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2009-01-06 | All chapters
European Chamber wins sustainable development project funding worth EUR 3 million over 4 years
SWITCH Asia, 4th January 2009
The European Chamber is delighted to announce that its proposal for a European Commission funded grant, under the SWITCH Asia project has been chosen for implementation. The European Chamber is honoured to be selected for this project and looks forward to working with our partners, Tongji University and IVL (Swedish Environmental Institute) on implementing a very successful and sustainable initiative over the next four years. The project will formally commence on 1st February 2009.
SWITCH Asia is a new form of European Commission (EC) grant, designed to replace the highly successful Asia Invest program. Designed to promote Sustainable Consumption and Development across Asia by encouraging efficient energy generation and use, it focuses on three main areas:
- SME Pollution;
- European technology and know-how; and
- Generating policy feed-ins to reduce energy consumption and pollution
This new project targets more efficient use of energy and raw materials, by conducting a “Train the Trainers” programme, focusing on ETICS (External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems) and other energy saving techniques. The training sessions will be conducted in Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui and Jiangxi, and will primarily target SMEs, producer organisations, universities and public sector authorities.
The three goals of the project will have significant, positive impact on both China-Europe business relations and Chinese domestic energy efficiency. Firstly, the Training Centre will promote the use of environmentally friendly technologies and practices by Chinese SMEs. As part of this knowledge-transfer, the training centre will also promote a switch to more green and energy efficient products. Finally, the European Chamber and IVL [a Swedish environmental institute] will assist in the design and implementation of legal and economic instruments which promote sustainable development. In short, the proposed project forms an integrated package; designed to reach large numbers of Chinese construction related SMEs.
Promoting Energy Efficiency in Construction
A high proportion of new builds in northern China contain little or no insulation, leading to significant energy losses and lessened quality of life for residents and staff. The SWITCH grant will encourage Chinese construction companies to improve insulation and energy efficiency in buildings. Several members of the Construction WG have shown interest in organizing conferences or workshops to impart construction best practice.
Given European business’ unparalleled expertise in developing energy efficient construction methodologies, projects and practices the “Train the Trainers” program will produce significant benefits, helping Chinese industries and households to reduce energy costs.
The project will commence training from 1st February 2009 and over 100 SMEs are expected to graduate this industry-first project within the first year of operation.
For further details about the SWITCH Asia project, please contact Ms Derval Usher at dusher@euccc.com.cn
Facts and Figures
Title: “Train the Trainers”: A Proposal to Train Chinese Construction Sector SMEs in Energy Saving Techniques & Technologies
Lead Partner: European Union Chamber of Commerce in China (project to be based in Shanghai)
Other Partners: 1). Tongji University 2). IVL, the Swedish Environmental Research Institute
Location of the Action: Eastern China – Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui and Jiangxi
Duration of the Action: 48 months