Manual on the Development of Cleaner Production Policies ... - Unido

DEVELOPMENT OF CP POLICY
MODULE 1: INTRODUCING CP
Background
While the UNEP definition of Cleaner Production is self-explanatory, it is useful to rephrase the
message, stressing that Cleaner Production describes a preventive approach to environmental
management. Cleaner Production is called a “win-win” strategy, because it protects the environment,
the consumer and the worker while at the same time improving industrial efficiency, profitability and
competitiveness.
Cleaner Production approaches include hardware (goods, services, equipment) and software (technical
know-how, organizational and managerial skills and procedures). Compared with standard methods,
Cleaner Production techniques and technologies use energy, raw materials and other inputs [material]
more efficiently, produce less waste, facilitate recycling and reusing resources and handle residual
wastes in a more acceptable manner. They also generate less harmful pollutants and can assist in
lowering emissions.
Contrary to the common misconception, CP is not a mere technical fix (in other words, it is not “clean
technology”), but refers to the approach (the mindset and way of thinking) of how goods and services
are produced with the minimum environmental impact within present technological and economic
limits. Cleaner Production does not deny economic and industrial growth, but it insists that growth be
ecologically sustainable. Moreover, since there are also economic considerations involved, it should
not be considered simply as an environmental strategy.
At this point, it might be pointed out that the key difference between pollution control and Cleaner
Production is timing. Pollution control using end-of-pipe measures is an after-the-event, “react and
treat” approach. Cleaner Production, on the other hand, is a forward-looking, “anticipate and prevent”
philosophy.
CP is neither a legal nor a scientific definition but rather a broad term that covers what some countries
or institutions call pollution prevention, waste minimization, eco-efficiency or green productivity
(these related concepts are covered in more detail in the following slides).
http://www.unepie.org/pc/cp/understanding_cp/home.htm
SLIDE: CP for production processes
For production processes, CP aims:
(a) To reduce the consumption of raw materials and energy used in the
production of one unit of product;
(b) To eliminate as far as possible the use of toxic and dangerous materials;
(c) To reduce at source the quantity and toxicity of all emissions and
wastes generated and released.
SLIDE: CP for products
For products, Cleaner Production aims to reduce the environmental, health
and safety impacts of products:
• Over their entire life cycles
• From raw materials extraction, through manufacturing and use, to the
ultimate disposal of the product.
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