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Radisson SAS Hotel Holds Car Free Day in Kyiv
(09/29/09)
On September 22 the Radisson SAS Hotel in Kyiv joined the world community to participate in Car Free Day. All employees were asked to forgo the use of personal vehicles for one day and use public transport, walk to the office or ride a bicycle instead. To raise awareness for the day, the Radisson SAS Hotel organized a bike procession departing from the Arc of People's Friendship through Khreschatyk, Mykhailivksa and Volodymyrska Streets in the direction of the hotel. By means of this action hotel employees want to draw attention to people throughout the world to the negative environmental effects of automobiles and encourage citizens to engage in the use of more environment friendly transportation. The participation of Radisson SAS in Car Free Day is part of its Responsible Business Program and ongoing environmental initiatives of the company to reduce the negative impact on nature. In the past year hotel employees participated in Earth Hour, cleaning city parks and planted trees as a commitment of support for environmental responsibility. Please click here to learn more.
Global Compact Backs Ukrainian Climate Week
(09/22/09)
Global Compact in Ukraine announces the main events of Climate Week which will be held in Ukraine from September 18-26. On September 24th organizers will present the brochure "Green Office: Taking Care of the Environment, Bringing Profit to your Company," which highlights results of the survey on green practices of Ukrainian companies. The survey was conducted by the GC network with the support of the Insurance Company "Oranta". Zelena Toloka, volunteer event, will take place on Saturday September 26th featuring a new format: Approximately 300 trees will be planted in one of the less green zones of Kyiv (Pozniaky Park). The tree planting initiative will be sponsored by three leading auto-dealers - Nissan, Toyota and Niko. Please click here to learn more.
Forum for Renewable Energy Sources to be Held in Kyiv in October
(09/15/09)
The Ukrainian Forum for Renewable Energy Sources will be held in Kyiv from the 15th-16th of October, 2009. For the first time ever the occasion will use electricity generated exclusively by solar panels. This occasion will be the first use of solar energy in the center of the capital of Ukraine. The forum will bring together key players of Ukraine's renewable energy market including those working in solar energy, wind energy, small hydropower stations, thermal energy, and heat pumps. The event will create an information platform and will encourage development in Ukraine's alternative energy market. In particular, the implementation of tax preferences for producers of renewable energy will be discussed in the light of recently adopted laws on the promotion of alternative fuels and energy. One of the key points of the conference program will be the discussion of mechanisms to attract investment and financing for renewable energy projects. The program discussions will also include financing programs by European banks, as well as the potential of direct investment through venture funds. Please click here to learn more.
Global Compact Backs Ukrainian Climate Week
(09/10/09)
In December, world leaders will gather in Copenhagen to agree on new climate change regulations to reduce emissions and assist countries in adapting to the inevitable effects of climate change. To galvanize political and public support for reaching a comprehensive global climate change agreement in Copenhagen, the United Nations initiated Climate Week, September 21-26, to be marked by synchronized celebrations in more than 100 locations around the world. The Global Compact network is backing Climate Week festivities in Ukraine. Please click here to learn more on how you and your colleagues can join the initiative.
Ukrainian Universities Improve Energy Efficiency
(08/18/09)
On July 28, Pereyaslav-Khmelnytskyi Pedagogical University hosted its first conference on Energy Efficient Universities. Conference organizers sought to improve the energy efficiency of Ukrainian universities by analyzing opportunities to apply energy-saving technology, encourage innovations, set up practical steps to becoming more energy efficient and fund new energy-saving initiatives. Participants discussed the current situation in Ukraine's energy sector, best international practices and opportunities to involve various stakeholders in future projects. The conference was supported by the British Council and the Association of Energy Efficient Cities of Ukraine, with funding from Schneider Electric Ukraine. The conference was held within the Greencubator program, which unites NGOs, local authorities, research centers, universities, corporations and the media to improve energy efficiency in Ukraine. For more information, please click here (in Ukrainian).
Tetra Pak Ukraine, Remondis Zaporizhzhia, Ltd. Improve Waste Management
(08/11/09)
On July 30, the first recycling plant in Eastern Ukraine, built by the Ukrainian-German enterprise Remondis Zaporizhzhia Ltd., opened in Zaporizhzhia. The plant boasts the capacity to recycle up to 110 thsd tons of waste per year. It recycles glass, metal and plastic, as well as Tetra Pak packaging for milk and juice. To improve the effectiveness of this ecological initiative, more than 4 thsd waste receptacles at a cost of UAH 2,700 each were installed in Zaporizhzhia. Remondis Zaporizhzhia, Ltd. and Tetra Pak have also launched a public service campaign on the merits of separate waste collection. And beginning this September, Zaporizhzhia students will learn Lessons of Cleanliness, a program focusing on environmental protection through recycling. Tetra Pak Ukraine has supported initiatives on separate waste collection since 2007. In 2008, the plant processed 1,500 tons of consumer-collected waste and 100% of the waste products from the Tetra Pak factory in Kyiv. For additional information on Tetra Pak's ecological initiatives, please contact Tetra Pak Environment Manager Anna Tarantsova at anna.tarantsova@tetrapak.com.
Nyva Pereyaslavschyny Shares Best Practices in Energy Efficiency
(08/04/09)
Nyva Pereyaslavschyny LLC, a Kyiv oblast-based agro company focused on crops production, is implementing a highly profitable renewable energy project that eliminates natural gas consumption for heating in favor of using straw for fuel, according to the Ukrainian Energy Efficiency Program (UKEEP). The UKEEP, a credit facility developed by the EBRD to help Ukrainian private companies in all sectors invest in energy efficiency or renewable energy projects, is supporting Nyva Pereyaslavschyny's replacement of gas boilers with straw boilers to fully satisfy the heating needs of the company's pig farms. Nyva Pereyaslavschyny recognized that the waste product, straw, from its crop production could be used as fuel. So instead of buying increasingly expensive natural gas, it was able to use the bi-product of its own production to generate heat. The project will strengthen the company's competitive position and also lead to large reductions of the company's CO2 output. An initial investment of USD 900 thsd will lead to an annual savings of at least USD 300 thsd. Not only is the project profitable, but it also makes the company independent of external gas suppliers, securing a sustainable and reliable supply of inexpensive energy. For more information, please click here.
OSCE Sponsors Environmental Educational Project for Ukrainian Children
(07/28/09)
On July 23, the OSCE Project Coordinator in Ukraine handed out multi-media green educational materials, called "Green Packs", to media, schools and environmental groups during a roundtable in Kyiv. The kits seek to increase the country's level of environmental awareness by enhancing secondary-school environmental curriculum in cooperation with the Regional Environmental Centre for Central and Eastern Europe and Ukraine's Education Ministry. The packs address 22 current issues in environmental protection and sustainable development. The program, which has distributed the kits in 14 countries since 2001, will adapt the materials for use in Ukraine. The OSCE Project Coordinator in Ukraine will also sponsor training sessions for educators on teaching children about the environment. For more information, please click here.
