total of 210
programmes had been awarded grants of approx. SEK 6 billion. This means that more than
1800 projects have been supported. The total investment volume for these programmes
amounts to just under SEK 26 billion.
An investment programme consists of a single or a combination of several projects aimed at
increasing ecological sustainability. The direction of a programme is decided by the
154
Swedish information about all projects and contact details for all the project owners is available to
download at www.nutek.se/maf
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municipality. Selection of projects should be based on a comprehensive analysis of conditions
such as local environmental problems and the areas where the environmental load of the
municipality is greatest. Other important factors are areas in which the municipality is most
able to make improvements, given such factors as the building and business sector structure,
and previous priorities in environmental work.
In addition to reducing environmental impact, these programmes are intended to stimulate
employment, to make more efficient use of energy and other resources, to make greater use of
renewable raw materials, to extend the re-use and recycling of waste materials, to strengthen
biological diversity, to conserve cultural heritage assets and to improve the cycling of plant
nutrients through an eco-cycle.
Environmental effects
According to local authority estimates, grants awarded to local investment programmes for
the period 1998-2002 will lead to reductions in energy use by 2.1 billion kilowatt hours.
Discharge of carbon dioxide in the country as a whole has declined by 1 574 000 tons per
year, which is equivalent to reducing heavy lorry transports in Sweden by half. This has
occurred because of the reduction in the combustion of fossil fuels and an increase in the
combustion of renewable raw materials. These investments have also led to the amount of
waste deposited in landfill sites being reduced by 500 000 tons. This corresponds to about 10
per cent of the total amount of waste deposited in landfill sites in Sweden today.
3.
ENVIRONMENTAL
TECHNOLOGY
-
DISSEMINATION
OF
INFORMATION
AND
TRANSFERRING KNOWLEDGE
Transfer of knowledge and technology is an important issue. A report on environmental
technology developed within the LIP, which is suitable for export to Eastern Europe and
developing countries has just been finalised.
The Swedish EPA considers that greater emphasis should be placed on communicating
knowledge and experience from project-oriented programmes, such as the Local Investment
Programmes (LIP). A large and increasing proportion of environmental protection takes the
form of projects, at national level and within the European Union. Experience of methods is
needed here, particularly when it comes to identifying and communicating the results of
successful projects. It is hoped that this report will make a contribution in this respect.
Exchange of information and know-how about ”best practices” is encouraged in the
Commission Action Plan for Environmental Technology (ETAP). The plan identifies a social
obstacle to sustainable production and consumption in that stakeholders are not always aware
of promising alternative technical solutions. According to the Commission, it is therefore
necessary to encourage the exchange of best practices. One example mentioned is the EEA
theme report 2002:2 "Case Studies on Waste Minimisation Practices in Europe”, which lists
successful examples of waste prevention, recycling and cleaner technology in Europe. The
Swedish LIP programme has also achieved useful results, which should be of interest to other
member states as well as Eastern European countries outside the EU and developing
countries.
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4.
IPP-APPROACH IN THE PACKAGING CHAIN
Tetra Pak, Stora Enso and the Swedish Forestry Industry Federation have produced a
document to illustrate how one can work with IPP. “This is IPP - an example of
environmental measures in the packaging chain.” (from wood as raw material for packaging,
to packaging, to the milk package)155.
5.
ECO-LABELLING
One of the strengths of eco-labeling is its ability to communicate a complex message in a
simple way. There are three main environmental labels on the Swedish market; The Nordic
Swan label, the Nature Conservation Society´s Bra Miljöval (Good environmental Choice)
and the KRAV label for organic food. The Swan label has currently more than 600 licenses.
An evaluation of the Nordic Swan label revealed that the credibility of the label is high in
Sweden, Norway and Finland. Between 60-75 per cent of consumers spontaneously named
the label when asked if they know any eco-labels. The justification for the credibility was that
the Swan label was common, had existed for some time and that it was from the Government
and therefore official.
There are also some more indirect effects. The criteria for the Swan are used as guidelines by
purchasers, both public and private, and also when establishing environmental management
systems. The label has increased the environmental awareness among consumers, purchasers
and companies and contributed to more environmentally friendly processes and better
structures and documentation in companies.
The evaluation also illustrated that the main product area and product groups included in the
eco-labelling are of significance for the environment. Some important groups from an
environmental point of view, such as transport and food are however not included which
currently limits the significance of the eco-label for reduced environmental impact.
6.
ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE PUBLIC PROCUREMENT / EKU-WORK
In 1998 the Swedish government appointed a committee to work on ecologically sustainable
public procurement (the EKU committee). The committee task was finalised in 2001 and one
of main outcomes was the EKU-tool, an internet based guideline for purchasers.
The operational maintenance of the EKU-tool is since 2003 the responsibility of the Swedish
Environmental Advisory – a company owned by the state, local communities and the
