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

DEVELOPMENT OF CP POLICY
MODULE 3: CP POLICY DEVELOPMENT CYCLE
National government (i.e. central government, as distinct from local authorities) has the capacity to
develop legislation and a regulatory framework, and to set goals and establish policies. Government
actions can eliminate policy incoherence and provide incentives for CP. A Government can provide
targeted assistance to overcome key obstacles, and offer technical assistance or funds for other CPrelated
agencies. The latter includes strengthening enforcement authorities, provided there is the
political will to enforce environmental regulations. Last but not least, the Government can invite other
stakeholders to participate in policy development.
The legislative branch, including members of parliament, has a strong influence in determining
environmental priorities and the general direction of policies. Any fundamental changes to, and
updating of, a regulatory framework will require the support of the legislative branch. Lastly, through
their network of contacts and alliances, legislators can be a good avenue to gather support for the
policy process.
Enterprises and individual plants are the main implementing agents for CP, and communication with
them is essential. Enterprises, and specifically their managers, need to make a commitment to
continuously improve their environmental performance, and to develop capacity for CP and
implement CP projects. Most important, they should also be prepared to share results, including a
demonstration of financial benefits, a somewhat sensitive issue in the commercial sector.
Industrial interest groups, such as business and engineering associations, or sector-specific
organizations, have a crucial outreach to individual enterprises. Industry associations can improve the
dissemination and exchange of information among their members on successful CP experiences. They
can help persuade senior managers to take up CP and adopt better environmental management
practices. Finally, they represent the business community in developing the policy and regulatory
framework.
Environmental service providers and CP consultants implement CP technical projects in enterprises.
Recently, they have often been involved in the preparation of financing proposals for CP projects, and
in promoting and marketing the CP concept with industry. One important group of environmental
service providers includes those involved in environmental management systems (EMS) and local ecolabel
and certification schemes, as they are in a position to support—or oppose—the promotion of
Cleaner Production.
Universities and other educational institutions form and educate future managers. Their impact is
strong over a medium-term horizon. In the short term, they can integrate environmental management
and CP principles into their curricula and provide short courses for current professionals in their
continuous education programmes.
Financial institutions have, in recent years, been able to improve their understanding of CP
investment. The financing sector is in a position to include environmental aspects in lending
evaluations, broaden their lending instruments to support CP, and finance investments in CP and
efficiency improvements. Insurance companies can promote CP through insurance incentives.
Non-governmental organizations can raise awareness of CP and introduce an element of public
pressure and accountability. Additionally, provided they have the necessary technical capacities and
skills, they can implement voluntary activities on a local level. For example, a number of waste
minimization programmes have been initiated or managed by NGOs.
Cleaner Production Centres have traditionally been responsible for the identification and preparation
of small CP investment projects, and for organizing education and training events. In the policy
context, CPCs can play an advisory role to the Government, and be an independent intermediary with
stakeholders.
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