Background
The Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone (formerly Subic Naval Base) and the Clark Special Economic Zone (formerly Clark Airbase) came into existence upon the expiration of the RP-US Military Bases Agreement in November 1991. Strategically located, Subic and Clark has great potentials for industrial and economic development. In fact, in the recent annual Philippine economic review, it was mentioned that once realized, these potentials will have both regional and national impacts.
The Need for Green Philippines
Now fully recovered from the devastation of the Mt Pinatubo eruption, and the economic void left by the pull out of the US military bases, Subic and Clark is in high gears in developing sound and stable economic base by attracting large and medium scale industries to settle in the area through various incentive schemes. Consequently, with the rapid onset of industrialization caused by heightened industrial activities and increase in urbanization, the degradation of the environment in Subic and Clark is increasing in an alarming rate. Although the rapid growth of industries provides economic boost through more job opportunities, more local and foreign investments, stable market structure, and the likes, there is a need to balance development to include environmental management, thus Green Philippines.
ECOPROFIT Approach
ECOPROFIT is a system of implementing cleaner production and environmental management approach, while improving the ecological performance of companies and improving resource efficiency, thus creating both ecological and economic benefit. Through the transfer of the ECOPROFIT know-how and approach via high quality trainings and the implementation of best practice dissemination models, local economical and environmental development will be strengthened.
Project Goals
- To significantly contribute to the advancement of sustainable development in the Philippines,specifically starting from Subic and Clark Economic Zones.
- To transfer the eco-profit technology / approach as a structured and scientifically proven mechanism to reduce negative environmental impacts and strengthen economic development of companies
- To improve mutual awareness and relations of EU’s environmental agenda in Asia and vice
versa
Project Partners
VSB Technical University of Ostrava (VSB-TUO)
VSB Technical University of Ostrava (VSB-TUO) has a public mission for education and research (teaching, research, and applied research for industry). Its Institute of Environmental Engineering’s research activity is concentrated on the areas of clean production; technologies for mineral processing and waste treatment, waste disposal; the optimization of coal and sludge flotation; water purification and treatment; environmental problems of mining and industrial landscapes; ecology; the assessment and management of the environment; the protection of soils; waters and air. What is of great importance is research activity focused on biological methods of landscape regeneration and water-course revitalization.
Center for Appropriate Technology (GrAT)
Center for Appropriate Technology (GrAT) focuses on the development of sustainable building and renewable resources; development of new materials based on bionic principles (efficient combination of biology and technique); and the development of preventive environmental protection. This includes technical advice, in the form of process optimization, organizational development, e.g. in the form of environmental management systems and integrated management systems legal advice, in the training of waste managers, development of waste management concepts, research and development towards closed cycle production systems and zero emission production systems.
Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST)
Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) is a non-stock, non-profit organization that aims to improve the quality of life of all stakeholders in society by bringing about better environmental, economic and social outcomes through the use of coherent, innovative and efficient human, financial and physical resources as instruments for learning, growth and sustainable development. ASSIST advocates the interrelation of both the social and industrial sector in achieving real and sustainable progress.
Environmental Practitioners Association (EPA)
Environmental Practitioners Association (EPA) is a non-stock, non-profit organization with more than 50 active members on its list, which includes numerous business institutions in the Subic Free Port and Special Economic Zone. It seeks to establish a database and network of environmental practitioners, regulatory requirements and resources. It also aims to assist in institutional regulatory compliance.
Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (MACCII)
Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (MACCI) is a non-stock, non-profit organization with the strength of 100 full member companies. It has for its members numerous business institutions in the Clark Special Economic Zone. MACCII is a voluntary partnership of businessmen and professionals working together to build a healthy, thriving and environmentally conscious economy that would lead to the improvement of the quality of life of different communities in Metro Angeles and its neighboring towns.