The benefits of sharing our solutions to global issues cannot be overstated, and the pooling of our collective wisdom strengthens us all. - Merni Fitzgerald, former Chair of the NorthernVirginia Regional Commission and participant in an exchange with Stuttgart, Germany Sample Resources from the Gateway The online library gathers together the major international Web sites concerning environmental best practices. The following are a few examples of the resources found in the Gateway: International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) Information Clearinghouse An international association of local governments that implement sustainable development in their regions. The site provides policy guidance, training and technical assistance, a database of case studies and consultancy services. Canada's Water Efficiency Experiences Database A searchable database developed by the Canadian Water and Wastewater Association and Environment Canada that contains over 170 conservation projects from across Canada. European Union LIFE Database A searchable database of the over 2,000 innovative pilot projects funded by the EU financial instrument for the environment since 1992; includes case studies, reports, and research. United Nations Best Practices Database A searchable database with over 1600 practices from 140 coun- tries demonstrating practical ways in which diverse sectors work together to improve governance; eradicate poverty; provide housing, land and basic services; protect the environment; and support economic development. The car-share program allows participants to drive company- owned cars whenever they wish at a low cost. With 4,000 mem- bers, Berlin hosts one of Germany's most popular car-sharing programs. Users call to reserve, then walk to one of 40 stations around town to retrieve the car. (Courtesy of Mark Gibb/NVRC) ^^^^^^^^ I^^^^^^H We hope these resources prove useful to you, and we are continually expanding the range of topics and resources provided on the site. Please assist us in this endeavor and contact us if you have questions, comments, concerns, or innovations and experiences to share. CONTACT Brian Swett Office of Environmental Policy Innovation (1807T) National Center for Environmental Innovation 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20460 (202) 566-2202 swett.brian@epa.gov www.epa.gov/innovation/international •O Printed on paper that contains at least 50 percent post-consumer fiber. EPA-100-F-04-015 August 2004 Gateway to... INTERNATIONAL INNOVATIONS Global Online Library of Environmental Best Practices NCEI ' NATIONAL CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL INNOVATION WWW.EPA.GOV/INNOVATION/INTERNATIONAL ------- Gate way to... NTERNATIONAL Environmental NNOVATIONS Purpose The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Center for Environmental Innovation (NCEI) promotes new ways to achieve better environmental results. A critical component of the innovation process involves researching the lessons learned of previous innovators. Through the online Gateway to International Environmental Innovations, NCEI introduces the first global library of its kind, featuring programs, guidelines, databases, case studies, publications, and institutional and government Web sites. The Gateway gathers international best practices both in traditional environmental issue areas, such as water and air, as well as in cross- cutting approaches, such as environmental management systems and smart growth. Furthermore, the site highlights research and exchange opportunities that allow professionals to study these initiatives first hand. We hope the Gateway proves inspirational and useful for government bodies, businesses, and nongovernmental organizations alike as they seek out their own innovative solutions to challenging environmental problems. Design Redevelopment trans- formed this old indus- trial site into a public recreation facility in Zollverein, Germany. The Gateway provides links to the following resources: Key Resources for International Learning These are ten to fifteen major international online resources on environmental innovation, from journals and databases to institutional and intergovernmental Web sites. Innovation in Environmental Issue Areas The United States and many other countries have traditionally addressed environmental issues by topic area. Information on international innovations specific to each thematic area is grouped accordingly: • Air and Climate Change • Chemicals and Toxic Substances • Waste • Water Innovative Multi-Media Approaches Many environmental challenges span multiple fields and must be addressed through cross-cutting approaches, such as: • Environmental Management Systems • Industrial Ecology, Eco-Efficiency and Cleaner Production • Sustainable Transportation and Mobility Management • Urban Management, Sustainable Development and Smart Growth Ponds and fountains gather stormwater in the district of Marne de Vallee, just outside of Paris, France. International Partnership Experiences NCEI gathered reports from states, regions and local governments that, in their desire to solve environmental challenges, had sought out innovation through international exchange. This page is a compilation of their experiences, and the methodology, lessons learned and intiatives taken as aresult of the exchange. Opportunities for Individual and Group Exchanges This section lists fellowship and funding opportunities for short- and long-term research abroad for professionals and students. International Program Evaluation This page provides links to program evaluation organizations and resources from around the world that assist innovators in asessing pilots and programs. Cover Photos Top left: storm water collection field for an apartment and park- ing lot complex, Augustenborg, Denmark; Top right: bike lanes separated from main traffic, Copenhagen, Denmark; Bottom left: green roof on a gas station, Eckenforde, Germany; Bottom right: an artistic storm water collection drainage pool, Emscher, Germany. ------- |