Introduction
Project's description：Construction of a training and information centre based at the Municipality's local refuse dump. To spread knowledge and to create initiatives among users of water and sewer systems, waste disposal companies, schools, members of the public, company owners and regional education/training institutions. In the centre applied environmental technology is demonstrated by using a small scale process generator. Knowledge and insights regarding the relation between sustainable development and the major energy, water, waste processing and transport systems of the community is disseminated. The project has established conditions for companies oriented towards environmental engineering to become a new industry in the municipality by providing basic physical conditions for newly started companies in environmental technology. Within the project methods for using purified water as process water in industry has been developed. Today the Eco park is participating in Swedish networks, is visited by schools, day care centres, politicians (both on national and local level), companies and also runs courses in sustainable development for teachers.
Reason to Be Selected
Objectives and target groups：The objective is to create a centre for applied environmental technology within water cleaning, recycling, energy saving and transport as well as a meeting place for environmental issues at local and regional level. The objective is alsoto participate in national networks based on advanced knowledge.The target groups are all citizens and enterprises in the municipality, but also regional actors.
Highlights:
Public:·Strömstad Municipality, responsible organization, financial contributor, producer
·County council of Bohuslän, regional authority, financial contributor
·Region of Västra Götaland, regional authority, financial contributor
·EU Agricultural Fund Objectve 5 B, European authority, financial contributor
Details
Project's piloting structure：Project leader employed by the municipality.The local council
Innovation：Turning a traditional refuse dump into a living, attractive and developing environmental park with possibilities to organise training and scientific research.Encouraging the establishment of new companies oriented towards environmental engineering as a new industry sector in the municipality by providing basic physical conditions for their start-up period.Assisting existing enterprises in developing environmental technology in their present production.
Results realised and expected
Construction of the ECO PARK training and information centre in an attractive place overlooking the wetlands and a lake, using contemporary sustainable materials and an architecturally pleasant building design.Creation of a laboratory for experiments, combined with a library and small scale technical process machinery.Participation in networks with other environmental centres.Increasing the interest and knowledge of waste recovery and material recycling.Another visitors' attraction with meeting facilities.One full-time staff with possibilities of new recruitment.