Confederation of Swedish Enterprise. The tool, which contains proposals for procurement
criteria for about 75 product groups, is continuously updated and the aim is to broaden its use
to all kinds of professional purchasers. Product groups are chosen on the basis of a strategy
for prioritisation, aiming at such product groups that are both strategically important and have
significant environmental impact. Criteria development is done in working groups with a
broad representation of both environmental expertise, suppliers and a scientific platform. The
EKU-tool will be further developed in order to facilitate for purchasers to obtain good
contracts and most environmental benefits.
155
You will find the report at http://www.forestindustries.se/environment.asp
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Information and knowledge building
The lack of sufficient environmental knowledge and the lack of support from top management
are two of the major hurdles for not greening the procurement practice. Environmental
knowledge is necessary in order to make priorities. The Swedish Environmental Protection
Agency has, on the basis of discussions with relevant stakeholders such as the Organisation
for Swedish Public Purchasers, the Swedish Association of Local Authorities, The County
Councils’ procurement group, the Agency for Public Management (responsible for the coordination of government procurement) and the Swedish Environmental Advisory Council
which now administrates the EKU-tool, initiated a project on knowledge building for public
purchasers, top managers and politicians. The idea is to broaden the scope of existing training
and information to include questions of national environmental objectives, sustainable
consumption, lifecycle-based information on the environmental effects of products,
environmental information tools and the environmental work of the supply sector. The
objective is to provide an infrastructure for training purposes and a broad foundation of
knowledge for all three target groups, adapted to their specific needs. For this purpose the
EPA is providing an environmental training kit, consisting of a compendium on
environmental knowledge with complementary slides. A specific campaign will be aimed at
the second target group, top managers in public organisations and politicians. Two brochures
with the ambition to inform and motivate purchasers as well as managers and politicians, have
been developed within the auspices of the Nordic Council of Ministers.
7. WEB SITES PRESENTING ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION
The Swedish Consumer Agency has a web site that had more than 5 400 000 visitors last year.
The environmental information on this site is integrated with other matters of interest to
consumers, such as economy and safety.
To motivate consumers to reduce their environmental impact, they need concrete advises as
well as feedback on the effects of the proposed changes. More than 300 such advices are
published on this web site. An example: “If you lower the indoor temperature one degree
Celsius you will save 5 percent energy”
One of the most popular applications is called the “Buyer’s guide”. This guide helps
consumers to choose products that are less harmful to the environment and they can easily
compare models from different manufacturers. The information is gathered from the
manufacturers and general agents, and the accuracy is being checked before it is published.
The aim is to gather information about all the models of household appliances on the Swedish
market. The Buyer’s guide received more than 917 000 visitors in 2003.
The liberalised electricity market in Sweden cannot only give consumers a lower price; it also
gives them an opportunity to choose how the electricity they buy is produced. A tool for
helping the consumers to make a choice is the “Electricity guide”, with 740 000 users last
year.
The “Energy calculator” is another application on this web site. It contains information about
the economic as well as the environmental impact of different house heating systems and
equipment for saving energy, for example installing automatic control of temperature. In
connection to this calculator the consumers can find general information of importance for
choosing a new heating system, as well as information about the indoor climate and the
environment. The Energy calculator had 140 000 visitors in 2003.
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United Kingdom
1.
INTRODUCTION
2.
GENERAL POLICY STRATEGIES AND INSTRUMENTS
2.1
General Policy Framework
SCP Framework
 Energy White Paper
 Innovation report
2.8
Information tools
Energy Saving Trust
3.
SECTORS AND ISSUES
3.1
Industry/cleaner production
The Carbon Trust
3.7
Waste
A significant waste programme is the Waste Implementation Programme (WIP)156.
The Waste Implementation Programme (WIP) responds to the package of strategic measures
recommended by the Strategy Unit (SU) report "Waste Not Want Not" published in
November 2002, and the Government's Official Response. The remit of the Strategy Unit was
to consider action to be taken to help the UK to meet the legally binding targets under Article
Five of the EU Landfill Directive. The SU's report to the Government recommends a number
of economic and regulatory changes, strategic investment measures, and funding and delivery
structures to address these challenges.
Building on the Strategy Unit recommendations, WIP's programmes combine to drive waste
management solutions up the waste hierarchy, improving the sustainability of waste
management.
The 8 WIP programmes are:
1. Local Authority Support
2. Local Authority Funding
3. New Technologies
4. Data
5. Research
156
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste/wip/index.htm
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6. Waste Minimisation
7. Kerbside
8. Waste Awareness
4. UK SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY ('A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE')
The UK Sustainable Development Strategy was published in May 1999157. It defines
sustainable development as:

