As interest in the environmental impact of business activities has increased, environmental measures are now shifting from the “end of pipe” stage to the next stage, and design for environment (DfE) and social efficiency based on eco-efficiency considering the life-cycle is now highly evaluated. It is increasingly seen in Europe that environmental policy at the regional government level has shifted in concept from regulation-oriented policies to management support programs that help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) increase their competitiveness through improving their environmental efficiency. This article discusses and compares two environmental programs: the Efficiency Agency NRW (EFA) and the Eco Business Plan Vienna (EBP). This article focuses on the partnerships among the parties involved in the programs and on program operations.
The goal of this article is to understand and convey the meanings of the roles local agents need to play in fostering environmental conservation. One of the major program of EFA is PIUS-Check, which consists of a package of simple tools and consultancy. Both of the programs, which are not based on forcing SMEs to defer environmental measures but on supporting SMEs' own efforts to decrease their environmental burden, are composed of various different elements such as legal systems and controls, financial methods, consulting systems, multifaceted partnerships and so forth. Targeting technical consultants and SMEs, both programs have revitalized local business communities. On the other hand, mechanisms to reward SMEs for their commitment to environmental improvement are also vital, as seen in the case of Vienna City where SMEs have become certified as having achieved targeted results. Motivation is maintained through staging certification ceremonies and so forth. This comprehensive program, which is appropriate for local areas, can be a model for local governments to follow in implementing bottom-up community-empowering policies in an attempt to boost local industries and facilitate the diffusion of eco-innovation.
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