The Sustainable Enterprises Network (RedES) drives changes towards sustainable production systems in companies and value chains in order to improve efficiency and competitiveness. Since 2013, RedES has been applied in Cundinamarca, Colombia through the RedES-CAR program. In this program, 550 companies have adopted the circular economy strategies of Cleaner Production and Industrial Symbiosis. These companies formulated 507 initiatives with total savings of $55,534 million COP. The projects avoid the generation of 47,857 tons of residues per year, and the emission of 81,907 tons of CO2 with annual savings of 2,018,765 m3 of water and 30,396,820 KWh per year of electrical energy. 

Introduction

In recent years, Latin American countries have advanced in policies and strategies that promote the implementation of Circular Economy (CE). According to Ellen MacArthur, CE is a cycle of sustainable development that optimizes the use of resources and minimizes risks (Ellen McArthur Foundation, 2014). Particularly, Colombia has adopted policies that promote CE as the Sustainable Production and Consumption Policy (2011) and the National Circular Economy Strategy (2019).

The materialization of these policies in concrete initiatives in the private sector is challenging. Within this framework, the Universidad de los Andes developed the Sustainable Enterprise Network (RedES in Spanish) methodology. RedES drives changes towards sustainable production systems in companies and value chains to improve efficiency and competitiveness. The model is based on three pillars: learning by doing, change strategies and network collaboration. RedES builds capacities in companies that are translated into improvement initiatives with economic, environmental and productive benefits. The RedES model applies circular economy strategies such as Cleaner Production (CP) and Industrial Symbiosis (IS). CP promotes the optimization and the efficient use of resources through good practices, process redesign and technological innovation. While the IS shows opportunities for collaboration between companies from the same or different productive sector. These opportunities include exchange of by-products, shared use of infrastructure and services, and closing the material loop. Since 2013, the RedES methodology was applied in Cundinamarca, Colombia in the RedES- CAR Program as a result of the triple helix partnership among private companies, public environmental authorities with the Environmental Authority of Cundinamarca (CAR) and the academic sector with Universidad de los Andes. 

Methodology

To achieve its objectives, the RedES methodology includes: (i) formation of chains of companies and (ii) training company participants in CE tools. The formation of chains of company changes with the CE strategy (CP or IS). In CP, the process begins with an anchor organization that promotes the articulation of suppliers and customers in its value chain. Generally, between 10 and 15 companies are selected based on technical criteria and in conjunction with the leader company. In SI, groups between 15 and 20 companies with opportunities to exchange by-products, share infrastructure and services and close the materials cycle are formed. The groups focused on the closing of the cycle are made up of actors along the value chain of the material. In 2019 RedESCAR focused on closing the plastic loop, the group included producers of raw materials, processors, customers and collectors. Capacity building in the RedES methodology is based on learning by doing. In CP, participants learn practical circular economy tools and apply its in their companies. The training is carried out in 10 sessions and two modules: (i) Business competitiveness and CP (3 sessions) and (ii) Application of CP in companies (7 sessions). This allows analyzing the company and formulating sustainability initiatives with economic and environmental benefits. In IS, companies apply IS concepts, analyzing inputs, outputs and circularity of their productive operations in 8 training sessions. The IS strategy also promotes communication with the aim at formulating collaborative projects with economic and environmental impacts. 

Results

The CP strategy has been applied since RedES- CAR Program began in 2013. About 447 companies have participated in this strategy and 474 projects has been formulated. The types of projects can be divided into best practices (31%), new activities (27%) and technological innovation (42%). Best practices are adjustments in operational procedures and parameters. New activities result from adjustment of components and system changes. The remaining typology consists on modifying and updating existing technology. Table 1 [sic – means Table 2] summarizes the economic and environmental benefits achieved in the CP strategy. 

