Certificate award ceremony: Strengthening industrial resource efficiency for a sustainable and competitive future
NNA – The European Union, in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), announced the successful completion of its training program under the EU-funded 2Circular Project, a €3.7 million initiative supporting Lebanon's transition to a green and circular economy. The project, implemented in partnership with Lebanon's Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Economy and Trade, and Ministry of Finance, also collaborates with the Association of Lebanese Industrialists and the Federation of the Chambers of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture in Lebanon. It aims to enhance resource efficiency and promote circular business models in Lebanon's private sector, particularly in the food and beverage industry.
To mark this achievement, the European Union, together with UNIDO, hosted a Certificate Award Ceremony on February 20, 2025, at the American University of Beirut (AUB), Charles Hostler Auditorium, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. The event celebrated 27 service providers who successfully completed an intensive training program on the Transfer of Environmentally Sound Technologies (TEST) methodology. This comprehensive approach helps businesses identify and implement cost-saving, resource-efficient measures that enhance operational efficiency and sustainability.
About the 2Circular Project
The 2Circular Project is a key pillar of the Lebanon Reform, Recovery, and Reconstruction Framework (3RF), building on the success of the EU-funded SwitchMed program and UNIDO's TEST methodology. The project focuses on:
• Upscaling resource efficiency in 30-40 food and beverage companies through TEST-based solutions.
• Developing circular business models to drive innovation and sustainability.
• Facilitating access to finance for SMEs to adopt sustainable practices.
• Supporting Lebanon's industrial green transition in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry.
Training a cohort of TEST service providers
The TEST methodology helps businesses integrate environmentally sound technologies to prevent pollution, optimize resource use, and reduce operational costs. Through the six-month EU-funded training program led by international and national UNIDO TEST trainers, in partnership with AUB as the technical execution partner and in collaboration with the Lebanese University, 27 service providers gained hands-on experience in 14 beneficiary companies. Their work resulted in the identification of 89 resource efficiency measures with substantial savings potential:
• 84,729 m³ of water saved annually
• 9,111 MWh of primary energy conserved per year
• 1,502 tonnes of of materials optimized annually
• 3,687 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions reduced per year
• €1.655 million in annual production cost savings
• €2.73 million in leveraged investments with an average payback period of just 1.7 years
Voices of Collaboration
Dr. Antoine Ghauch, AUB
'AUB played a pivotal role as the technical execution partner of UNIDO in the EU funded 2Circular project, orchestrating a vital capacity building program for 27 engineers in resource efficiency and cleaner production. We strongly believe that this initiative should be upscaled by the development an online module for the industrial community, offering continuous education aimed at improving resource efficiency and cleaner production in their processes, enabling industrial companies to enhance both their operational performance and environmental stewardship'.
Dr. Ali Ismail, Lebanese University
As a key partner in the EU-funded 2Circular project implemented by UNIDO, the Lebanese University contributed resource efficiency and cleaner production advisors, graduates participating as trainees, and hosted practical training on food systems and resource efficiency and cleaner production in the food industry for 27 engineers. Its involvement reflects its dedication to promoting and integrating resource efficiency and cleaner production education within the Lebanese University for a more sustainable industrial sector".
Dr. Nada Sabra, Liaison and Resource Efficiency Expert of the 2Circular project
'By delivering a comprehensive theoretical and on-the-job training to engineers on industrial resource efficiency in partnership with academia, UNIDO, through the EU funded 2Circular project, is playing a pivotal role in sustainably fostering the national service provision market in the field of industrial resource efficiency and cleaner production, for a more resilient, competitive and environmentally responsible industry'
Eng. Chantal Akl, Acting Director-General, Ministry of Industry:
'Building the capacities of service providers in industrial resource efficiency is at the heart of the priorities of the Ministry of Industry, and a pivotal achievement of the 2Circular project that needs to be sustained as it fosters the development of the national market of service providers in industrial resource efficiency for a sustainable industrial development and an enhanced competitiveness and resilience of the Lebanese industrial sector'
Mr. Talal Hijazi, Representative, Association of Lebanese Industrialists (ALI):
'We appreciate the EU and UNIDO's continued support in advancing industrial resource efficiency and cleaner production practices. These efforts are essential for Lebanon's industrial growth and green transition.'
Mr. Elie Massoud, Federation of the Chambers of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture:
"This achievement is not just a certification—it is a commitment to sustainability, efficiency, and innovation in our industries." The dedication of the trained service providers is a testament to the fact that sustainability is not just an option—it is the way forward."
Ms. Zeina Harakeh, Ministry of Economy & Trade
"The Ministry of Economy and Trade recognizes industrial resource efficiency as both an economic necessity and an environmental priority. Through the 2Circular project, we are equipping Lebanese industries with the tools to enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impact. The newly certified service providers will play a crucial role in advancing sustainable production practices, strengthening Lebanon's competitiveness in global markets, and driving the transition towards a circular economy."
EU Delegation to Lebanon
Ms. Lea Polony, Program Manager, Program Manager, Economic Affairs and Private Sector, European Commission
'Through the 2Circular project, the EU is helping businesses in Lebanon's food and beverage sector cut waste, save resources, and work more sustainably. We've trained 27 experts to support companies in reducing their environmental footprint and adopting greener practices. This is part of the EU's broader commitment to building green skills and supporting Lebanon's shift to a more sustainable, circular economy'
Building a Sustainable Future
Beyond resource efficiency in the food and beverage sector, the 2Circular Project is expanding Lebanon's expertise in sustainable production services. The 27 newly certified SPs, including seven women, are now well-equipped to support Lebanese industries in adopting resource-efficient and cleaner production methods, fostering a thriving national market for sustainability-focused services.