Integrating economic, environmental and social policies to ensure a better
quality of life for everyone, now and for future generations
This means achieving four objectives simultaneously:

Maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment

Effective protection of the environment

Prudent use of natural resources

Social progress that meets the needs of everyone
The Strategy is being reviewed, and a revised strategy will be in place by 2005.
ENVIROWISE
The Envirowise annual savings to business should read £220 million.
WRAP
SCP FRAMEWORK158
In September 2003 the UK Government launched “Changing Patterns: the UK Government
Framework for Sustainable Consumption and Production” as its contribution towards the
commitment made at the World Summit on Sustainable Development to “encourage and
promote the development of a 10-year framework of programmes”.
The main features of the policy approach are:
 Taking a holistic approach that considers whole life-cycles of products and services,
intervening to deal with problems as early as practicable in the resource/waste flow.
 Working with the grain of markets and identifying and tackling market failures.
 Integrating SCP thinking and objectives in all policy development and
implementation.
 Using a well-designed package of policy measures and following the principles of
better regulation
 Stimulating innovation in all its facets.
157
158
http://www.sustainable-development.gov.uk/uk_strategy/index.htm
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/business/scp/changing-patterns.pdf
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Work is already underway on various strands of follow-up action to further the SCP agenda,
including:
- A review of how to add more value to the various government ‘sustainable
production’ programmes which contribute to resource efficiency and business support
for SCP
- A wide-ranging review of the scope for Government procurement activity to
contribute directly to progress on sustainable development.
- The establishment of collaborative projects involving particular product chains or
sectors as pilots to explore practical application of the SCP approach.
ENERGY WHITE PAPER159
In February 2003, the Government published the white paper “Our Energy Future – Creating
a Low Carbon Economy” which defines a long-term, strategic vision for the UK’s energy
policy combining its environmental, security of supply, competitiveness and social goals. The
paper recognises that one of the major challenges to be faced is the threat of climate change,
and consequently one of the four goals of the energy policy is to put the UK on a path to cut
its CO2 emissions by 60% by 2050, with real progress by 2020. The UK aims to achieve this
by reducing energy consumption together with a substantial increase in renewable energy.
Emissions trading schemes will have an important part to play but measures to stimulate
further energy efficiency in business, the public sector and households are envisaged, for
instance, the bringing forward of the next revision of the Building Regulations to raise
standards for energy efficiency in new buildings and refurbishments, and the increased
funding for renewables capital grants.
ENVIROWISE160
Envirowise is a programme sponsored by The Department of Trade and Industry and the
Department for the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs designed to encourage business
to adopt best practice in environmental techniques, focusing on cost-effective cleaner
technology and waste minimisation, leading to combined cost savings and environmental
gains. It delivers services including a range of well-regarded best practice guidance material, a
telephone helpline service and free advisory visits to smaller businesses. It has established
waste minimisation clubs to provide a forum for networking, and developed a wide range of
tools to give practical support to business. It has built strong relationships with a wide range
of business support organisations both to target a wider audience and to support them in
assisting members and local companies with resource efficiency.
Research suggests that the programme has delivered annual savings to business of £45
million. On average, businesses working with Envirowise save £1000 per employee per year,
converting an additional 1% of turnover directly into profit.
CARBON TRUST161
The Carbon Trust is an independent company funded by government whose role is to help the
UK move to a low carbon economy by helping business and the public sector reduce carbon
emissions now and capture the commercial opportunities of low carbon technologies.
It is developing and implementing programmes that will accelerate the transition to a low
carbon economy including:
159
160
161
http://www.dti.gov.uk/energy/whitepaper/ourenergyfuture.pdf
http://www.envirowise.gov.uk/envirowisev3.nsf
http://www.thecarbontrust.co.uk/carbontrust/
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


