Cambodia’s Green Leap: 55 Factories Save US$10m & Reduced 40k tco2-eq  Annually through UNIDO’s TEST Project

• 22 December 2023
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In a resounding success for Cambodia’s industrial sector, 55 factories, and enterprises have achieved substantial savings of approximately US$10 million annually while curbing emissions by a noteworthy 40,000 tons of greenhouse gases per year. This achievement comes as the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) concludes its transformative TEST project, celebrated at a closing ceremony presided over by HE Hem Vandy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation on 19 December 2023.

The TEST project, also known as the “Low Carbon” initiative, spanned five years from 2018 to 2023, focusing on augmenting productivity and combating climate change by imparting eco-friendly technologies. Financially supported by the Global Environment Facility Foundation, the project has been instrumental in fostering a greener manufacturing landscape in Cambodia.

Addressing the significance of the TEST project, Minister Hem Vandy emphasized its far-reaching impact on Cambodia’s manufacturing sector, stating that, “The TEST project has empowered the private sector, factories, enterprises, and handicrafts in the Kingdom of Cambodia, strengthening resource and energy efficiency, environmental management, enhancing productivity and quality. Acting as a catalyst, it contributes to reducing waste and environmental impact, cutting costs, expanding opportunities, increasing profits, and enhancing competitiveness for domestic, regional, and international markets. All these factors culminate in better economic and environmental efficiency for factories, enterprises, and handicrafts.”

UNIDO Country Director for Cambodia, Mr Sok Narin, highlighted the tangible outcomes of the project saying, “During the project’s implementation, 55 factories and enterprises have embraced clean technology, leading to a reduction in water and raw material consumption. These measures, coupled with waste reduction, have resulted in an annual saving of about $10 million and a commendable reduction of 40,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with national environmental goals.”

Beyond the environmental benefits, Mr Narin emphasized the positive impact on the 130,000 workers employed in the 55 participating factories. The project not only enhanced environmental sustainability but also bolstered competition and buyer attraction through the adoption of sustainable practices.

• Energy and Environment