APO COE on Green Productivity

The 55th session of the APO GBM in Tokyo in May 2013 approved the establishment of the APO COE on GP in the ROC. Spearheaded by the CPC in conjunction with several government ministries, the center supports the APO in promoting and implementing GP-related activities and publicizes valuable examples of GP in the Asia-Pacific region. COE on GP activities focus on four key themes covering the three major sectors of agriculture, industry, and services: 1) resource recycling; 2) green energy; 3) green factories; and 4) agro-innovation.

Key Objectives

The following were the key objectives of the COE on GP established initially:

1. Intensify promotion of the GP approach, especially in the key strategic areas of agriculture, industry, and services, most relevant to the needs of APO members;
2. Facilitate learning and sharing of best practices of the ROC leading to adoption in other member countries, especially in green energy, resource recycling, green factories, green buildings, green value chains, and eco-agricultural technologies;
3. Enhance the competencies of GP assessors and consultants to create a critical mass of facilitators and practitioners of the GP approach in the region;
4. Develop a database of GP experts and consultants and facilitate networking with various stakeholders; and
5. Sustain the leadership of the COE and enhance the international visibility of the GP efforts of the APO and its member countries.

Accomplishments and Outcomes

1. Identification of key GP needs: Research on the Assessment of GP Implementation and Needs of Member Countries was conducted to assess the extent and status of implementation and adoption of GP practices in member countries in the areas of agriculture, industry, and services; identify the priority needs of those sectors; and recommend actions for the sustainable promotion and adoption of GP. The research provided the following key recommendations: 1) publish GP training manuals, case studies, and promotional materials for member countries lacking such resources; 2) develop demonstration/pilot projects and model organizations; 3) create a network of GP knowledge and capacity; and 4) conduct training courses, workshops, and seminars to disseminate GP-related knowledge.
2. Introduction of GP model projects: A Workshop on Development of Model Projects for Green Productivity was conducted to provide participants with relevant knowledge and skills in the areas of resource recycling, green energy, green factories, and eco-agriculture. The workshop brought together 120 high-level industry experts to discuss the GP technical and service needs of APO members. Documentation of the demonstration projects is available on the APO website.
3. Development of a GP Excellence Award Framework: To heighten awareness among organizations, companies, and individuals of the need for continuous improvement and innovative approaches in promoting sustainability, an Expert Panel Meeting on the Development of the GP Excellence Award Framework was organized. Experts attending the meeting discussed and reviewed the proposed GP Excellence Award Framework for adoption. The final award framework scheme will be pilot tested in the ROC before being recommended for replication.
4. Dissemination of technical capabilities: To support the initiatives of member countries in building their capacity and to create greater awareness of GP, experts in the four priority areas have been and will continue to be assigned to assist other member countries. The outcome of such bilateral projects between the COE and NPOs will be reported later, as all TES projects are still in progress.
5. Establishment of the Green Productivity Advisory Committee (GPAC): The formal organization of the GPAC in the ROC is another important achievement. The GPAC consisting of a multitude of important public and private organizations was the second to be established within the APO membership and it will refine the strategic directions and operations in pursuing green industries, strengthening overall green competitiveness, and engaging local industries in regional sustainable development efforts.
6. Promotion of eco-products in the Asia-Pacific region: The COE played an active role in the 9th Eco-products International Fair (EPIF). The event exhibited the cutting-edge, environmentally friendly eco-technologies, eco-products, and eco-services of about 207 exhibitors from all over the Asia-Pacific region and beyond and attracted some 17,483 visitors and over 600 media citations.
7. Knowledge dissemination and networking promotion: Another contribution of the COE on GP is the organization of the International Conference on Achieving Sustainability to Empower Future Generations to discuss trends in eco-policies and eco-businesses in the Asia-Pacific and how green energy, green procurement, and green cities can enhance sustainable development. The conference output was the Taipei Outcome Document, also available on the APO website (Publications page), reflecting the commitment to making a positive contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
8. Improving the visibility of the COE and APO: The visibility and effectiveness of the COE on GP have been enhanced by the very high-profile projects it implemented in the ROC such as the 9th EPIF; International Conference on Achieving Sustainability to Empower Future Generations; and Third World Conference on Green Productivity, among others.