October 1, 2013: Over 140 experts in Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production (RECP) met in Montreux, Switzerland, September 2-6 for the Third Global RECP Networking Conference to exchange experience and set regional work plans for 2013-2015.
RECP Network (RECPnet) now has 55 members representing 34 countries. The network works with companies (particularly SMEs), policy makers and other stakeholders at the national level to promote resource efficient and preventive environmental approaches. UNEP supported the biennial meeting in its role as joint Secretariat (with UNIDO).
RECPnet works with UNEP across a range of areas. At the conference, UNEP supported sessions on eco-innovation, tourism and leveraging demand-side approaches (which covered sustainable public procurement and green supply side practices). Other sessions covered projects in energy (e.g. en.lighten, REN21, the UNFCCC Cleaner Technology Centre and Network), agri-food, life-cycle thinking, eco-industrial parks, and integrated solid waste management. RECPnet regional chapters elected new members to the executive board and developed regional workplans for 2013-15. Eco-innovation, in particular, was applauded as a new growth area and referenced in RECPnet regional plans for 2013-15.