Looking Ahead
The success of the 2Circular Project highlights the transformative impact of resource efficiency on economic and environmental resilience. As Lebanon continues its recovery, adopting circular business models and sustainability-driven industrial practices will be essential for long-term growth. UNIDO, in collaboration with key stakeholders, remains committed to advancing Lebanon's green transition and fostering a competitive, resource-efficient industrial sector.
The Certificate Award Ceremony marked a milestone in this journey, celebrating the achievements of service providers and reaffirming Lebanon's commitment to sustainable industrial development.
UNIDO encourages Lebanese industries, policymakers, and development partners to build on this milestone by engaging with the newly trained service providers and sustaining their continued development. In the coming months, UNIDO will work with 16 additional food and beverage companies seeking to enhance resource efficiency. These companies will have the opportunity to collaborate with selected service providers under UNIDO's guidance, ensuring quality implementation and continuous learning.
---------
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
MTV Lebanon
2 days ago
- MTV Lebanon
05 Jun 2025 13:42 PM Salam chairs final IMF meeting ahead of key autumn visit
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam chaired a high-level meeting at the Grand Serail with IMF mission chief Ernesto Ramirez and key Lebanese officials, including Ministers Yassine Jaber and Amer Bisat, Central Bank Governor Karim Souaid, and others involved in IMF negotiations. Minister Jaber described the meeting as a 'conclusive session' to review progress and prepare a roadmap ahead of the IMF's anticipated return in late summer or early autumn. He stressed the urgency of resolving Lebanon's banking crisis, restoring depositor confidence, and transitioning from a cash-based economy. Jaber also outlined upcoming reforms in public sector auditing, customs, tax systems, and state digitalization, highlighting that funding for several initiatives has already been secured from the EU and World Bank. Responding to rumors about Lebanon's reluctance to cooperate, Jaber dismissed them, saying a formal IMF statement would clarify matters. 'We have the diagnosis and prescription—we now need to follow through,' he said.
Nahar Net
3 days ago
- Nahar Net
US and Europe trade negotiators discuss tariffs in Paris
by Naharnet Newsdesk 04 June 2025, 13:50 Europe and the United States are meeting in Paris to negotiate a settlement of a tense tariff spat with global economic ramifications between two global economic powerhouses. The European Union's top trade negotiator, Maroš Šefčovič, met Wednesday with his American counterpart, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, on the sidelines of a meeting of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. "We're advancing in the right direction at pace — and staying in close contact to maintain the momentum," Šefčovič posted on social media platform X alongside a photo of him shaking hands with Greer. Brussels and Washington are unlikely to reach a substantive trade agreement in Paris. The issues dividing them are too difficult to resolve quickly. President Donald Trump regularly fumes about America's persistent trade deficit with the European Union, which was a record $161 billion last year, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. Trump blames the gap between what the U.S. sells and what it buys from Europe on unfair trade practices and often singles out for criticism the EU's 10% tax on imported cars. America's was 2.5% until Trump raised it to 25% in April. The EU has argued its purchases of U.S. services, especially in the technology sector, all but overcome the deficit. After the Trump administration's surprise tariffs last week on steel rattled global markets and complicated the ongoing, wider tariff negotiations between Brussels and Washington, the EU on Monday said it is preparing "countermeasures" against the U.S. The EU has offered the U.S. a "zero for zero" deal in which both sides end tariffs on industrial goods, including autos. Trump has rejected that idea, but EU officials say it's still on the table. The EU could buy more liquefied natural gas and defense items from the U.S., and lower duties on cars, but it isn't likely to budge on calls to scrap the value added tax, which is akin to a sales tax, or open up the EU to American beef. "We still have a few weeks to have this discussion and negotiation," French trade minister Laurent Saint-Martin said in Paris on Wednesday ahead of the OECD meeting. "If the discussion and negotiation do not succeed, Europe is capable of having countermeasures on American products and services as well." Greta Peisch, who was general counsel for the U.S. trade representative in the Biden administration, said the zero-for-zero proposal could provide a way to make progress if the Trump administration "is looking for a reason not to impose tariffs on the EU.'' But Peisch, now a partner at the Wiley Rein law firm, wondered: "How motivated is the U.S. to come to a deal with the EU?'' Trump, after all, has longstanding grievances complaints about EU trade practices. One target of his ire is the value-added tax, similar to U.S. state sales taxes. Trump and his advisers consider VATs unfair protectionism because they are levied on U.S. products. But VATs are set at a national level, not by the EU, and apply to domestic and imported products alike, so they have not traditionally been considered a trade barrier. There is little chance governments will overhaul their tax systems to appease Trump. Likewise, the Europeans are likely to balk at U.S. demands to scrap food and safety regulations that Washington views as trade barriers. These include bans on hormone-raised beef, chlorinated chicken and genetically modified foods. "When you start talking about chickens or GMOs or automobile safety standards, you're talking about the ways countries choose to regulate their economies," Reinsch said. "We think that's protectionist. They think it's keeping their citizens healthy ... It's been a sore point for 60 years.''
LBCI
3 days ago
- LBCI
EU gives Bulgaria green light to adopt euro in 2026
The EU gave the green light on Wednesday for Bulgaria to adopt the euro from January 1, 2026, meaning it will become the 21st member of the single currency area. The European Commission said that Bulgaria had fulfilled the strict criteria "intended to ensure that a country is ready to adopt the euro and that its economy is sufficiently prepared to do so". AFP