(07/22/09)
Azovstal Iron and Steel Works plans to reduce its emission of greenhouse gases by 1.5 mln metric tons by 2012 according to its agreement with the Global Carbon Company, a leading expert on the issue under the Kyoto Protocol. Azovstal's parent company, Metinvest Group, and the Global Carbon Company signed a contract to develop and support a joint implementation plan. The contract provides for assistance in implementing the Kyoto Protocol on energy saving technologies, the reduction of the company's influence on the environment and an increase in energy-efficient equipment. Azovstal is implementing a long-term program on the modernization and reconstruction of its production facilities. For more information, please click here.
UN Global Compact, ORANTA Reveals New Green Initiative
(07/14/09)
The UN Global Compact Network in Ukraine and the insurance company ORANTA announce a new green initiative to promote green offices throughout Ukraine. Initiators will research companies working in Ukraine and publish a brochure featuring the best green office practices. This publication will describe the advantages of green offices and will be a useful toolfor those who want to implement it into their company's everyday activities. Green Office is a current management philosophy especially applicable to companies with offices. It can significantly contribute to reducing negative impact on the environment through resource savingsand reducing waste.The research results will be published on the Green Office website at the National University of "Kyiv-Mohyla Academy" (www.greenoffice.ukma.kiev.ua) in September 2009, and the best cases will be included in the brochure. Please click here to learn more (in Ukrainian).
Yves Rocher Foundation- Institut de France Supports Ecological Initiatives
(07/09/09)
Yves Rocher Foundation - Institut de France is holding an international ecology contest for women called Women of the Earth to award projects developed and implemented by women to improve ecology. Three winners from Ukraine, which is participating in the competition for the first time this year, will be awarded prizes of EUR 5 thsd (approximately USD 7 thsd), EUR 3 thsd (approximately USD 4 thsd) and EUR 2 thsd (approximately USD 3 thsd). The top prize winner in Ukraine will then compete with those of 15 other countries for the international grand prize of EUR 10 thsd (approximately USD 14 thsd). The international award winner will be announced in Paris March 8, 2010 on International Women's Day. More than EUR 1 mln (approximately USD 1.4 mln) was raised to support more 50 projects in different countries. The Yves Rocher Foundation - Institut de France has sponsored the competition annually since 2002. For more information, please click here.
1+1, UNDP Clean Up National Parks
(06/30/09)
On June 6, about 400 people joined the Clean Country initiative to mark World Environment Day by cleaning up the most popular recreational areas in four Ukrainian national parks. Activists, representatives from local authorities and communities, UN officers, TV channel 1+1 newscasters and students collected 10 tons of garbage. The Clean Country initiative seeks to raise public awareness of pollution problems. Volunteers picked up trash at the Golosiyivskiy National Park in Kyiv, the Hutzulschyna National Park in Kosiv in the Ivano-Frankivsk region, the Sviati Gory National Park in Sviatogorsk in the Donetsk region and the Schatskiy National Park in Schatsk in the Volyn region. In addition to the clean-up, 1+1 aired a special series on the environment within its news programs. Workers also erected special signs in the parks reminding visitors to pick up after themselves. For more information, please click here.
Electrolux Launches Water Conservation Website
(06/23/09)
On June 17, Electrolux launched a special website to promote water conservation in honor of the 2009 World Day to Combat Desertification. The website can calculate how much water a family, city or even the EU can save using modern technology and products. For example, by using a water-conserving dishwasher, a Ukrainian family can conserve up to 7.7 thsd liters of water per year. For more information, please click here.
EBRD helps modernize local heating systems in Ivano-Frankivsk
(5/27/2009)
The EBRD is lending EUR 11.7 mln (more than USD 16.2 mln) to the western Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk to improve the quality of the heating and hot water systems for this community of 200 thsd people. The loan to the city's municipal utility company, Ivano-Frankivsk Teplokomunenergo, will finance the utility's program to cut energy losses by reducing the consumption of gas and electricity. The modernization of the heating system will include the replacement of old boilers, the installation of biomass-fueled boilers and the introduction of gas-fueled co-generation units. The program also seeks to promote the new tariff system recently introduced in the city. The project underscores the EBRD's continued commitment to support the municipal and environmental infrastructure sectors of Ukraine, in which the bank has invested nearly EUR 150 mln (USD 208.3 mln) to date in the water system, district heating and inter-municipal transportation. Please click here for more information.
Siemens Ukraine Supports Ecology. Human. Society Conference
(5/19/2009)
On May 14, the 12th annual conference on Ecology. Human. Society opened at the National Technical University of Ukraine Kyiv Polytechnic Institute. The conference will cover ecological, technological, administrative, socio-economic and legal aspects of nature conservation and environmental safety, as well as biological aspects of environmental protection and the conservative use of natural resources. Siemens experts present products and solutions from the company's environmental portfolio each year at the conference. Please click here for more information (in Ukrainian).
GlaxoSmithKline held Orange Day for a Green Planet in Ukraine
(5/14/2009)
GlaxoSmithKline held Orange Day for a Green Planet in Ukraine, devoted to International Earth Day (April 22). More than 220 GlaxoSmithKline employees together with employees of Leo Burnett Ukraine and Edipresse Ukraine volunteered to make Ukrainian cities greener. They planted trees at parks, hospitals and orphanages as well as painted benches, trash-bins and cleaned the area grounds. The GlaxoSmithKline Orange Day was held in 8 Ukrainian cities: Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhya, Kyiv, Lviv, Lyubotyn, Odesa, Svyatogorsk and Yalta. For more information please contact Anna Dubich, Internal Communications Executive, GlaxoSmithKline at anna.i.dubich@gsk.com.
British American Tobacco Holds 3rd Annual Ecological Initiative
(4/29/2009)
On April 11, British American Tobacco held its Third Annual Ecological Initiative, EcoKrok, in Ichnyansky National Natural Park in Chernihiv oblast to clean the park and plant trees. Within three years, the company has planted about 71 thsd pine tree seeds and about 3 thsd birch seeds. Within this initiative, the company also constructed resting places for park visitors, in addition to providing equipment and information materials for their environmental education center at the park. EcoKrok is one of a number of cooperation projects between BAT and Ichnyansky National Natural Park. Please click here for more information.
Go Green! Invites You to "Zelena Toloka" Clean-up Event
(4/22/2009)
Go Green! campaign invites you to the "Zelena Toloka" event where Global Compact members, their families and friends will clean a green space in Kyiv. "Zelena Toloka" will take place on April 25 (Saturday) at Trukhaniv Island. This year's participants will clean up the area from Moskoskiy to Zaliznychny bridges and hope to break last year's record - 5 tons of garbage collected! Famous Ukrainian singer and enthusiast, Oleg Skrypka, initiator of the ethnic festival "Krayina Mriy" will participate in the event. Global Compact invites you, your families and friends to participate, who not only dream of a clean country but are ready to make a contribution! Event organizers would like to thank, Greenco for providing a vehicle for garbage collection, Coca-Cola for free soft drinks, and Tetra Pak for contributing gloves and garbage bags for event participants. For directions, or to register, please confirm the approximate number of participants from your organizations/ companies to Anna Danylyuk at anna.danylyuk@un.org.ua by close of business, April 23. Participants are asked to meet at Trukhaniv Island, on the lawn behind Moskovskiy bridge (going from metro station "Petrivka" in the direction of the bus stop "Druzhby narodiv park" + 5 minutes on foot).
