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About EDC
Ecodesign Centre (EDC) is an applied research organisation that aims to build capacity and capabilities to enable effective Ecodesign. EDC was recently designated a Centre of Expertise by the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) and is recognised as the ‘voice’ of, and knowledge base for, ecodesign in Wales. EDC is based in Cardiff and has administrative links with the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC).
Our Mission
EDC aims to proactively inspire and lead the Welsh Assembly Government, public sector organisations and higher education to enable effective ecodesign in Welsh industry. EDC facilitates the open sharing of knowledge and experience with fresh thinking and integrity.
Our Vision
Wales will be an internationally renowned ecodesign led nation by 2020 with ecodesign embedded as a sustainable competitive core value within all relevant government strategies and support services, industry, the design community and higher education.
What we do?
- design and deliver innovative and inspirational projects and programmes that address the commercial implementation of ecodesign.
- provide key Welsh stakeholders with world leading knowledge and expertise in ecodesign through applied research and international best practice scanning. EDC is the ‘bridge’ between new ecodesign knowledge generation (internationally) and its commercial application in Welsh organisations.
- develop networks to support the dissemination of ecodesign knowledge and experience gathered from the projects, programmes, applied research and international scanning.
What we have done?
Following a sustained programme of ecodesign activity the Ecodesign Centre (EDC) was set up in September 2006 as part of the Welsh Assembly Government's commitment to sustainable development. EDC continues to receive core funding from the Welsh Assembly Government.
A key element of EDC's work-to-date has been the design and delivery of an innovative 18-month Ecodesign Initiative. The main activities of the initiative included:
Industry: Working with 4 SMEs from priority sectors (food and drink, manufacturing, electrical and electronic equipment and low carbon technology) for a period of 12 months on commercial ecodesign projects. This involved facilitating, guiding, training, networking, running workshops, undertaking research, mentoring and coaching to support the development of more environmentally friendly products and services and embed ecodesign in core business strategies.
Education: Working with course leaders and lecturers from four universities in Wales to embed ecodesign and sustainability in product design education. The activities involved training and networking sessions for staff, guest lectures for students and the co-development of a teaching resource pack on ecodesign.
Policy: Working with the WAG to support the development and review of key policy documents, including the Wales Waste Strategy and the Green jobs Strategy. EDC also consult and advise on UK national and international policy.
Communication: Communicating the business and policy case for ecodesign through events, networks, the EDC website and targeted e-updates along with communicating the work of EDC to a wide range of national and international stakeholders.
Research: Undertaking international best practice scanning, applied research, monitoring and evaluation.
Our Policy
To recognise our social and environmental responsibility by:
- constantly striving to reduce our environmental impact in our day-to-day activities
- assisting like-minded organisations in achieving their goals
- undertaking voluntary work with the third sector
EDC staff are employees of the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC) who manage and administer the funding.
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