energy efficiency and environmental protection

In recent years, TAM/BAS has increasingly concentrated its efforts on Energy Efficiency (EE), Renewable Energy (RE), Environmental Protection (EP), and Environmental Certification (EC). An increasing number of projects have been designed to provide cost efficiency, energy-saving opportunities, advice on reducing environmental pollution, improved environmental management and help for micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs) to comply with environmental regulation.

Energy waste has detrimental consequences for people’s living conditions through its impact on a country’s environmental conditions and the depletion of non-renewable energy resources.

The EBRD’s countries of operations are highly energy-inefficient compared to western European nations. Addressing energy intensity is a vital part of a country’s transition to a functional, competitive market economy, political stability and energy security.

TAM/BAS operations

TAM

TAM has a strong track record of EP, EE, RE and EC Programmes. Numerous specialized environmental or energy efficiency-related programmes have been implemented by TAM, mainly through funding from the Japanese Government.

These innovative programmes utilise Kyoto Protocol Mechanisms, working in hazardously-polluted regions and promoting international environmental certifications. The focus is now turning to underdeveloped regions of Russia, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and other early transition countries.

Overall achievements:

• Over 200 projects assist companies in implementing changes to improve energy efficiency and/or to utilise renewable energy sources.
  
• Approximately 250 projects address environmental problem solving.
  
• Over 200 projects directly assist enterprises in complying with environmental regulations and obtaining certifications.

BAS

BAS achieves its energy efficiency and environmental protection objectives primarily through the BAS Enviro Programme, an EU-funded project managed by the EAR. This programme operates through three main channels: it supports projects involving the provision of advice on energy efficient practices by consultants to SMEs; it creates consulting expertise on EE/RE, EP, and EC in SMEs through seminars and workshops; and the BAS Enviro Programme supports and promotes successful projects to other SMEs in order to encourage them to adopt similar environmentally efficient approaches.

Overall achievements

• Over 150 projects have implemented changes to reduce costs and thus improve energy efficiency
  
• Approximately 130 projects used advisory services to improve environmental management and market performance
  
• Over 100 projects introduced quality management and facilitated compliance with local and/or international regulations and obtaining certification

Case studies

TAM assistance more than halved waste output of Adriatic Shipyard in Montenegro

Adriatic Shipyard in Kotor Bay is one of the largest in the southern Adriatic. The bay is an important tourist resource but was in the grip of an environmental crisis caused by oil spills, dust and air pollution, uncontrolled use of chemicals and inadequate treatment of oily water from vessels in the shipyard. These factors could lead to its closure.

TAM recommended developing an environmental management plan and introducing ISO 14001 requirements (relating to environmental management). Moreover, TAM helped improve waste management and safety and related staff training.

TAM’s environmental adviser also clarified the shipyard’s environmental liability. Emphasis on monitoring and review procedures enabled management to supervise the progress of the environmental plan. In addition, TAM advised how to improve publicity and community relations.

Outcome

• Waste output has more than halved.
  
• Oil and air pollution have decreased by more than 90 per cent each.
  
• A chemical cleaning facility has been completely renovated to reduce leakage.
  
• The shipyard now has an environmental management programme involving all departments, and the CEO has decided to apply for an ISO 14001 certificate.
  
• The stock price of the shipyard is now substantially higher than it was two years ago.

BAS helped Brako become the first FYR Macedonian company with an Environmental Permit

Brako is a privately-owned SME specialising in production and marketing of wire products, steel sheet products, car trailers, reinforcement mesh, industrial wire screens, woven wire cloth, and medical equipment.

BAS identified the need for Brako to carry out an environmental assessment to meet the requirements for an IPPC integrated environmental permit and to introduce best available techniques.

With EAR funding, BAS then assisted Brako’s management to find a local consulting company, Silhem, whose consultants have a strong technical background and knowledge of IPPC thanks to the participation in BAS-organised training sessions for consultants.

Outcome

• Brako became the first FYR Macedonian company to obtain an Environmental Permit
  
• The management gained a different perspective of the company’s impact on the environment and they improved their way of dealing with the problems, using cleaner production, recycling, good practises, energy efficiency, minimization of waste etc.
  
• The management realised that good environmental management does not necessarily come at a cost, but will enable savings for the company in the longer term and consequently increase profit.
  
• The management plans to neutralise and recycle the acid waste back in the production process, which will help to minimise the emissions of chlorides in the surface waters, lower the costs for waste water treatment and lower the costs for supply of acid.
  
• The company’s reputation has been enhanced due to demonstrated concerns for the environment according to the international standards,
  
• The company has started to assemble a new production line for packaging of nails to expand its business further.

More case studies about energy efficiency and enviro projects:

Investment opportunities in carbon reduction under Kyoto Protocol

First company in Macedonia to obtain an IPPC- integrated environmental permit

Japanese newspaper Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun on TAM Environmental projects

BAS Georgia expands the project portfolio to energy efficiency projects