Beirut: The European Union, in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), has successfully concluded its training program under the EU-funded 2Circular Project. This initiative, valued at £3.7 million, supports Lebanon's transition to a green and circular economy. The project was implemented in partnership with Lebanon's Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Economy and Trade, and Ministry of Finance, alongside the Association of Lebanese Industrialists and the Federation of the Chambers of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture in Lebanon. It focuses on enhancing resource efficiency and promoting circular business models in Lebanon's private sector, particularly within the food and beverage industry.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the European Union and UNIDO hosted a Certificate Award Ceremony on February 20, 2025, at the American University of Beirut (AUB), Charles Hostler Auditorium, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. The event celebrated 27 service providers who completed an intensive training program on the Transfer of Environmentally Sound Technologies (TEST) methodology. This comprehensive approach aids businesses in identifying and implementing resource-efficient measures that enhance operational efficiency and sustainability.
The 2Circular Project is a crucial component of the Lebanon Reform, Recovery, and Reconstruction Framework (3RF), building on the success of the EU-funded SwitchMed program and UNIDO's TEST methodology. The project aims to upscale resource efficiency in 30-40 food and beverage companies through TEST-based solutions, develop circular business models, facilitate access to finance for SMEs, and support Lebanon's industrial green transition.
The TEST methodology assists businesses in integrating environmentally sound technologies to prevent pollution, optimize resource use, and reduce operational costs. Through the six-month EU-funded training program, led by international and national UNIDO TEST trainers in partnership with AUB and Lebanese University, 27 service providers gained hands-on experience in 14 beneficiary companies. Their work identified 89 resource efficiency measures with significant savings potential, including annual savings of 84,729 m³ of water, 9,111 MWh of primary energy, and 1,502 tonnes of materials. Furthermore, they contributed to reducing 3,687 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions per year, achieving £1.655 million in annual production cost savings and £2.73 million in leveraged investments with an average payback period of just 1.7 years.
Voices from various collaborators echoed the significance of this achievement, emphasizing the importance of upscaling resource efficiency training and the positive impact on Lebanon's industrial sector. The ceremony marks a milestone in Lebanon's journey towards sustainable industrial development, reaffirming the country's commitment to adopting circular business models and sustainability-driven practices for long-term growth.
UNIDO, alongside key stakeholders, remains committed to advancing Lebanon's green transition and fostering a competitive, resource-efficient industrial sector. The organization encourages Lebanese industries, policymakers, and development partners to engage with the newly trained service providers and sustain their continued development. In the coming months, UNIDO will collaborate with 16 additional food and beverage companies seeking to enhance resource efficiency, ensuring quality implementation and continuous learning.