Delivering independent information and impartial advice on energy efficiency and
carbon management to the business and public sector through its “Action Energy” and
“Carbon Management” programmes.
Promoting the Government’s energy efficiency “Enhanced Capital Allowances”
scheme to encourage investment by business in qualifying energy saving technologies
and products, and managing the Energy Technology List of qualifying energy saving
equipment
Investing in the development of low carbon technologies in the UK through projects
such as “Carbon Vision”, “Research and Development Demonstrator Projects”,
“Technology Acceleration Projects”, “Incubator Programme” and “Venture Capital
Programme”.
WASTE RESOURCES ACTION PLAN (WRAP)162
WRAP is a not-for-profit company supported by funding from the DTI and Defra and the
devolved administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It was founded in 2001 in
response to the Government’s Waste Strategy. It is working to promote sustainable waste
management by creating stable and efficient markets for recycled materials and products.
Its initial programmes of work concentrated on:


Creating stable and efficient markets for recyclable materials and products
Specific work in six material streams: aggregates, glass, organics, paper, plastics and
wood, supported by work in three generic areas: financial mechanisms, procurement
and standards.
Since 2003 it has newly added programme areas:



Reducing waste at home by working towards increasing home composting, reducing
nappy waste, working with the big retailers to reduce supermarket waste and creating
a waste minimisation innovation research fund to help with this.
Recycling and composting more by setting up an advisory service to help councils
make their recycling schemes more effective, and providing support for the
composting industry to expand to absorb the extra material collected.
Engaging the public by raising the awareness of the need to reduce waste and recycle
more, particularly by helping councils get the most out of their collection schemes by
promoting them more effectively.
WRAP works closely with all those currently engaged in recycling: local authorities, waste
management companies, the community sector and reprocessors.
INNOVATION REPORT163
In December 2003 the DTI published its Innovation Report. This review of the Government’s
policies that impact on innovation was undertaken as it was recognised that a step change in
the UK’s rate of innovation was needed in order to raise our level of productivity to compete
effectively against newly-emerging economies. The report was produced in close partnership
with industry, the Trades Unions and university and research institutes. The report restated the
162
http://www.wrap.org.uk/
http://www.dti.gov.uk/innovationreport/innovation-report-full.pdf Visit also DTI’s Sustainable Development
and Environment website at: http://www.dti.gov.uk/sustainability
163
106
point (also made in the Government’s Framework for Sustainable Consumption and
Production) that innovation will be essential for meeting the environmental challenges of the
future – including moving to a low carbon economy and reducing waste. Innovation is needed
to find new ways to break the link between economic growth and resource depletion and
environmental degradation.
The report sets out a strategy for innovation that sets out direct measures in seven key areas
where Government can most effectively act to raise the rate of innovation. In one of these
areas, the regulatory environment, a cross-Government project team will look at three areas of
environmental policy and will focus on how the regulations are designed or whether there are
alternatives to regulation. The team will work in consultation with business and other
stakeholders.
MARKET TRANSFORMATION PROGRAMME164
The aim of the market transformation programme is to encourage products, systems and
services that do less harm to the environment using less energy, water and other resources
over their lifetime. The Market Transformation Programme (MTP) provides strategic support
to a growing set of 'product' policies. These aim to encourage resource efficiency through the
development of supply-chain measures such as reliable product information, raising minimum
standards and encouraging best practice and where consensus and joined-up thinking is
essential to establish priorities and to deliver practical policies. Making extensive use of
public domain, consultative sector review processes to engage industry and other stakeholders
at all
levels, coupled with an explicit policy rationale based on scenario-planning techniques and
reliable information and analysis, the market transformation approach is to create a managed
environment and mechanism for joined-up policy discussions and to establish the scope,
priorities and practical pre-requisites for progressive and sustainable improvements to UK
resource efficiency.
The MTP is primarily focussed on climate change and sustainable energy issues. However it
also supports a broader environmental agenda, in particular the Eco-label.
ENERGY SAVING TRUST165
The Energy Saving Trust was set up by the UK Government after the Rio Earth Summit in
1992 to address the damaging effects of climate change. It is a non-profit organisation funded
by government and the private sector.
Working with a range of partners, EST focuses on delivering practical solutions for
households, small firms and the road transport sector - solutions which save energy and
deliver
cleaner
air.
Current priorities are:
- to stimulate energy efficiency in UK households and achieve social, environmental
and economic benefits
164
165
http://www.mtprog.com/
http://www.est.org.uk/
107
-
to create a market for clean fuel vehicles which will deliver local and global
environmental benefits.
to stimulate a market for renewable energy which will achieve social, environmental
and economic benefits
The Energy Saving Trust operates an Energy Efficiency Helpline and a website which gives
practical information to householders on how to save energy and where to go for grants for
energy efficient products.
108