The IS strategy has been applied in 73 companies that have formulated 60 business collaboration initiatives since 2016. The types of IS projects are closing of the materials loop (50%), exchange of by-products (40%) and sharing of infrastructure or services (10%). Closing of materials loop promotes the use of materials in other applications through practices such as recycling and reuse. While the exchange of by-products allows to value materials flows. The output material of one company is used as raw material for another. Finally, some companies agree to share infrastructure for water treatment, sludge or waste management. This is an example of exchanging products to services. 

Conclusions

The RedES methodology is an effective model for the adoption of circular economy strategies, such as CP and IS. RedES drives changes towards sustainable production systems in companies and value chains in order to improve efficiency and competitiveness. In Colombia, the model was applied with the RedES-CAR program with quantified environmental and economic benefits in formulated initiatives. In the CP and IS strategies, 507 projects were formulated of which almost 60% of the initiatives were implemented. Moreover, RedES-CAR showed the multiplication of the methodology. The program started in 2013 with the participation of 42 companies and in 6 years, the CP and IS methodology escalated to more than 550 companies. 

References

Arango, A., Quintero, J. C., Duque-Hernández, J., Triana, P. A., Duarte, D. M., “Programa RedES-CAR – Cadenas Fenavi, Lao Kao (restaurantes wok), Alpina y Fedepapa” in Universidad Externado de Colombia Casos de incentivos sociales y de mercadeo con impacto en el desarrollo sostenible, Colombia, Pacto Global Red Colombia, pp 153-169.

Ellen McArtur Foundation (2014), Towards the Circular economy, Economic and business rationale for an accelerated transition, NY.

Van Hoof, B, Duque-Hernández, J., Gómez, H., Saer, A. (2015). RedES-CAR pionera en la Transformación Productiva de Pymes. Colombia: Universidad de los Andes.

Van Hoof, B. (2014). “Organizational learning in cleaner production among Mexican supply networks” Journal of Cleaner Production, Vol. 64, pp. 115-124.

Van Hoof, B., Duque-Hernández, J., Gómez, H., Saer, A. (2018). Liderazgo Ambiental para la transformación productiva: lecciones de América Latina. Colombia: Alfaomega- Universidad de los Andes.

Van Hoof, B., J. Duque-Hernández, J. (2019), Supply chain management for circular economy in Latin America: RedES-CAR in Colombia, Universidad de los Andes, Facultad de Administración, Bogotá.

Van Hoof, B., Gómez, H. (2015) Pyme de avanzada: motor del desarrollo en América Latina. Colombia: Universidad de los Andes Van Hoof, B., Lyon, T. (2013). “Cleaner production in small firms taking part in Mexico’s Sustainable Supplier Program” Journal of Cleaner Production, Vol. 41, pp. 270-282.

Van Hoof, B., Thiell, M. (2013). “Collaboration capacity for sustainable supply chain management: small and medium sized enterprises in Mexico” Journal of Cleaner Production, Vol. 67, pp. 239-248.

Van Hoof, B., Thiell, M. (2015). “Anchor company contribution to cleaner production dissemination: experience from a Mexican sustainable supply program” Journal of Cleaner Production, Vol. 86, pp. 245-255. 
 

Source: United Nations Environment Programme (2021). Compendium of case studies on solid waste management.

Carnival parades, fetes, competitions and other parties are important to the economic growth of many islands in the Caribbean. Carnival is a cultural event that attracts hundreds of thousands of Caribbean natives and tourists from different countries each year. However, despite the positive economic and social benefits derived from Carnival, Caribbean islands that host such events are most at risk due to the unsustainable effects that Carnival production can have on a country. In this article, the work of Carnicycle will be explored, particularly the positive role of recycling carnival costumes on the economy through job creation and increased morale towards a sustainable society. 

Materials commonly used in costume production and their environmental impacts

Ostrich Feathers

A variety of feathers are used in the creation of carnival costumes including, but not limited to: Pheasant, peacock, goose, and ostrich feathers. The use of ostrich feathers in costumes has grown increasingly popular over the last decade. Ostrich feathers are commonly used in various parts of the costume such as the head piece, backpack (wings), and even arms and leg pieces. Ostrich feathers are primarily sourced from South Africa where over 70% of the world’s ostrich farming exist. Feathers are a by-product of Ostrich farming as the birds are harvested primarily for their meat and leather which are currently in high demand. We will focus on the carbon emissions associated with importing feathers into the Caribbean. 

