SWITCH MED
The Mediterranean region is characterized by unique environmental challenges, which has led to 21 counties in the region to join the Barcelona Convention. The SWITCH-Med Program was established by the United Nations in order to support the decisions of the Barcelona Convention and the Rio +20 for consumption and sustainable production in order to safeguard the marine environment, including the Southern Mediterranean countries.
MED TEST
One of the components of the SWITCH-MED program is the MED TEST project, which was launched by UNIDO (United Nation Industry Development Organization) in collaboration with the GEF (Global Environmental Facility) and the Government of Italy. The project operates on several levels, including regulating cooperation between policy makers and consultants, training professionals, and industry-focused activity.
Methodology TEST (Transfer of Environmentally Sound Technology) is a comprehensive and integrated approach developed to address the challenges and barriers industries face to become more resource and energy efficient, non-polluting and safe, produce products that are responsibly managed throughout their life cycle while increasing productivity, access to international markets with good quality products and comply with environmental standards, using essential tools such as:
· RECP-Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production
· EMS- Environmental Management System
· MFCA- Material Flow Cost Accounting
MED TEST project targets also to service providers to increase their capacity to deliver sustainable production services matching the industry needs.
For more information click here
MED TEST II ISRAEL
From 2009 to 2012, the first pilot of MED TEST took place in 43 different factories in the Southern Mediterranean countries: Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt. In light of these significant achievements, the MED TEST II project was launched in January 2015 in six other countries, including Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, Israel, Algeria, and Libya.
The Israeli project is managed by the Weitz Center partners with the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Economy and other stakeholders, including the Manufacturers Association, the Institute for Business Environment and Society at Tel Aviv University, and the Organization of Life and Environment.
Seven enterprises of heavy industry will take part in the project and will serve as demonstration sites for implementing TEST methodology.
The industries participating in the project will receive full financial, consulting, training, and technical support by a team of engineers and professionals (approximately 30 days of engineering know-how at an estimated value of NIS 120,000).
Participating industries will benefit from the following:
· Increased competition in domestic and global markets
· Assistance in meeting environmental regulations
· Increased productivity, reduction in operating costs, and optimization of technological investments
· Reduction of environmental risks while minimizing costs and carbon footprints
· Meeting international environmental standards while preparing for ISO14001 certification
· Adoption of resource efficiency strategies that help mitigate the effects of fluctuations in raw material prices
· Improved relationships with stakeholders (i.e. investors, banks, regulatory bodies, local communities, consumers, etc.)
· Introducing new practices and clean technology, including access to grants and funding programs.
For the call of interest click here
Submit your application now
Industry who meets all the criteria are invited to submit their candidacy no later than 24.05.15.
Participation in the project involves a participation fee of 7000-15000 NIS (depending on the industry’s size).
For the application form click here
Schedule
• Submit applications – May 2015
• Shortlist selection of 10-12 industries moving to next round – June 2015
• Selection of the final list of 7 industries – August 2015
• Consulting and implementation phase across the industries – October 2015-October 2016
• Project summary – January 2017
Expert team
Green Target LTD.
Operating since 1998 for the establishment and operation of environmental management systems, and safety in several sectors: chemical and petrochemical engineering, food, metal, plastics, electrical and electronics, as well as service organizations and government offices.
The company services are provided by a team of senior and experienced professionals, which includes consultants in: environment, safety, chemical engineering and quality.
Sher Consulting & Training LTD.
Since 2003, Sher Consulting and Training has been accompanying leading industries in advancing values of excellence, quality, consumer safety, care for the environment and occupational safety and health. The company’s devoted team brings decades of cumulative experience, professional knowledge to the highest standard and true understanding of the needs of customers.
YarokTech Engeneering LTD.
The company was founded by Ami Alexandron, a chemical engineer with extensive experience in project management and planning in industrial plants to implement simple solutions to complex problems using BAT technologies in the fields of environment, safety, energy, and management processes.
Sustainability Foresight is a boutique consultancy that specializes in environmental policy and strategy. It works with governmental agencies, cities, companies, foundations and NGOs to promote sustainability through local action, national legislation and inter-governmental collaboration. it uses advanced techniques and a multidisciplinary analysis to make sustainability policy simple and clear, finding solutions to the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges.