Eco-profit

In an "Eco-profit" programme, an approach which was developed by the Graz Cleaner Production Centre, a close co-operation is established between local and regional governments (who financially co-sponsor the programmes and pay licence fees to Eco-Profit), and companies, chambers of industry, chambers of handicrafts and research institutes. In several workshops the participating firms first learn basic concepts and afterwards identify concrete projects to be implemented with the support of consultants. The objective is to introduce environmental sound processes into enterprises (less inputs of raw and other materials, less waste and emissions), increase motivation for environmental protection on all enterprise levels and to create economic success. In social terms, jobs are safeguarded and quality of life is improved for all inhabitants. The approach has been further developed into an instrument of sustainable development in a municipality or region fostering networking and transfer of know-how.

The GTZ-PREMA programme has initiated a first application in Germany by convincing a local community (Wolfenbüttel, Agenda 21 office) and its partners (University-FH Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel and the local industry representatives) that the triple win approach of the German PREMA might be as good as the Austrian Eco-Profit for local communities or even superior (because of the third win not existing in Eco-Profit). The results of this first co-operation GTZ/local community/university/local companies with financial support of the Land Niedersachsen, will be available by July 2002 (check here)

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