The Global Network for Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECPnet), supported by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), brings together leading providers of RECP services on the global and regional level to catalyze the effective and widespread application of RECP in developing andtransition economies.RECPnet facilitates South-South collaboration, including the transfer of RECP-relevant knowledge, experiences and technologies. It’s over 70 members also help raise awareness; make the business and technical cases for action; develop, test, document and replicate tools and methodologies; and improve enabling conditions for RECP finance, technology and policy.

To reach their objective of promoting RECP among industries and business, the network members engage in: • Raising awareness of RECP benefits and advantages - In countries where there is little awareness of RECP, awareness-raising is a primary activity for an RECPnet member. • Demonstrating the environmental, financial and social benefits of RECP - Through in-plant assessments and demonstration projects, RECPnet members show that RECP is applicable and viable in any industrial sector, and can not only benefit the natural and social environments, but also bring profit to the industry. • Helping obtaining financing for RECP - Members also support the promotion of RECP investment projects to facilitate the transfer of Environmental Sound Technologies to industries – particularly SMEs – in developing countries. This activity is closely linked to the in-plant assessments which also enable RECPnet member to help industries identify and formulate RECP investment projects. • Providing policy advice to national and local governments - Governments play an important role in providing the overall policy and economic framework for a country's development. The network members therefore help governments to identify and develop the policy tools and economic instruments suitable to their country's context which would encourage industries to favour RECP over end-of-pipe treatment. • Disseminating technical information - One of the key advantages of being part of an established international network, is the effective global exchange of the latest RECP information. The exchange of information and know-how in RECPnet is supported through a dedicated online Knowledge Management System (KMS). To support the network members’ objectives, RECPnet builds and implements its activities around three key work areas:• Foster professional and institutional excellence of member organisations to provide effective and efficient RECP services with measurable impacts through trainings and individual projects• Create business opportunities for the members through networking, information dissemination and policy advocacy• Strengthen and promote the RECPnet brand and advocate RECP to the wider stakeholder community through communication and dissemination activities.

Members of RECPnet enjoy privileged access to an array of training and capacity building courses offered by the network’s Patron Agencies, UNIDO and UNEP. Capacity building activities are carried out on a continuous basis to upgrade the skills – either collectively, or individually – of RECPnet members in order to improve their service delivery. Training courses offered therefore not only focus on RECP tools and methods, but also target management and business skills. In addition to these courses, other relevant training opportunities are continuously advertised to members by the network’s Secretariat.RECPnet is also a peer-learning network which facilitates and accelerates the exchange of knowledge, experiences and know-how amongst its members. Use of RECPnet’s Knowledge Management System (KMS) constitutes one form in which member’s skills set is expanded and capacities built. The KMS is comprised of an e-library and web-based communication services, offering a comprehensive and global collection of RECP toolkits, training documents, manuals, guidelines, case studies, factsheets, success stories, events, indicators and benchmarks, research papers, expert profiles, and training courses. Each member of RECPnet is provided with access to the KMS and may invite nominated individual experts to contribute to the KMS.In terms of technology transfer, RECPnet members develop, trial and promote environmentally sound technologies and sustainable product development in manufacturing industries. Demonstration projects are carried out by RECPnet members all around the world – but particularly in the global South - allowing for technology and knowledge to be rapidly and easily transferred for a quicker scaling of RECP solutions in developing and transition countries. RECPnet’s facilitation of South-South cooperation has enabled a rapid proliferation of low- or no-cost solutions amongst participating service providers and industry, and also encouraged the transfer of ‘Southern’ know-how and technology to partners in the global South.

RECPnet consists of an Executive Committee, Regional Chapters, a Members’ Assembly and is supported by a Secretariat.The Executive Committee — which consists of five Regional Executives, each representing one Regional Chapter — guides and administers the network under the authority of the Members’ Assembly, in line with RECPnet Charter and in conformity with the mandates and procedures of the network’s Patron Agencies, namely the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).The network’s Regional Chapters represent each of the five regions served. Regional Chapters facilitate networking and knowledge-sharing, both of which start at the local level.The Members’ Assembly is the highest decision making body of RECPnet and determines organizational aspects and the strategic direction of the network. While the Members’ Assembly consists of all members of RECPnet, only Regular Members and Associate members have the ability to vote. The RECPnet Secretariat supports the day-to-day operations of the network and facilitates the work of the Members’ Assembly and Executive Committee. At present, the Secretariat function is fulfilled by UNIDO and UNEP.

United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), 74 members of RECPnet (see http://www.recpnet.org/members/)