Go to top

Implementing CP involves reducing pollution and energy consumption, and using raw materials more efficiently. It begins with an audit of facilities to determine what solutions are most appropriate. The focus is on identifying ways of improving production processes, not on removing contaminants at the "end of pipe." Improving production processes might include changes in management systems, information systems, and training, as well as new or modified technologies.

Audits have been completed for the two demonstration plants: the Anhui Paper Mill and the Fuyang Chemical General Plant. CP options have been identified for both.

The Anhui Paper Mill has applied to the World Bank for funding to build new facilities in order to increase production levels. This will be taken into account when considering the CP options for implementation.

The management of the Fuyang Plant immediately implemented six low-to-medium cost CP options. They ranged from eliminating leaks from valves and joints to clean up of a waste lagoon and scrap yard. Management estimates that they have saved 8–10% of the annual cost of production at the factory in the first year. More options will be considered over the next year.

Go to top

Training and Awareness Raising have moved from assessing training needs and identifying trainees to delivering of training and awareness raising.

In the fall of 1997 two study tours were carried out in Canada. A group of 11 senior Chinese officials visited organizations dealing with Policy and Regulation, while seven Chinese technical experts learned about Canadian experience with CP Implementation. In March 1998, three key project personnel attended Globe 98, a major exhibition of environmental technologies and services. Attendance at Globe also provided an opportunity to participate in a Canadian Clean Production / Clean Technology Workshop.

In-China training has also begun, with On-the-Job Training in both the Anhui Paper Mill and the Fuyang Chemical General Works. In addition, approximately 100 people from ministries and plants participated in a series of workshops that developed the skills needed for developing self-managed process improvement teams.

Go to top

The objective for policy and regulation activities is to change the focus of industrial pollution control from end-of-pipe treatment to pollution prevention through cleaner production, with an emphasis on incentives rather than punitive measures. The primary role of the CEA is as policy advisor to Chinese counterparts.

There are some similarities and many differences between regulatory and policy making processes in China and Canada. Similarities include the involvement of three different levels of government (national, provincial, and municipal) in "rule making," and in both "top down" and "bottom up" policy development processes. Both countries also share the challenge of learning how to harness healthy competition between ministries and levels of government to achieve environmental goals. Differences in policy and regulation activities between China and Canada reflect differences in economic systems and in the degree to which transparency is part of the public policy formulating process.

A significant Chinese environmental policy framework exists, including regulations relating to the pulp and paper sector, and for prevention and control of pollution in the Huaihe River Drainage area, where the two demonstration projects are located. An analysis of policy barriers to implementing CP suggests that some existing policies may encourage end-of-pipe solutions, to the detriment of CP initiatives. Oversized waste treatment plants have been one outcome in North America. On the other hand, Executive Order #31 has resulted in the closure of many small industries, and the realization by enterprises that current environmental requirements are to be taken seriously.

The project’s policy initiatives will shift from reviewing and comparing existing policies and regulatory context, to monitoring how policies are implemented at the agency and plant level.

Go to top

The CP Policies and Regulations Study Tour
Saturday Aug. 30 to Sunday, Sept. 14, 1997

The first study tour provide 11 senior project participants from China with an overview of the implementation of cleaner production in Canada, with special emphasis on policies and regulations. Participants visited sites in Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Sites visited included a river clean-up project, and the opportunity to discuss policy and regulations with representatives of the federal government, a provincial government, NGOs, industry representatives and private companies.

The CP Implementation Study Tour
Saturday Sept. 27 to Sunday, Oct. 12, 1997

The second study tour gave nine senior participants from China the opportunity to visit a river clean-up project, an oil refinery, a pulp and paper plant and a fertilizer plant as well as have discussions with the federal government, a provincial government, industry representatives and a major NGO. The study tour included stops in Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.

Go to top