Philips Ukraine plants trees in Kyiv parks
(4/14/2009)
On April 4, Philips Ukraine together with charitable foundation Ukraine, I'm for You! held a tree-planting event called Plant a Tree - It's Simple! to raise awareness on ecological issues. More than 80 participants, including top management from Philips Ukraine and other volunteers, including ordinary citizens of Kyiv, gathered to plant more than 150 trees. About 120 birches were planted in the World War II Memorial Park in the Pechersk district of Kyiv. More trees were planted in other central parks in Kyiv. Philips Ukraine provided volunteers, the trees and all the necessary equipment for their planting. Please contact Philips Ukraine Corporate Communication Manager Anastasiya Matyushyna at anastasiya.matyushina@philips.com to learn more.
UNDP-Coca-Cola Ecological Initiative
(4/8/2009)
Local communities invest in drinking water springs and jointly improve access to clean water in the framework of international UNDP-Coca-Cola Every Drop Matters Project. Every Drop Matters is an international project aimed at promoting responsible attitudes towards water resources. The objective of the project in Ukraine is to repair and protect natural springs, and create recreational areas around them, while engaging local communities. The organizers of Every Drop Matters hope to raise public awareness about environmental preservation and protection.
Project organizers initiated an all-Ukrainian competition to involve local communities in identifying natural springs which need rehabilitation and protection. Through the competition, 10 springs will be identified for funding from UNDP and Coca-Cola-Ukraine. A three-party memorandum between the Coca-Cola Company, United Nations Development Programme and Kyiv City Administration was signed during the official opening of the first rehabilitated site. The first project awarded was Kajsarova street in the Golosiyivskiy district of Kyiv, which supplies water to the underground basin of the Lybid River. Please click here to learn more.
Intel Announces Winners of Intel-EcoUkraine Competition
(3/31/2008)
Intel has announced the winners of the Intel-EcoUkraine 2009 national competition for Ukrainian children in grades 9-11, held in February 2009. The winners will participate in the prestigious World Intel® International Science and Engineering Fair, the world's largest pre-college science competition, in which more than 1,500 leading young scientists from more than 50 countries, regions and territories compete for more than USD 4 mln in scholarships and prizes. More than 120 teams and individuals from different regions of Ukraine submitted their projects in the following categories: biology, zoology, earth sciences, chemistry, computer sciences, math and physics. Among this year's winners were children from the Crimean village of Mezhvodne who presented their research on how to pump water from a submarine spring without energy resources. This is the fifth time this competition has been held in Ukraine. Intel ISEF is one of the projects Intel implements within its large-scale CSR program, the Intel® Education Initiative. Please click here to learn more.
Ukraine To Join Earth Hour
(3/17/2008)
Earth Hour will commence on March 28, 2009 (next Saturday) at 8:30 p.m. From 8:30 - 9:30 pm, people in all corners of the world will turn off their lights, to show their commitment to the fight against global climate change. Earth Hour began in Sydney (Australia) in 2007 and was organized by WWF. In 2007, 2.2 mln houses and organizations turned off the lights for one hour. By 2008, this event turned into worldwide ecological initiative, joined by more than 100 mln people in 35 countries of the world. This year Ukraine will also support Earth Hour. Please join this simple but very effective gesture by inviting your employees and their families to participate. For more information, to help your organizations develop internal communications, and encourage employees and their families to participate in Earth Hour, visit the following website: www.earthhour.org (in English)
East Europe Foundation supportes REMAKE Project
(3/11/2009)
East Europe Foundation awarded 50 000 UAH grant to EIDOS foundation for the implementation of the Project «REMAKE» that aimes to show the possibility of repeated usage of garbage. The continuous expansion of consumption leads to unprecedented increase of garbage that Ukrainians throw away every day. Majority of Ukrainians are unaware that some packaging thrown out every day accumulates and pollutes the environment. The authors of the project «REMAKE» do not pretend to transform all garbage into hand-craft items. They urge every Ukrainian to think about proper domestic waste disposal, and feel personal responsibility for the ecological situation in the country, ultimately stopping nature pollution. For more information please click here.
Local Businesses Support Ecological Initiatives in Kherson Oblast
(3/10/2009)
The Kherson-based Totem Youth Initiatives Center has involved local businesses in its socio-ecological campaign, which includes the Leave Your Campsite Clean photo contest set up to remind outdoorsmen to enjoy nature, but leave it as they found it. Contestants are invited to submit photos of themselves enjoying nature. Local company Artemida is providing prizes for the contest winners and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry is funding the campaign's outdoor advertising. The project is also supported by the Kherson Oblast State Department of the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Ukraine. This project was one of the winners in a competition run by the Ukrainian-Poland Program, Social Initiatives Forum 2008. As a part of the competition, NGOs in partnership with local businesses, the media and municipal governments brainstormed on how to solve real problems facing their communities. The Social Initiatives Forum included a series of seminars in five Ukrainian cities, a national competition for the best local social campaign, an internship in Warsaw for winners and the implementation of the three winning projects. Please contact Elena Afanasieva totem@public.kherson.ua at Totem for more information.
Philips Continues to Improve Energy Efficiency of Products
(3/3/2009)
On February 23, Royal Philips Electronics confirmed it is on track to meet the goals it set forth in EcoVision4, the ambitious sustainability agenda the company unveiled in 2007 focusing on improving the energy efficiency of its products and operations. Philips reported that green product sales increased to about 25% of its total sales in 2008, compared to 20% in 2007. Philips hopes to up the cut of its green products to 30% of total sales by 2012, as laid out in EcoVision4. The company also put 91 new green products on the market, 72% more than in it did in 2007. To further strengthen its EcoVision, Philips announced additional recycling initiatives based on individual producer responsibility. Please click here for more information.
Conference Cooperation for Waste Issues in Kharkiv
(2/17/2009)
On April 8-9, the Independent Agency for Environmental Information (NGO EcoInform), the National Technical University "Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute" and the Ecological Alliance, Ltd. will host an international conference on Cooperation for Waste Issues in Kharkiv. The conference will support and promote best practices in waste management; present new findings, equipment and services; establish and strengthen contacts between the interested parties; and attract the attention of investors, industry managers, the business community, public groups, government officials and the media to the issue of waste management. Please click here for more information.
Edipress Ukraine Founds Modern House program
(2/10/2009)
Edipress Ukraine has began a national program it is calling Modern House: Economy, Ecology, Energy Efficiency to raise awareness for energy efficiency and ecological issues among home builders, educate consumers on the benefits of energy efficient technologies, develop new energy efficient standards in home building and institute new energy standards on the state level. The program will also launch an information campaign on energy efficient living, as well as sponsor a number of roundtables and partnerships among interested stakeholders. Edipress Ukraine will hold a competition for energy efficient projects among university students, architects and project participants. For more information, please click here (in Russian).
