Website: www.ecoempresas.org

Case Study (54 Kb PDF)

Summary

This project is a regional, medium term program, which aims to promote and implement best practices of eco-efficiency in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It is a joint effort of the energy agencies of the Entre Douro e Vouga (EDV) Region - EDV ENERGIA and of the city of Vila Nova de Gaia - ENERGAIA, with the Business Council of EDV and the Trading and Industrial Association of Vila Nova de Gaia. The target audiences are the SMEs of this territory, estimated in about 10.000. The project combines a set of different activities, outlined by 3 main areas: consultancy, professional education and dissemination and awareness. These activities are financially supported either by the beneficiaries, the promoters or by means of other funds.

Results

The program was launched in March 2005, and a communication campaign has been performed since then. Eco-efficiency is a concept that is broadly spread and local enterprises and authorities have already shown their interest in collaborate actively in this project.

In June 2005, a Seminar in Industrial Eco-efficiency was organised. It took place in the foot-wear industry technological centre, in the region, with the presence of about 100 participants.

We expect to involve 56 SMEs in this program, from Sept. 2005 to Dec. 2006. We are working closely to local industrial associations and professional and technological educational centres, which are also associated to EDV ENERGIA, developing work methodologies and defining strategies.