Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing

EDC recently spent some time at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) sharing knowledge about ecodesign thinking and practice and exploring potential opportunities for knowledge transfer. EDC had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the Cleaner and Sustainable Production Unit, the Agri-business Branch and the Energy and Climate Change Branch.

The outcomes for potential work opportunities with the specialised agency of the United Nations are immense. Topics explored during the meetings included;

• embedding EDC’s innovative capacity building approach to ecodesign in the UNIDO Cleaner production Centres could allow for wider benefits (economic, social and environmental) to all parties involved. Forward thinking centres should aim to move from end-of-pipe thinking to systems life cycle thinking through ecodesign
• transferring ecodesign knowledge and expertise to the agri-business sector in African nation is a key area to be explored. Currently there is a strong need for the sector, producers and farmers to become more sustainable
• the new ISO Energy Standard ISO 5000 1 on Energy Management will have a significant impact on energy management in Welsh Manufacturing businesses in the coming years. It is important for Welsh organisations to develop knowledge and understanding of the standard

These exploratory discussions were very beneficial and should bring benefits in terms of future cross-centre collaborations. Moreover, EDC raised the profile of its work and the work of the Welsh Assembly Government.

To learn more about the UNIDO Cleaner and Sustainable Production Unit please click here.

To learn more about the UNIDO Energy and Climate Change Branch please click here.

August 2009