Environment technology solutions are an important instrument to improve the environment. These solutions often have positive effects for both the environment and for the individual enterprise, and they create new markets for Danish enterprises. Environment technology can help solve specific environmental problems in the air, climate and chemicals areas, within agriculture, as well as with regard to noise.
Environment technology benefits the environment and business Eco-efficient technology already has a pivotal role in our efforts to protect the environment and resources. Examples from our everyday lives are catalytic converters in cars, water treatment plants, and enzymes in washing agents. However, the world is still facing a number of great environmental challenges such as the climate challenge, lack of clean water, air pollution, and chemicals harmful to health; just to mention a few of the most important. Solutions depend to a large extent on developing and using new eco-efficient technologies.
In summer 2007, the government published an action plan to promote eco-efficient technology, which contains the following nine initiatives: partnerships for innovation, promotion of exports, research, advice and information, EU efforts, climate and energy technology, agricultural technologies, the aquatic environment, and a healthy environment. The aim is to promote development of competitive technologies which benefit the environment and Danish business.
Effective implementation of the action plan requires that enterprises are actively involved. Therefore it is also vital to ensure enterprises good conditions to develop and market new technologies.
On the basis of the action plan, the Danish EPA has established a secretariat for eco-efficient technology to act as the hub for Environment Ministry efforts in the area and as a portal for enterprises and others with questions on eco-efficient technology. The secretariat offers advice for Danish enterprises and others on forthcoming legislation and opportunities for financial support for development and demonstration projects on eco-efficient technology. The aim is to enhance development, marketing and exports of new eco-efficient technologies in areas with good environmental and commercial potentials. The secretariat collaborates with other players involved in advising enterprises and entrepreneurs.
A number of partnerships have been established in different sectors, such as water, wood-burning stoves, noise and aquaculture, and all these demonstrate that partnerships offer an opportunity to find new solutions which are both environmentally and cost effective.
The environment and strategy across sectors One of the Danish EPA’s important roles is as advisor for the Minister for the Environment and the government in the preparation of new, extensive environmental policy initiatives. This advice is not only in the individual specialist areas, but also for initiatives which involve a number of Agency areas, the rest of the Ministry as well as other important partners such as enterprises, municipalities and other ministries. Other good examples include the efforts to develop and apply eco-efficient technology, which have high priority at the moment, and the comprehensive reorganisation of the waste sector. Initiatives in the different areas must be coordinated, and this must be monitored through indicators and other assessments, and the overall strategy must be long term and sustainable.