Base de données des projets PDR

ClimECC (Eco Expert Cluster)

Summary

Business development support for a cluster of rural enterprises providing environmental services

Photo:

Background

Consultations about the Redange and Wiltz LAG’s Local Development Strategy identified interest for ecological approaches to the development of the LAG territory. The LAG knew that a reasonable number of businesses with green skills were already based there. They therefore had a good bottom-up basis to use Leader funds for bringing these companies together in a cluster

Objective

The project aims to roll-out sustainable development approaches to tackling climate impacts and also boost the competitiveness of the cluster members. ClimECC’s strategy involves encouraging both demand for, and supply of, ecological technologies in rural Luxembourg.

Main activities

The project employs a part-time cluster manager. It has a budget for promoting the cluster at events. In addition, the project helps companies from the LAG area identify their environmental training needs in order to provide a broader and better range of eco-friendly services in the LAG area.

Results & Benefits

Around 20 different businesses are already in the cluster. These cover a wide range of green skills. Members include construction firms, architects, engineers and agricultural enterprises that specialise in technologies like renewable energies or low impact waste management. Other types of members include a biogas plant and a school, which provide useful additional dimensions to cluster activities.A ClimECC ‘energy fair’ promoted green services to local customers in the LAG area.

Lessons learnt

EAFRD’s ability to help employ a cluster coordinator can provide an added-value. This allows participating companies to concentrate on adapting their operations to support the cluster’s strategy. “The reason why the cluster’s companies stay involved is because they can see a clear business advantage for them. They see that they can gain market share and exchange useful experiences for their own business.”