Environmentally correct

THe traditional way of improving environmental performance is through standards and regulations, backed by rigorous enforcement. Even in ...

THe traditional way of improving environmental performance is through standards and regulations, backed by rigorous enforcement. Even in countries where regulations work, as in the US, this is an extremely expensive option. In developing countries in particular, high standards are difficult to enforce, despite regulations and court orders due to lack of resources, training and political will.

The mandate of the Clean Technology Initiative CTI is to engage the Indian industry in voluntary measures that can improve their environmental performance and profitability. CTI provides technical assistance and works with industry associations to establish environmental improvement techniques and programmes. It assists in the identification of opportunities to improve environmental performance through application of clean technology and facilitates business exchanges. CTI seeks to complement Indian standards and regulations for environmental management by tapping into other forces now increasingly at play in theindustrial arena. These are rising public and consumer concern about environment, global markets, heightened concern about industrial environmental performance, clean technology and new environmental management systems that industries can now apply efficiently to cut costs and reduce pollution.

Indian industry is ready for this approach. Whether it8217;s the cement industry, textile industry, automobile industry or whatever, the enthusiasm for effective voluntary measures is strong and heartening. One of the results of globalisation of trade and finance is the increasing sensitivity of industry to global market preferences for products and companies that meet high environmental standards.

We are in a revolutionary period when communication technology allows people everywhere to be in touch instantly. Environmental information on industries is being sought and obtained by financiers, consumers, buyers, traders and environmental groups. The internet makes it all possible and is forging a totally new world.Within huge domestic markets, like India8217;s, there is growing concern about environmental effects of companies. This will force them to act. Indian industries need effective systems to measure their input and output, determine how they perform vis-a-vis others. They need information on ways to be cleaner and more competitive, whether through better environmental management systems, or new technology, or both.Environmental information needs to get outside as well. International Research Group IRG is providing technical assistance under CTI to assist Indian industry adopt the ISO 14001 environmental management systems as it is important to their competitive position and environmental performance. Indian business eager to become part of the global trend today has environmental management systems such as the ISO integrated into everything that they do. It requires environmental commitment at the top, and effective implementation at every step of the way. It requires environmental monitoring and reporting ofkey environmental aspects. Indian companies have found that monitoring requirements now give them information that helps cut costs as well as reduce waste. CTI is working with the Confederation of Indian Industry to provide technical assistance to nine companies and have them certified by the end of September. The IRG is also working with the Cement Manufacturers8217; Association CMA and the Indian Agro Pulp and Paper Manufacturers8217; Association IAPMA to develop benchmarks of environmental performance.

The author is Vice President, International Resources Group IRG, Washington DC