How to implement LCA in urban environments? Can the LCA network improve the promotion of eco innovation? How to perform continuing LCA education of consumers? Can eco design help SMEs?

These were just some on the topics of SETAC Europe LCA Case Study symposium in Novi Sad (Nov 24-26, 2014), one of the most important international science events related to life-cycle assessment (LCA). Furthermore, this 20^th jubilee symposium, focused on LCA in Promotion of Eco Innovation and Sustainable Development: Education, Research and Application.

Our team, a member of the Danube Pie project, including Total Idea and Ecodesign agencies with their consulting role and role of associate expert in eco design, was invited to participate in the Ecodesign for SME manufacturers – from resource efficient design to product innovation workshop.

The German Steinbeis Europa Zentrum institute acted as the workshop moderator, while the lecturers came from DG Enterprise&Industry, Verband Deutscher Industrie Designer (VDID), University of Novi Sad, Enterprise Europe Network Novi Sad, and our team.

The workshop included topics such as eco design application in cost reduction, via efficient use of materials and energy, environmental protection, market expansion and competitiveness of SMEs.

Moreover, a special emphasis was given to competitiveness of SMEs in EU policy, and application of eco design in industry. The Specific Action To promote eco-design by SME manufacturers, supported by CIP (Competitiveness and Innovation Programme), funded by the European Commission includes 5 consortiums in 18 countries. Serbia is represented by the University of Novi Sad and Total Idea and Ecodesign agencies, as external experts. The Specific Action in eco design was budgeted at EUR 5 mln.

We presented key messages and eco tools from the Danube PIE project, but also success stories from our entrepreneurs. The participants heard about project results and experiences of SMEs who went through our training, with a special focus on products analyzed by the ECODESIGN+, eco tool, resulting in carbon footprint reduction by means of eco design implementation in everyday business activities.

The SETAC symposium in Novi Sad is a major leap for Serbia in terms of LCA and its application in our country, and also in environmental protection via eco design.

See the photo gallery from the event via the following link.

We are glad to be a part of this story and that our symbolic contribution helps in creating a better and healthier world!