Ecodesign Initiative Industry Activities
The overall aim of the Ecodesign Initiative was to increase ecodesign application in Welsh Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs). Specific aims of the Initiative included:
- demonstrate the business case and practicalities of applying ecodesign
- improve skills and ecodesign awareness of staff
- embed ecodesign thinking in business systems and models
Ecodesign Initiative outline
Market Research
To maximise the potential of EDC’s activities, companies most likely to reap the rewards were determined at the outset. EDC commissioned a unique Design for Growth Survey which provided a solid foundation for identifying successful firms. Read more about the Design for Growth Survey
Inspire
Key growth companies were invited to an exclusive launch event organised by EDC. The event communicated the commercial and social benefits of ecodesign and explained how the innovative Ecodesign Support Package (ESP) could be accessed. Read more about the Industry Launch.
To apply for the support package the interested companies completed a project proposal form.
Engage
EDC received sixteen proposal forms. These forms were assessed and ten companies were long-listed for the second phase of assessment. Individual site visits were organised to discuss proposals on a face-to-face basis. Four companies were provisionally selected and were subsequently involved in the following process before the demonstration phase began:
- a pre-selection meeting
- individual plans and agreements drawn up by EDC and signed by the companies
- project inception meetings following the return of all agreements.
To gain access to the ESP, companies were required to make an in-kind contribution to the ongoing activities of EDC and to assign appropriate resources (monetary or otherwise) to ensure the smooth running of their projects.
Demonstrate
The ESP was developed as a unique proposition for four Welsh SMEs to develop ecodesigned products and services. EDC worked closely with companies representing four Welsh Assembly Government priority sectors (electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), general manufacturing, food and drink and low-carbon technology) to embed ecodesign into their working practices.Read more about the ESP process. Read more about the demonstration projects
Advice
EDC recognised the need to align with other national ecodesign initiatives and economic development programmes. EDC appointed an advisory panel, made up of key representatives from the public and private sectors to explore practical ways to try and align our work. Find out who sat on the panel
Monitoring and Evaluating
Evaluation has been an important element of this project. It will help EDC identify what has and has not been successful as well as inform policy and ecodesign business support within Wales.
Click to download the Ecodesign Initiative Report 'Embedding ecodesign in Welsh industry'
Click on the links to read the Ecodesign Initiative Briefing Reports:
Key issues for industry in Wales
Key issues for designers in Wales
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