Center for European Initiatives Announces Eco-Sumy Program
(2/3/2009)
In February, the Sumy-based NGO Center for European Initiatives (CEI) will launch Eco Sumy, a community-based public awareness and educational campaign promoting a clean environment. The goal is to educate teachers on environmental issues in order to reach students and assist them in creating environmental projects to benefit their community. CEI hopes the initiative will snowball, encouraging civic environmental activism in Sumy and Sumska Oblast. It hopes to increase the level of environmental education in Sumska Oblast by training teachers in local schools and universities and provide them with up to date, Euro Value lesson plans, teaching materials, project designs and management techniques. The organization will support selected teachers and help them design and complete community environmental awareness projects with their students. The organization plans to cooperate with Krupska Library, sanitation engineers Sumy Komuntrans, United States Peace Corps volunteers, the State Ecology Inspection Department, the local Education Department and EcoSumy, a community-based environmental advocacy organization, to implement the project. CEI is seeking informative materials and technical support for its program. Please click here to learn more or contact David Becker of the U.S. Peace Corps Ukraine at davidcharlesbecker@yahoo.com.
Green Week International Forum to be Held in Ukraine
(1/27/2009)
On March 16-22, the consortium for Ecological Technologies and Innovations, the Ukraine Partnership Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ukraine and ExpoCenter Ukraine will host the international forum Green Week in Ukraine to introduce principles of the sustainable development of local territories. The aim of the international event is to harmonize relations among businesses, government and society and create conditions to transfer the sustainable model of harmonized energy and ecologically balanced development. Please click here for registration and additional information.
EBRD Continues to Support Energy Efficiency Projects
(1/20/2009)
The European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a follow-up loan of an additional USD 50 mln to the State Export - Import Bank of Ukraine (UkrExim) to finance large- and medium-sized energy efficiency and renewable energy projects of up to USD 5 mln each. The transaction will be implemented under a EUR 150 mln project to work with financial institutions on energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in Ukraine. This an extension of the USD 50 mln loan to UkrExim Bank provided under the Ukraine Energy Efficiency Programme (UKEEP, www.ukeep.org) in 2007. To date, UkrExim Bank has nearly exhausted the existing loan by investing about USD 47 mln in two dozen private Ukrainian enterprises. The program was set up to improve Ukraine's energy intensity, which is more than three times the European Union average. It is also expected that some of the financed sub-projects will be able to monetize their emission reduction under the JI Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol. As a result, private-sector companies are expected to reduce their energy consumption and costs, something that is particularly important in the context of rising energy prices in Ukraine. Technical assistance for the Ukraine Energy Efficiency Programme is financed by Austria and Sweden. Please click here for more information.
UN Launches Ecological Ad Campaign in Ukraine
(1/14/2009)
In December, theUnited Nations Office in Ukraine launched the largest social advertising campaign on ecological issues in the country. The campaign, You are Dangerously Armed, will be conducted within the framework of the national GO GREEN! campaign to draw attention to ecological issues in Ukraine and change society's attitude toward exploiting the environment and natural resources. The campaign will be splashed across 350 billboards in Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Lviv, Odessa, Simferopol and Kharkiv. Four different ads will feature messages on energy efficiency, water conservation, clean air and recycling. The BigBoard Company is providing the billboards and ad agency Young & Rubicam created the campaign. For more information, please click here.
AmCham Hosts Seminar on Environment for Businesses
(12/22/2008)
On December 17, the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, in cooperation with the World Wildlife Fund For Nature International's Danube-Carpathian Program, held a Chamber Knowledge Series Seminar on The Business Case for Environment, which explored the increasing environmental challenges facing our world and the role of the private sector in addressing them by not only reducing harmful emissions, but also by developing new business opportunities. Guest speakers included Deputy Director of the WWF Danube-Carpathian Programme Andreas Beckmann and AmCham member company representatives, Anna Deshko of Maersk Ukraine, Ltd. and Nataliya Nikitina of Coca-Cola Ukraine, Ltd. Please click here for more information.
BDO Balance-Audit Employees Clean Up Dnipropetrovsk Park
(12/16/2008)
During a corporate event this fall, BDO Balance-Audit employees cleaned up the Shevchenko Park in Dnipropetrovsk, collecting more than 100kg of trash. The company was among the signatories on the July 2008 Go Green! declaration committed to environmental responsibility. Please click here for more information about this and other BDO-Balance-Audit social projects.
Lutsk Ecological Organizations Review Fall Results
(12/09/2008)
On December 1, the city of Lutsk announced the results of its fall ecological initiatives, A Clean Yard, Street and Town are a Clean Ukraine, Clean Air and Lets Make Our City Clean. These projects installed and promoted the use of specialized containers for recycling polyethylene bottles. More than 50 enterprises, organizations and institutions in cooperation with local residents cleaned the central community park and other community properties and planted 6,000 trees and shrubs. Please click here for more information.
ArcelorMittal Kryviy Rih Reviews its Ecological Activities for 2008
(12/02/2008)
ArcelorMittal Kryviy Rih, which is working to reduce harmful pollutants and increase ecological awareness in Dnipropetrovsk oblast, has reported that it reduced its output of pollutants by more than twofold during the first three quarters of 2008. The company was expected to reduce the output of its emissions by at least 5% annually. Instead, it managed to more than double that figure, cutting pollutants by 12% for the period. In 2007, ArcelorMittal Kryviy Rih invested more than UAH 376 mln in environmental protection. This year, the company allocated about UAH 385 mln to its environmental programs. Please click here for more information (in Russian).
Ecological Organizations Hold Climate Action Day in Kyiv
(11/25/2008)
On 23 November, Kyiv celebrated Climate Action Day, an event that started with a march by eco-clubs, students and volunteers dedicated to tackling climate change. The day-long celebrations featured an exhibition on alternative energy sources and the consequences of climate change, ice sculptures, games, a press conference at the British Council and Eco-hunt around the historical center of Kyiv. The event was organized by the British Council's Challenge Europe. More action -- less carbon project, events coordinator ArtPole, the World Wildlife Federation, the National Environmental Centre of Ukraine, eco-club Zelena Khvylya and the Ukraine Inkognita travel club. Please click here for more information (in Ukrainian).
HeidelbergCement Ukraine Invests in Ecology
(11/18/2008)
HeidelbergCement Ukraine has developed a UAH 240 mln (USD 41 mln) program to make its cement production more environmentally friendly. The initiative, mapped out through 2015, foresees UAH 59 mln (about USD 10 mln) being spent on reequipping HeidelbergCement Ukraine's plant, cutting harmful emissions by almost 630 tons a year. The program includes a list of measures to improve the quality of the atmosphere and water treatment, reduce pollutants, protect land resources and implement other ecologically friendly innovations. Please click here to learn more (in Russian).
Open Ukraine Foundation Hosts Second Kyiv Security Forum
(11/11/2008)
On November 6-7, the Open Ukraine Foundation hosted the Second Kyiv Security Forum, The Black and Caspian Sea Region and European Energy Security, on strengthening cooperation on energy security within the Black and Caspian Sea region and the European Union. More than 200 participants gathered to identify common ground for the convergence of interests within multiple national energy strategies. Participants included high-level officials, analysts, businesses, the media and international and regional organizations. The event was supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the Victor Pinchuk Foundation. Please click here to learn more.
