green electronics

[martin charter <101336.3560@compuserve.com>]

EXCUSE CROSS POSTINGS

17 June 2003

Business Association Warns of Impact of Environmental Legislation on South
East’s Economy

Experts from a regional business forum based at The Surrey Institute of Art
& Design University College are warning of the potentially 
significant impact of new environmental legislation on the South East’s
economy. seeba (South East Environmental Business Association) 
believes that the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and RoHS
(Restriction of Hazardous Substances) Directives represent 
a major challenge for the region’s electronics and automotive sectors.  

Professor Martin Charter, Director of seeba’s parent organisation, The
Centre for Sustainable Design, explains:  “There is low awareness 
and often misunderstanding over the forthcoming WEEE and RoHS Directives
amongst SME manufacturers and assemblers.  Larger 
companies often face a different set of challenges related to moving
knowledge and experience of pilot projects from corporate headquarters 
to business units.  The implications of the laws mean that companies will
need to integrate eco-design considerations into their business 
systems - for example into procurement and supply chain management.  Good
information and learning from others is key to success.  
seeba provides training, information and practical advice on 'producer
responsibility' issues for electronics companies in the South East.” 

To assist businesses in managing the changes introduced through the WEEE
and RoHS Directives, seeba is to hold its third annual 
one-day conference at Waverley Abbey House in Farnham, Surrey, on the 3
July 2003.  The conference, ‘Eco-Integration 03’, is supported by 
the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), which recognises that
being able to successfully adapt to new environmental 
legislation is of strategic importance to the economic health of the
region.

‘Eco-Integration 03’ will bring together representatives from major
companies who are acknowledged leaders in the application of 
eco-design. Those attending will be able to learn how these firms are
tackling the complex issues involved and will find out how they can 
make successful changes within their own organisations. 

Topics to be covered by ‘Eco-Integration 03’ include environmental
legislation and eco-design, and the integration of these into supply 
chain management and other business systems.  Speakers from Motorola
(Germany), Sony Computer Entertainment (UK), Philips 
Consumer Electronics (Netherlands), Nokia (UK) and Cambridge University
(UK) will each provide real-world experience and examples of corporate best
practice.  In addition, the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition will bring an
environmental NGO perspective on the global electronics sector.

Further information on the day can be found at www.cfsd.org.uk/seeba. 

Delegate places, which cost £200, can be reserved by contacting seeba on
01252 892772. 

‘Eco-Integration 03’ and seeba have received generous support from the
South East England Development Agency (SEEDA). 


Ends

Press only - for further information please contact Sara Laver on +44
(0)1252 892733

Notes to the Editor:

The Centre for Sustainable Design, established in 1995, has an
international reputation for its sustainability initiatives, which focus
on training, consultancy and research.  It maintains worldwide links with
major corporations as well as with eco-design pioneers.  Through its
environmental business association, seeba, it is networked with companies
throughout South East England.

The Surrey Institute of Art & Design University College is one of Europe’s
largest specialist colleges of art, design, media and 
communication, and has over 3,000 students studying on more that 30
programmes. A thriving and vibrant community of researchers, staff 
and students, the Institute is home to the Crafts Study Centre, Animation
Research Centre, Centre for Sustainable Design and Anglo-Japanese Textiles
Research Centre. Alumni of the Institute include fashion designers Owen
Gaster and Gharani Strok; and
Oscar-winning animators Daniel Greaves and Michael Dudok de Wit.

The South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) is one of the nine
English Regional Development Agencies and became fully 
operational in April 1999.  Its mission is to work with its partners to
make the South East of England a world class region, achieving 
sustainable development and enhanced quality of life, as measured by
economic prosperity, environmental quality and social inclusion  
ensuring opportunities and meaningful employment for all.  SEEDA’s five
statutory objectives under the Regional Development Agencies Act 1998 are: 

* to further economic development and regeneration;
* to promote business efficiency, investment and competitiveness;
* to promote employment;
* to enhance the development and application of skills; 
* to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development in the United
Kingdom.

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