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)
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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
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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.
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