Ukrainian Ecological Congress Discusses Priorities for Sustainable Development
(11/04/2008)
On October 27-28, the Ukrainian Environment League hosted a congress on Priorities for the Sustainable Development of Ukraine. A presentation was made on the Ecological Encyclopedia, the first of its kind in Eastern Europe. Participants discussed forming an institutional and legislative basis for sustainable development, structural readjustments of the Ukrainian economy, the mapping of innovative models of economic development, education and technological modernization, energy efficiency and the sustainable development of energy. The congress was held for the first time in 2007 to unite the efforts of scientists, businesses, the government and civil society to form a sustainable development road map for Ukraine. Please click here to learn more (in Russian).
European Forest Week in Ukraine
(10/30/2008)
The first ever European Forest Week took place last week, 20-24 October 2008 in Ukraine and all over Europe, to discuss the role of forests and the forest sector in combating climate change, providing renewable energy and supplying water. The Week highlighted measures necessary to fully utilize the sector’s potential. As a part of the Week in Ukraine different events have been held in different regions of the country, among which trees planting, excursions, photo and painting competitions. For more information click here (in Ukrainian).
Hyundai Motors Ukraine Plants Trees throughout Ukraine
(10/28/2008)
Hyundai Motors is continuing its eco project Green Areas of Hyundai in October in several Ukrainian Cities. The program has already sponsored the planting of 1,000 trees in Kremenchuk in Poltava oblast and next on the list is Makeevka in Donetsk oblast. Hyundai Motors Ukraine launched this initiative in spring 2008 to help improve Ukraine's environment. By the end of 2008, Hyundai Motors Ukraine will have planted more than 7,000 trees in the seven most environmentally critical regions of the country, including Nikopol (Dnipropetrovsk oblast), Kirovohrad, Melitopol (Zaporizhzia oblast), Alchevsk (Luhansk oblast), Makeevka (Donetsk oblast), Kremenchuk (Poltava oblast) and Kerch (AR Crimea). Please click here for more information (in Russian).
Embassy of Finland in Ukraine, East Europe Foundation Support Energy Efficiency in Lviv region
(10/22/2008)
The Embassy of Finland in Ukraine and the East Europe Foundation have awarded a $35,000 grant to the European Integration and Regional Development Agency for Energy Efficiency for the Beskydy Warmth project.
The project will seek to stimulate solutions to energy-related challenges in five pilot districts in the mountainous area of Lviv oblast: Drohobych, Sambir, Skole, Starosambir and Turka.
The project implementers will audit the energy use of a typical civil institution in each district. Then, based on their findings, they will recommend energy efficiency projects for implementation in the area, including the installation of energy-saving equipment, with co-funding from local budgets. One such project will be implemented in the Staryi Sambir district to serve as an example to neighboring communities. For more information click here.
DTEK Revives Park in Donetsk Oblast
(10/17/2008)
On October 17, volunteers including citizens, students, local officials and employees from the Donbass Fuel-Energy Company (DTEK) and East Europe Foundation will clean up a park in Zugres in Donetsk oblast and install permanent trash receptacles and park benches. With the support of DTEK, East Europe Foundation and a local environmental NGO, in cooperation with municipal authorities, will help Zugres citizens revive their park. Locals will then be able to share their visions for the new park through student contests and a public survey. A landscape blueprint of the park derived from citizen input will be placed in the town's central square to promote the project. In mobilizing citizens to improve the life of their community, EEF and DTEK, in cooperation with municipal authorities, hope to inspire people to take better care of the environment.
UN Global Compact Cleans Up Kyiv's Trukhaniv Island
(10/7/2008)
UN Global Compact in Ukraine invites volunteers to participate in its A Clean City is a Beautiful Place to Be event October 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Trukhaniv Island to collect garbage off the banks of the Matveevska Zatoka. Greenco will provide a garbage truck, Coca-Cola will offer free soft drinks to volunteers and Tetra Pak will supply garbage bags and gloves. This clean up event will continue the successful implementation of the Go Green campaign implemented by UN Global Compact in Ukraine. During a previous event in July, volunteers collected nearly one ton of garbage. Please contact Anna Danylyuk at anna.danylyuk@un.org.ua to learn more and register.
UKEEP Hosts Energy Efficiency Conference in Cherkasy
(09/30/2008)
On October 3, the Ukraine Energy Efficiency Programme (UKEEP) will host a conference at the Chamber of Commerce in Cherkasy. The conference will give local companies the opportunity to learn more about energy efficiency. UKEEP experts will present the need for private companies to support energy-efficient technology and present real-life examples of projects that UKEEP has financed. UKEEP is a credit facility developed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) targeting Ukrainian private companies in all sectors looking to invest in energy efficiency or renewable energy projects. These investments should decrease energy consumption, increase energy production or make energy usage more efficient. UKEEP provides free technical assistance through international energy efficiency consultants for companies with project ideas that are eligible for UKEEP financing. Please click here to learn more.
EEF, OSCE Project Coordinator in Ukraine, Dutch Gov Support Energy Efficiency in Vinnytsia Region
(9/23/2008)
East Europe Foundation, Organizations for Security and Co-operation in Europe Project Coordinator in Ukraine and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs awarded $38,750 to an NGO called Initiative to improve energy efficiency with the use of renewable energy technologies in the Vinnytsia region. During the project, the grantee will establish a training center for renewable energy technologies in the village of Severynivka demonstrating the application and benefits of wind power, biogas energy, bio-diesel and other alternative energy sources. The center will use energy generated from these renewable sources to power essential community buildings. The biogas will be used to heat a kindergarten of 40 children, co-generation equipment will be used for the heating of the local community center, with a village library and museum, that is not heated in the winter. Wind energy will be used to power the communal water supply system. Click here for more information.
Telenor, East Europe Foundation Help Improve Waste Management in Voznesensk
(9/23/2008)
With support from Norwegian telecommunications company Telenor, the East Europe Foundation awarded a $24,747 grant to the Agency for Economic Development of Voznesensk to introduce alternative energy sources, help protect the environment and save on utility bills. The agency will introduce a system of organic waste management in Voznesensk in Mykolayiv oblast. The AEDV will help the local community separate organic waste, such as plants and trees, to use for composting and the production of fuel pellets for eventual energy conversion. The project will encompass 83% of the city's households. This grant was awarded as a part of East Europe Foundation's Municipal Partnerships for Better Energy Use Program. Please click here to learn more.
Telenor, EEF Announce National Photo Contest
(9/11/2008)
International telecommunications company Telenor and East Europe Foundation announced a national photo contest to raise awareness of social problems and motivate people to be proactive in local community life. The contest categories are: the Community in Action (people working together on behalf of the local community), From One to All (small businesses helping sustain the country's economical development), I Know How to Live (vulnerable populations such as the elderly and disabled living full lives despite their disadvantages), Ray of Hope (vulnerable youth such as orphans and disabled children studying and participating in community life), and Preserving Nature (energy efficiency guarantees us a future). Please click here for more information and contest rules.