Carbon Emissions

Carbon emissions are created through the farming, processing and transportation of ostrich feathers. Processing includes: “degreasing, intermedium, fading, blanching, whitening, dyeing” and drying the feathers. The ostrich feathers which originate in South Africa are sent to China to be processed inexpensively. The feathers are then sent to the USA where a licensed feathers retailer/wholesaler sells feathers to different Caribbean countries. Strict importation rules prevent many Carnival bands or craft stores from importing feathers directly from China. 
Gems/ Rhinestones Gems/ Rhinestones are typically made from plastic or acrylic resin. They are used to decorate the entire costume but the majority of these jewels can be found on the body of the costume (bras, bodysuits, panties). Most often the body of the costume is discarded, along with the plastic decor. The environmental impact of discarding the plastic material is associated with carbon emissions from importation and effects of the plastic jewelry in landfills or oceans. 

Reducing climate change with costume recycling

Circular Economy 

Creating a network of recycled materials used in costume production such as feathers, wireframing, and beads and gems can reduce the need to import material from foreign countries and thus reduce the carbon emissions associated with the act. Additionally, there is an added economic benefit, as items within the network will be provided at discounted prices.

Reducing Waste to Landfills 

Landfills that are improperly managed produce deleterious effects on the environment by polluting the air with methane gas, groundwater with toxic chemicals and displacing surrounding animals. Diagram 1 [Fig. 4] shows the amount of costume waste that is discarded by persons post Carnival. Recycling costumes instead of discarding them diverts waste away from landfills which will alleviate the negative effect of landfills on the environment. 

Additional benefits of a more sustainable carnival

Increase in Tourism 

Consumer demand for responsible travel is increasing. Every year, there have been a larger percentage of persons that not only travel to have fun but when travelling, they want to know that they are taking part in activities that maximizes the benefits to local communities and that it minimizes negative social or environmental impacts. Table 1 shows that 47% of global travelers were inspired by seeing the positive effect that sustainable tourism can have on locals. Making Carnival sustainable will target audiences that seek responsible travel therefore broadening our market of Carnival. 

Job Creation

Recycling costumes requires labor done to get costumes from the point of collection to a form in which it is ready to be donated or sold. The following outlines various forms of employment that must be utilized for every collection:

• Transportation of costumes to cleaning facility
• Collecting and breaking down costumes.
• Sanitation of costumes pieces

Also, Carnicycle operates in multiple countries and it is not feasible to execute our process at every Carnival. As a result, Brand Ambassadors representing different countries must be employed to organize logistics of costume recycling in their host country. With the addition of Brand Ambassadors we hope to encourage more local initiatives in the recycling program and reduce carbon emissions associated with primary members travelling to each country. 

Source: United Nations Environment Programme (2021). Compendium of case studies on solid waste management.

Since 1975, Mumbai-based Stree Mukti Sanghatana has helped thousands of women improve their lives and escape poverty. Its concern for a gender-just world has also coincided with a concern for the environment.

Parisar Vikas, one of the NGO's key programmes, aims to recycle waste and create zero-waste cities. It works closely with self-employed women waste pickers whom it has empowered to resist exploitation. Besides training these women in composting, bio-methanation, micro-saving and leadership skills, the NGO has also helped many women find alternative employment.

The organization also runs seven daycare centres for working mothers. Its adolescent sensitization workshops have oriented the youth to gender issues and environmental concerns, and its educational programmes for children hold the promise of opening up new horizons for them.

True to its name, Stree Mukti Sanghatana or Women's Liberation Organization, has also set up family counselling centres that have helped hundreds of women heal from violent domestic situations. Among its many efforts to raise awareness has been the immensely popular play Mulgi Zhali Ho (A Girl is Born), which celebrates the girl child and has been performed more than 3,000 times in India and abroad.

