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

DEVELOPMENT OF CP POLICY
MODULE 3: CP POLICY DEVELOPMENT CYCLE
Background
The widespread adoption of CP can be achieved through a combination of mechanisms and actions,
including a strong and clear regulatory framework as well as effective incentives for polluters to
change their behaviour voluntarily. It bears repeating that the framework and instruments should take
into account local traditions, culture and the capacity to administer policies. Naturally, incentives and
instruments should not be geared to the mere support of end-of-pipe measures, but at the same time the
path of action selected should not be perceived as competition between regulation and CP.
The range of policy instruments is wide, as demonstrated in module 4. Each country will need to apply
the mix of policies and instruments best adapted to its circumstances. The policy group should identify
and propose an appropriate mix of economic instruments and normative measures such as laws,
regulations and standards, as well as information-based instruments. Incentives to stimulate Cleaner
Production could include grants, loans and favourable tax regimes as well as targeted technical
assistance to relevant industrial enterprises. Awareness-raising and voluntary initiatives should also be
encouraged. Information and education campaigns are important policy instruments.
Before introducing new policy instruments, the policy maker should review any incentives and
mechanisms that may already be in operation (this would have been done in the earlier analysis). It
may be easier to modify existing instruments so that they support CP, than to create new policy
instruments. Similarly, it may be a viable approach to modify existing financial programmes that
support end-of-pipe projects, by requiring the implementation of CP prior to granting support for endof-pipe
measures. Other possible ideas are presented below.
EXAMPLE
How to modify regulatory instruments to promote Cleaner Production:
A number of regulatory instruments currently in use can be modified to encourage pollution
prevention and CP, rather than simply aiming to mandate pollution control. Some options that have
been used around the world include:
(a) Mandatory review of applicability of Cleaner Production within the permitting process;
(b) Regulation of emissions by mass instead of concentration, to encourage reduction rather than
dilution;
(c) Environmental impact reports;
(d) Permits for all hazardous emissions;
(e) Public disclosure of standard emissions, inputs and efficiency of their use, as well as any spills,
releases, or accidents;
(f) The training of environmental inspectors to identify and recommend pollution prevention
opportunities;
(g) Enabling companies to spend money from penalties and fines on cleaner production initiatives;
(h) Pollution regulation through economic instruments instead of command-and-control;
(i) Introduction of an integrated permitting approach (see IPPC).
In designing the mix of policy instruments, particular attention should be paid to those instruments
that can help create a demand for cleaner, more eco-efficient products and processes. Depending on
the circumstances, this could include: strengthened public access to information; disseminating
information on environmental management successes; and public procurement policies that give
preference to “green” products. Likewise, permits requiring environmental management programmes
provide strong incentives for continuous environmental improvement within enterprises, while
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