(9/11/2008)
International telecommunications company Telenor and East Europe Foundation announced a national photo contest to raise awareness of social problems and motivate people to be proactive in local community life. The contest categories are: the Community in Action (people working together on behalf of the local community), From One to All (small businesses helping sustain the country's economical development), I Know How to Live (vulnerable populations such as the elderly and disabled living full lives despite their disadvantages), Ray of Hope (vulnerable youth such as orphans and disabled children studying and participating in community life), and Preserving Nature (energy efficiency guarantees us a future). Please click here for more information and contest rules.
EBA Dedicates a Day to the Environment
(9/16/2008)
On Saturday, 20 the European Business Association (EBA) will host EBA Green Day in Florence Park in Kyiv's Desniansky region. Activities will include eco-craft making, green gardening tips, planting shrubery and the clean-up of at least one of Kyiv's parks to help promote an environmentally friendly lifestyle. The event is supported by Slavutich, Carlsberg Group and Dolce Italia. Please click here to learn more.
(9/10/2008)
The 4th annual international conference on Biomass for Energy, to be held in Kyiv on September 22-24, will address biomass potential in the world and more specifically in Europe, ways and possibilities to modernize the municipal heating and power sectors of Ukraine, state-of-the-art technologies for bio-energy being developed for use in Ukraine and critical issues for bio-energy development in Ukraine. The conference is being organized by the Thermo-Physics Engineering Institute at the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, the National Agency of Ukraine for Effective Energy Use and the Biomass Scientific Engineering Center. It is supported by DANFOSS (Denmark), SenterNovem, (Netherlands), the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and the ministries of Housing and Communal Services, of Fuel and Energy, of Agricultural Policy and of Industrial Policy. Please click here for more information and details on how to register.
Procter & Gamble Plans $4 Million Ecological Investment
(8/12/2008)
Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Ukraine (P&G) announced plans to invest $4 million in environmental programs, building on more than $2 million P&G has invested in modernizing purification systems and environmental protection over the past two years. In addition, P&G funded a new playground for 250 children in Ordzhonikidze, Dnipropetrovsk oblast. The playground opened on August 1. Please click here to receive additional information (in Ukrainian).
(8/12/2008)
Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Ukraine (P&G) announced plans to invest $4 million in environmental programs, building on more than $2 million P&G has invested in modernizing purification systems and environmental protection over the past two years. In addition, P&G funded a new playground for 250 children in Ordzhonikidze, Dnipropetrovsk oblast. The playground opened on August 1. Please click here to receive additional information (in Ukrainian).
NGO Youth Initiatives Department announces competition for the best publication on environmental issues in Kharkiv Region
(8/9/2008)
The competition will be held with the support of British Council in Ukraine and Kharkiv regional Foundation for energy efficiency support and alternative energy. Competition is a part of the project “Regional campaign for energy efficiency”. Articles about energy efficiency, sustainable development and climate changes, published in Kharkiv mass media during the last year may participate in the competition. For additional information please contact dyi@ukr.net. Full versions of publications or abstracts with contact information attached can be sent to dyi@ukr.net. Deadline: September 15, 2008.
Mykolayiv Alumina Refinery announces results of environmental management for the first half of 2008
(8/8/2008)
For the first half of 2008 Mykolayiv Alumina Refinery invested $117,8 thousands into environment protection projects. These costs have been forwarded into plant field #1 partial restoration, local purifying systems construction and renovation of water circulation system. In addition according to Ukrainian legislation every quarter Mykolayiv Alumina Refinary makes ecological payments to the budget. For the first half of 2008 it paid 5 488,4 thousands UAH. For more information click here (in Russian).
ZORG Ukraine to help Kyiv Zoo set a biogas plant
(8/8/2008)
Biogas plant will produce electricity from organic wastes. Using the plant Kyiv Zoo will be able to utilize waste and produce electricity and heating for internal needs. ZORG Ukraine will donate project design and refitting work and will set the equipment of biogas plant for free. Kyiv Zoo is seeking for another sponsor who would fund equipment and materials for the biogas plant. For more information click here (in Russian).
Obolon Initiates Ecological Program in Kyiv
(8/5/2008)
On July 28, the Obolon beverage company announces the launch of its new ecological program on gathering polyethylene bottles in Kyiv. The company will install 100 specialized containers for recycling bottles. The company will also conduct an information campaign to raise awareness on the effectiveness of recycling. Gathered bottles will be transferred to Oboblon's affiliate in Olexandria (in the Kirovohrad oblast) for further recycling. The company recently signed the Go Green! Declaration, initiated by the UN in Ukraine. Please click here to learn more about this initiative (in Ukrainian).
(8/5/2008)
On July 28, the Obolon beverage company announces the launch of its new ecological program on gathering polyethylene bottles in Kyiv. The company will install 100 specialized containers for recycling bottles. The company will also conduct an information campaign to raise awareness on the effectiveness of recycling. Gathered bottles will be transferred to Oboblon's affiliate in Olexandria (in the Kirovohrad oblast) for further recycling. The company recently signed the Go Green! Declaration, initiated by the UN in Ukraine. Please click here to learn more about this initiative (in Ukrainian).
Youth Initiatives Department Raises Money for Energy Efficiency
(7/29/2008)
A fund set up by Kharkiv-based NGO Youth Initiatives Department raised more than 100,000 UAH from local business to implement innovative, energy-saving pilot projects in different districts of the Kharkiv oblast. This fund was made possible through a 2007 Eurasia Foundation-awarded grant program to improve energy efficiency in the oblast, a program now managed by the East Europe Foundation (EEF). The project analyzed energy-saving opportunities using non-traditional sources of energy for each pilot district and found local experts and activists to develop and implement efficiency plans. Support for the fund came from NAK Haftogaz DK Ukrgazvydobuvannia, the Krona Group of companies, the Neftgazprom international foundation of industry investments, Ukraerorukh and Energobud. The initial Eurasia Foundation initiative was co-funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and USAID. Please click here to learn more about EEF Energy efficiency program.
(7/29/2008)
A fund set up by Kharkiv-based NGO Youth Initiatives Department raised more than 100,000 UAH from local business to implement innovative, energy-saving pilot projects in different districts of the Kharkiv oblast. This fund was made possible through a 2007 Eurasia Foundation-awarded grant program to improve energy efficiency in the oblast, a program now managed by the East Europe Foundation (EEF). The project analyzed energy-saving opportunities using non-traditional sources of energy for each pilot district and found local experts and activists to develop and implement efficiency plans. Support for the fund came from NAK Haftogaz DK Ukrgazvydobuvannia, the Krona Group of companies, the Neftgazprom international foundation of industry investments, Ukraerorukh and Energobud. The initial Eurasia Foundation initiative was co-funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and USAID. Please click here to learn more about EEF Energy efficiency program.
UN Global Compact Cleans Up Kyiv's Trukhaniv Island
(07/21/2008)
On July 6, UN Global Compact in Ukraine organized "Clean Up the Dnipro Day" at Trukhaniv Island to help kick off their National "Go Green" initiative. The event gathered more than 60 volunteers from Global Compact member companies to clean up the Matveevska Zatoka recreational zone. Please click here to learn more.