Currently, the NGO is building an innovative facility in Navi Mumbai that will offer trainings in water recycling, rainwater harvesting, bio-methanation and composting. This centre will be open to anyone interested in learning how to manage, treat and recycle solid waste. It will also house a temporary shelter for distressed women, a working women's hostel, a day-care centre along with an exhibition made completely out of waste and recycled materials.

Whether it is making treasure out of waste or standing up for women's rights, Stree Mukti Sanghatana has insisted that no one or nothing must be marginalized.
 

Source: United Nations Environment Programme (2023). Turning off the Tap: How the world can end plastic pollution and create a circular economy. Topic Sheet: Just Transition. Nairobi.

The Small and Medium Enterprises Equity Investment scheme is a voluntary initiative of the Bankers’ Committee approved at its 246th Meeting held on 21st December, 1999. The initiative was in response to the Federal Government’s concerns and policy measures for the promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as vehicles for rapid industrialisation, sustainable economic development, poverty alleviation and employment generation.

The Scheme requires all banks in Nigeria to set aside ten (10) percent of their Profit After Tax (PAT) for equity investment and promotion of small and medium enterprises. The 10% of the Profit After Tax (PAT) to be set aside annually shall be invested in small and medium enterprises as the banking industry’s contribution to the Federal Government’s efforts towards stimulating economic growth, developing local technology and generating employment. The funding to be provided under the scheme shall be in the form of equity investment in eligible enterprises and or loans at single digit interest rate in order to reduce the burden of interest and other financial charges under normal bank lending, as well as provide financial, advisory, technical and managerial support from the banking industry. Every legal business activity is covered under the Scheme with the exception of trading/merchandising and financial services. Ten percent (10%) of the funds set aside has been earmarked for lending to microfinance enterprises. For details check the Guidelines.

Source: United Nations Environment Programme (2023). Turning off the Tap: How the world can end plastic pollution and create a circular economy. Topic Sheet: Just Transition. Nairobi.

The federal government is a significant purchaser in Canada. As such, its activities impact the national economy and can influence both the price and the availability of goods and services, including construction services, in the marketplace. Through the increased promotion of environmental sustainability, and by integrating environmental considerations in its procurement process, the federal government is in a position to influence the demand for environmentally preferable goods and services, the ability of industry to respond to the escalating use of environmental standards in global markets, and the resiliency of Canadian assets to climate change.

As part of its ongoing commitment to improve the environment and the quality of life of Canadians, this policy seeks to reduce the environmental impacts of government operations, promote environmental stewardship, and adapt to climate change by integrating environmental considerations in the procurement process.

Green procurement is set within the context of achieving value for money. It requires the integration of environmental considerations into the procurement process including planning, acquisition, use and disposal. In this context, value for money includes the consideration of many factors such as cost, performance, availability, quality and environmental performance. Green procurement also requires an understanding of the whole lifecycle of goods and services being acquired from resource extraction through to disposal, including the total cost of ownership, the relevant risks and opportunities, the environmental and economic costs or benefits to society, and any environmental or economic non-monetized positive or negative impacts to society. In addition, the supporting administrative processes and procurement methods can also offer opportunities to reduce the environmental impacts of government operations.

This policy is issued pursuant to section 7 of the Financial Administration Act, the Department of Public Works and Government Services Act, section 4 of the Department of the Environment Act and section 5 and 6 of the Department of Natural Resources Act.

The policy also supports the federal government in targeting specific environmental outcomes where procurement can effectively be used to mitigate the impact of – or adapt to – environmental issues such as climate change and can support the protection of biodiversity, natural areas, air, soil and water. Where decisions are made to move forward on realizing specific environmental outcomes through procurement, it is expected this will:

• demonstrate environmental leadership and influence industry and citizens to use environmentally preferable and climate-resilient goods, services and processes;
• stimulate innovation and market development of, and demand for, environmentally preferred goods and services, making these available and mainstream for other sectors of society;
• and support emerging environmental technologies.

Source: Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (2022). Policy on Green Procurement.