How can substitution of toxic How can substitution of toxic chemicals stimulate chemicals stimulate

sustainable economic growth?sustainable economic growth?

Erik Noaksson, PhDJegrelius Research Centre

Jämtland County CouncilSE-83140 Östersund, Sweden

063-16 81 86 (office)070-278 22 44 (cellular)

E-mail: erik.noaksson@jegrelius.se

Outline of interventionOutline of intervention- What’s going on in EU?

- What’s unique with the region of Jämtland?

- Can substitution of toxic chemicals stimulate sustainable economic growth?

- How can Green procurement stimulate Green innovations and product development?

What’s going on in EU?What’s going on in EU?

““The EU should become the most The EU should become the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world, capable based economy in the world, capable of sustainable economic growth with of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social more and better jobs and greater social inclusion.”inclusion.”

- Strategic goal of the Lisbon and Gothenburg Councils -

One possible way is…………..

Green innovations with a Green innovations with a focus on substitution of toxic focus on substitution of toxic chemicals!chemicals!

…………which could be a strong driving force for sustainable economic growth!

What’s going on in EU?What’s going on in EU?

- REACH (New chemicals legislation)- Green (public) procurement (GP/GPP)- The environmental technologies action plan

(ETAP)

…..would it be possible to link these three focus areas to enhance sustainable economic growth in a regional perspective…………?

What’s unique with the region What’s unique with the region of Jämtland?of Jämtland?

- Eco belt of Scandinavia - introduction of environmental management systems (EMS) in the region

- Green procurement in the public sector as a tool for continues improvement of EMS

- The Jegrelius library…….with a focus on toxic chemicals and how these can be substituted owned by the Jämtland County Council!

Can substitution of toxic chemicals Can substitution of toxic chemicals stimulate economic growth?stimulate economic growth?

- Gunnar Jegrelius was an environmental chemist and entrepreneur, focused on development of sustainable detergents (1950-1981)

- Visionary thoughts about a future ecological sustainable society

- Created a unique library focused on substitution of hazardous chemicals and substances!

What makes the library unique?What makes the library unique?- 5 million documents- Late 17th century- Toxicology, plant

chemistry and traditional wisdom

- Substances, products and processes

- A unique source of inspiration for green innovations and product development!

Jegrelius Research Centre Jegrelius Research Centre conducts R&D that contribute to:conducts R&D that contribute to:

- Sustainable utilisation of renewable resources (not petroleum based)

- Substitution of chemicals that are hazardous to human health and the environment

- Improved public health through better chemical management

- Economical and sustainable industrial and business development

Jegrelius focus in two areas:Jegrelius focus in two areas:

- Green innovations and product developmentin which quality, eco-efficiency, public health, and experience are combined to give the greatest possible benefits to the client

- Green procurementthat provides good function to the end-user and reduces the use of chemicals that are hazardous to human health and the environment, which at the same time stimulates the development of environmental friendly products and innovations

Green innovations and Green innovations and product developmentproduct development

- Organic food- Green chemistry (bio-pesticides)- New products from the forest

Based on knowledge from the library, Jegrelius is now actively working together with innovators, entrepreneurs and private companies to develop new environmentally friendly products!

Green (public) procurementGreen (public) procurementEnormous potential in public procurement - in Sweden the public sector turn over 45 billion Euros per year!

Greener procurement gives environmental and health profits through decreased usage of toxic products and systems

…AND…

… it could also stimulate the engagement of all suppliers and contractors in their development of less toxic and better substitutes!

Health- & environmental risk Health- & environmental risk assessment of products and systemsassessment of products and systems

Jämtland as a test-bed for Jämtland as a test-bed for procurement of new procurement of new

environmental technologies!environmental technologies!Market penetration

Environmental performance

Wanted

Initial

Moore New

Less