Telenor, East Europe Foundation and OSCE Help Slavutych City Improve Energy Efficiency
(07/15/2008)
A Slavutych NGO, the Small Business Laboratory, will develop a municipal energy management system for Slavutych city, working with local public officials to improve energy efficiency in municipal buildings. This project is made possible with support from the East Europe Foundation and Telenor Ukraine. Please click here for more information.
Young Ukrainian Leaders Pledge to Reduce Their Carbon Footprints
(07/08/2008)
On June 25, the British Council in Ukraine officially introduced 18 young Ukrainian leaders who will become Climate Advocates under the program "Challenge Europe." The program is part of the British Council's global climate initiative entitled "Low Carbon Future in Ukraine," a three-year campaign that aspires to make a definite and lasting impact on the climate change debate. The Climate Advocates will join counterparts in 14 other Challenge Europe countries to unearth new ways of reducing carbon use and advocate for underused carbon control methods. They aim to bring about a Low Carbon Future through changes to public policy, business practice or public behavior. For additional information, please click here.
Ukrainian Government Employs Environmentaly Safe Solution to Repair Kerch Strait After 2007 Accident
(07/02/2008)
The Ministry of Enviornmental Protection has developed three modules to collect oil in Kerch Strait after a 2007 oil spill. The systems are capable of recycling 120-150 thousand tons of oil over 24 hours. Environmental Protection Minister Heorhiy Filipchuk said that after mixing the collected oil with metal granules and other chemical ingridients it will besafe for the environment. For more detailed information please click here (in Russian).
EP Global Energy Proposes Windmill Array in Ukraine
(07/02/2008)
EP Global Energy has submitted a proposal to the National Agency of Ukraine for Efficient Use of Energy Resources to improve energy efficiency by generating wind power. The company is ready to invest $80 million to impelement the project. Currently, experts are studying the Ukrainian wind map and state of the energy system in preparation for this project. For more information click here (in Russian).
Slavske Rock Fest 2008 Celebrates the Environment in Lviv Oblast
(07/01/2008)
International Rock Festival "Slavske Rock Fest 2008" will call attention to environmental issues June 25-27 in Lviv Oblast. The festival will include interactive seminars on climate change, the Carpathian conservation zone, energy efficiency and waste reduction. Support for the festival came from Skole District state administration, Kurort Slavske association, Ukrainian Skiing Club, Rutenia Tour JSC, Poland Institute and others. Click here for more information (in Ukrainian).
First Credit Union Helps Low-Income Odesa Residents Meter Their Water
(06/24/2008)
As of June 2008, about 4,000 low-income residents of Odesa have installed new water meters to accurately measure their water usage. A joint program with the Odesa City Council and First Credit Union helped the residents buy the meters interest-free and pay for them in installments. Water meters help ensure that residents pay only for the water they use and avoid overcharges or communal use charges. Implemented since 2006, this program helps provide equal opportunities for modern technology and to save money each month on participants' water bills. Pensioners, people with disabilities and people with low-paying jobs are participating in the program. Please click here for more information about this program and other social initiatives of First Credit Union (in Russian).
Lviv will invest 1.3 million UAH in the local environment this year
(06/19/2008)
The Lviv government will invest 1.3 million UAH in the city's environment. The investment will fund a mobile ecological laboratory to control environmental pollution control and improved natural areas and green zones, such as lakes and parks. Click here for more information (in Ukrainian).
Ukrainian Government Supports State Funding to Improve the Environmental Situation in Zaporizhzhia.
(6/17/2008)
The government will increase its support of environmental programs in Zaporizhzhia oblast, according to Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. The local government is tasked with deciding how to spend the additional funds to address the most critical needs first.
Click here for more information.
Ukraine to Increase Production of Raw Materials for Bio-Fuels
(6/17/2008)
Ukraine will boost production of raw material for bio-fuel while ensuring effective crop rotation, according to Agriculture Minister Yuriy Melnyk. A package of draft laws on agro-industrial support already submitted to the government includes legislation that increases responsibility for restoring soil fertility.
Click here for more information.
Ukrainian Pivdennyi Port Gains International Environmental Certificate
(6/17/2008)
Pivdennyi Sea Commercial Port in Odesa obalst earned an international certificate for meeting international standards in environmental management (ISO 14001: 2004). According to the port press-service, the document was issued based on the results of an audit conducted by a regional department of Bureau Veritas.
Click here for more information on this acheivement.
ArcelorMittal Kryviy Rih Ecological Initiatives
(6/17/2008)
ArcelorMittal Kryviy Rih's corporate newspaper, "Metalurg," dedicated its June 5 issue to World Environment Day. The special issue informs stakeholders and the public how ArcelorMittal Kryviy Rih incorporates environmentally friendly practices and plans for the near future, including providing facts and figures on environmental standards and local tree planting initiatives and their Ecological Knowledge Management Program for staff worldwide to discuss policy and share best practices. Please click here to receive additional information.
UN Global Compact in Ukraine Launches "Go Green" Initiative
(6/10/2008)
On July 3, The UN Global Compact in Ukraine will launch their "Go Green" Declaration and present the global "Caring for Climate" initiative as business and civil society leaders sign public declarations of commitment to environmental protection. The national "Go Green" campaign will raise public awareness for environmental issues at public events and initiate national policy dialogue to get stakeholders involved in policy discussions. Activities include Dniepr "Clean Up" weekends for corporate volunteers groups, a national survey on climate change, meetings and conferences. For more information, click here.
Eco Writing Contest for Journalists
(6/03/2007)
The British Embassy in Ukraine and Internews Ukraine, a nonprofit organization dedicated to media development, announced a joint contest for journalists to cover energy efficiency and climate change issues in Ukraine. Organizers invite journalists to submit news clips published or broadcast between June 1, 2007 and July 31, 2008 that cover energy conservation technology or problems caused by climate change. The deadline for submissions is August 4, 2008. For more information please click here (in Ukrainian).
SUN InBev Ukraine and Chernigivske launch "Together for a Clean Town!" in Kyiv
(5/27/2008)
At Kyiv's Hryshko National Botanic Gardens, beverage companies SUN InBev Ukraine and Chernigivske presented "Together for a Clean Town!" part of their "Better World" global initiative. The companies installed over 50 gazebos, benches made from sustainable materials and additional trash receptacles. This program is aimed at increasing public awareness of individual environmental responsibility and nature conservation while reducing the environmental impact of visitors to the botanic gardens. Please click here to learn more (in Ukrainian).
International charitable organization Environment People Law Announces Tender
"Utilization of Toxic Pesticides on the Territory of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine, in the Transboundary Basin of the Rivers San and Western Bug"
In conjunction with realization of the Project we invite Ukrainian and foreign enterprises to take part in a tender on the purchase of services in packaging and utilization of pesticides on territory of the L’viv region.
Environment People Law began began a project with the L’viv Oblast Department of Environmental Protection and the State Environmental Inspection of L’viv Oblast, sponsored by the European Commission within the framework of the Neighborhood Program Poland-Belarus-Ukraine INTERREG IIIA/TACIS CBC/.
