Integrating environmental components in projects

While some projects are specifically designed to improve the environment, the EBRD also promotes environmental objectives by integrating environmental components into all projects. For example, all project sponsors are required to implement environmental and worker protection standards. In addition, local environmental expertise is improved by setting up environmental management systems and training mechanisms.

Many initiatives are funded through EBRD administered donor funds: Nearly half of EBRD investments are supported in some way by donor grants. 

Although donor supported initiatives often have direct environmental, social, and health and safety objectives, funds are also used to finance strategic environmental studies.

Institutional strengthening and capacity building

Within financial intermediaries (FIs) donor funds are used to finance consultant-run environmental training programmes which help the FI develop or strengthen their environmental risk management procedures.

Training is also provided to government agency specialists to improve skills in environmental impact assessment analysis, public information and consultation, and environmental issues associated with transport projects.

Training seminars have been held across the EBRD region for over 10 years.

More about Donor grants.

Environmental management and eco efficiency

The donor funded TAM programme helps companies - for example in the power and metallurgical sectors - implement environmental management systems, typically to the ISO 14001 standard. The diversity and complexity of such companies require comprehensive management systems to increase efficiency and minimise impacts.

The TAM programme also supports larger enterprises as part of privatisation restructuring. For example, one initiative uses environmental experts to help companies improve eco-efficiency, minimise environmental impact, and manage environmental business aspects.

More about the TAM programme.

Professional capacity of local consultants

The donor funded BAS programme works on a smaller scale, developing the professional capacity of local consultants. In one project, it helped businesses in the Danube basin area access consulting advice on water pollution reduction.

More about the BAS programme.

Clean development in the poorest countries

The donor funded Early Transition Countries (ETC) initiative helps improve the investment climate in the EBRD’s poorest countries of operations. Environmental efforts supported through the ETC initiative include a regional project support facility for clean development mechanisms.

More about the ETC initiative.

Energy efficiency

All direct investment projects are screened for energy saving opportunities. When the Bank invests in modernisation of existing facilities, energy efficiency improvements are designed to reduce emissions per unit of output.  New facilities must be constructed to ensure that GHG emissions are in line with current best practice.

More about Energy efficiency.