Cleaner Production

Cleaner Production (CP)
Definition
Cleaner production is defined as the continuous application of a preventive environmental
strategy integrated with processes, products and services to increase overall efficiency
and reduce risks for human beings and the environment. Cleaner production addresses
the saving of raw materials and energy, the elimination of toxic raw materials and the
reduction in quantities and toxicity of waste and emissions, in production processes.
When it comes to development and design of the product, cleaner production addresses
the reduction of negative impacts throughout the life cycle of the product: from the
extraction of the raw material to the disposal of the final product. In term of services,
cleaner production addresses the incorporation of environmental considerations in the
design and delivery of services. In general Cleaner Production is the continuous
application of a preventive strategy and methodology.
Origin
The term Cleaner Production (CP) was launched in 1989 by UNEP and the immediate task
was to create awareness of the concept. In 1999, more than a decade later, the concept of
CP is more viable than ever and has broadened to include products and services in
addition to processes. This means that the diverse actors in the CP field have come to
require different kinds of assistance, and that the ways of promoting CP have evolved as
well. Implementing CP has gone beyond the initial awareness raising activities. [1]
Cleaner Production Project Elements
 Development of the diagnosis or initial audit.

 Carrying out the necessary measurements and determinations of the variables of
interest.
 Identification and evaluation of the appropriate solution alternatives.
 Feasibility analysis of the proposed proposals.
 Elaboration and application of the general plan of cleaner production.
 Feedback of results and decision making for continuous improvement.
Methodology
1. Planning and organization
 Obtaining the commitment of senior management.

 Organization of the cleanest production team or eco-team.
 Establishment of the objectives and indicators of cleaner production.
 Identification of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for cleaner
production
2. Initial diagnosis or audit
 Definition of the diagnostic approach, considering technical, economic and

environmental aspects.
 Determination of inputs and outputs of materials and energy, in processes.
 Elaboration of process flow diagrams
3. Evaluation of the information raised
 Realization of material and energy balances.

 Identification and evaluation of the causes of excessive consumption and
generation of waste and waste.
 Proposal of alternatives (options) for cleaner production.
 Preliminary determination of viable alternatives for cleaner production
4. Preparation of feasibility studies
 Qualitative preliminary evaluation.

 Technical evaluation.
 Economic evaluation.
 Environmental evaluation.
 Selection of the cleanest production alternatives to be implemented.
5. Implementation of cleaner production. The overall cleaner production plan
 Preparation of the general cleaner production plan.

 Execution of the general plan for cleaner production.
 Monitoring the progress of cleaner production in the company.
 Standardization and maintenance of cleaner production.
6. Monitoring, feedback and continuous improvement
 Implementation of a corporate environmental management system or an

integrated quality, environmental and safety management system, and
incorporation of cleaner production management into it.
 Performing audits of the environmental management system or integrated system.
 Consolidation of the concept of cleaner production in the organizational culture.
 Assurance of feedback and continuous improvement. [2]
Bibliography
[1] UNEP. (s.f.) Industry and Environment. Cleaner Production
[2] Hans D. (2007). Cleaner production and innovation theory. Social experiments as a new model
to engage in cleaner production

Cleaner Production

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Cleaner Production (CP)

Cleaner Production Project Elements

 Development of the diagnosis or initial audit.

1. Planning and organization

 Obtaining the commitment of senior management.

2. Initial diagnosis or audit

 Definition of the diagnostic approach, considering technical, economic and

3. Evaluation of the information raised

 Realization of material and energy balances.

4. Preparation of feasibility studies

 Qualitative preliminary evaluation.

5. Implementation of cleaner production. The overall cleaner production plan

 Preparation of the general cleaner production plan.

6. Monitoring, feedback and continuous improvement

 Implementation of a corporate environmental management system or an

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