Dave Gibson, Chemonics International, 1133 20th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036, 202-955-7457, dgibson@chemonics.net

Globalization has put pressure on multinational corporations (MNCs) to meet international health, safety and environmental standards. As a matter of competitiveness MNCs must increasingly adhere to strict but Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) standards throughout their supply chain. This is particularly true in emerging market countries where access and certification to proliferating standards is generally prohibitive, limiting firms’ ability to make production cleaner and safer. The Industrial Initiatives for a Sustainable Environment project developed an innovative approach to reducing the costs of EH&S for more than 200 firms in the Philippines. Additionally, demonstration industries reported significant savings associated with reductions in inputs and waste disposal. Using data on EH&S training and technical assistance costs, on changes in waste streams, and on savings from different technologies, the project trained Filipino professionals to international standards so participating companies could hire locally trained EH&S consultants. The project also developed joint implementation programs that allowed multiple firms to receive training simultaneously. Company costs for EH&S consulting were reduced by 75%; participation in joint implementation programs further reduced costs by up to an additional 90%. More than 60 waste streams and options for pollution reduction were identified, including: heavy metals, used oils, acids, mercury, dissolved and suspended solids, and volatile organic compounds. Initial pollution-reduction rates achieved by some of the participating firms were as high as 82%. The cost of helping SMEs in developing countries meet international EH&S standards can be significantly reduced by investing in training and EH&S, clean production, and auditing consulting capabilities.

Learning Objectives:

• Audience members will learn about the positive health and environmental impact of introducing EH&S programs in small and medium enterprises in developing countries, and how to reduce the cost of these programs.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I have worked on the project described, employed through Chemonics International.