Ukrainian Mines Will Convert to Wind Power with Aid from Anonymous Foreign Investor
Ostrov News Service
(posted 5/20/2008)
The Ministry of Coal Industry announced that it will install wind-power stations at its mines says Ostrov news service, the Research Center of Donbass Social Perspectives.
Coal Industry Minister Viktor Poltavets discussed the proposition to run coal mines on alternative energy sources during an industry meeting. Foreign invstment may include delivery, installation and operation of the wind-driven devices with aggregate power of 1500 mW. The investor will stay anonymous until the official documents are signed.
Denmark to Help Ukraine Implement Modern Technologies in Housing and Public Utilities Ukrinform
(posted 5/20/2008)
Denmark will help Ukraine in implementing modern technologies in housing and public utilities. This became possible after signing of a memorandum of understanding and cooperation between Ukraine's Ministry of Housing and Public Utilities and the Danish Bureau of Local Heating. Ukrainian experts will study the Danish experience to enhance energy efficiency and renewable energy development, addressing waste processing problems, water drain purification, renewable energy sources use (bio-energy, wind and tidal power electric generators, apartment water heating units). Click here for more information.
EBRD Announces Energy Efficiency Winners in Ukraine
(posted 5/20/2008)
On May 17th, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s UKEEP (Ukrainian Energy Efficiency Program) announced the winners of its Energy Efficiency Excellence Awards during its annual meeting in Kyiv: Ivano-FrankivskCement, Tsyurupinsk Paper Mill (Kherson region) and Saltovsky Bakery (Kharkiv region). UKEEP is a credit facility developed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), targeting Ukrainian private companies in all sectors looking to invest in energy efficiency or renewable energy projects – investments that will decrease energy consumption, increase own energy production or make energy usage more efficient. UKEEP provides free technical assistance by international energy efficiency consultants for companies with project ideas that are eligible for UKEEP financing. The awards were announced in connection with the EBRD Annual Meeting in Kiev May 17-20. Click here for more information.
EBRD also held a special session on CSR at the meeting. Click here for more information on that panel discussion.
Employees of Interdean International Relocation Company Lake Telbin Area
(posted 5/14/2008)
On April 19, fifteen employees of Interdean International Relocation company volunteered their time to clean the territory near the Lake Telbin in Kyiv, near where the majority of the company's Kyiv-based staff live. Equipped with shovels, rakes and trash bags, the volunteers picked up over 60 large bags of trash from along the lakeside in four hours. Interdean supplied transportation to carry the bags to a local landfill. Olexandr Sikorsky, CEO of Interdean Kyiv office, said that about 200 volunteers would be needed to thoroughly clean the territory.
First Biofuel Station Opens in Chernivtsi
(posted 5/14/2008)
Energy Strategies and Biotechnologies biofuel station has opened in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, according to LIGABusinessInform. This is reportedly the first biofuel station in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. The new station sells two kinds of motor fuel made of biomaterial: the Bio-100 analog of high-octane gasoline, and biodiesel fuel. Moldova will supply fuel in the initial stages of the project. Eventually production will take place in Ukraine. By the end of 2008, about 10 biofuel stations are expected to appear in the country. Please click here for more information (in Ukrainian).
Kharkiv Plant Growing Institute Hopes to Produce Motor Oil from Sunflower Seeds (posted (posted 5/14/2008)
The Yuriev Plant Growing Institute in Kharkiv, Eastern Ukraine, part of the Ukrainian Academy of Agrarian Sciences, is working with Kharkiv's Vasylenko National Technical University, to start developing technology to produce motor oil from sunflower seeds. The technology is based on a special species of sunflower with 12% of stearin, which is grown at the Institute. The project receives funding from the Institute's business side. Under preliminary findings, the oil is good for KAMAZ trucks. The government declared the Institute to be the coordinator and supervisor of the state program to develop the production of bio-material and biofuel in Ukraine. Please click here for additional information.
British American Tobacco Plants Seeds in Pryluky
(posted 5/13/2008)
On April 19, about 60 employees of the British American Tobacco Kyiv office and Pryluky Tobacco Factory joined the Ichnyansky National Natural Park staff to clean the park and plant over 30,000 pine trees seeds. The volunteers also built a rest place dedicated to Earth Day, which is held every year on April 22. The event was conducted in the framework of BAT's EcoKrok, an environmental project launched in 2007. Please click here for additional information (in UKrainian).
(posted 5/13/2008)
On April 19, about 60 employees of the British American Tobacco Kyiv office and Pryluky Tobacco Factory joined the Ichnyansky National Natural Park staff to clean the park and plant over 30,000 pine trees seeds. The volunteers also built a rest place dedicated to Earth Day, which is held every year on April 22. The event was conducted in the framework of BAT's EcoKrok, an environmental project launched in 2007. Please click here for additional information (in UKrainian).
April 2008
Olympus and U.N. Announce Environmental Photography Competition
The United Nations in Ukraine and Olympus, a leading camera company, announced a national photography contest for the public, “Addressing Climate Change – Caring for our Planet.” In partnership with the Ministry of Environment of Ukraine and with support from Olympus, this photography contest will raise awareness of the importance of addressing climate change challenges and promoting responsible attitudes towards the environment among decision-makers and the general public. The deadline to submit photos is May 20, 2008. Please click here for requirements and additional information.
Hyundai Motors Ukraine Plants Trees Across Ukraine
On April 14, Hyundai Motors Ukraine launched its new "Green Space of Hyundai" initiative to help improve Ukraine's environment by planting 911 trees in Nikopol, Dnipropetrovsk oblast. During 2008, Hyundai Motors Ukraine will plant 6,000 trees in the six most environmentally critical regions, including Kirovohrad, Melitopol (Zaporizhzia oblast), Alchevsk (Luhansk oblast), Makeevka (Donetsk oblast) and Kremenchug (Poltava oblast). Please click here for more information (in Russian).
Nadra Bank Implements “Green Office” Initiative
Nadra Bank has developed and implemented a “Green Office” program to reduce environmental impact in their daily operations. Nadra bank uses ecologically clean paper, including recycled paper, and collects used office paper which then is transferred to recycling centers. Its offices are outfitted with special non-hazardous office equipment and furniture, energy efficient lamps, clean air conditioning systems, and recyclable paper products instead of plastic dishes. Nadra Bank encourages everyone to join their initiative and adopt environmentally-friendly strategies in the workplace. Please click here for more information.
Zaporizhzhia Environmental Partnership Project Launches Advocacy Website
The Zaporizhzhia Environmental Partnership Project launched its project web site at www.ecohealth.zp.ua with support from the Zaporizhzhia municipality and the World Bank. The new website will increase public awareness of environmental issues and influence how they are addressed. Recognizing the strong commitment of oblast and city authorities to address current environmental problems, the World Bank provides technical assistance to Zaporizhzhia oblast to improve the local environmental situation. The objective of the Project is to initiate and catalyze a series of steps that will lead to a reduction in pollution levels, thereby improving human health and the business environment, and share the experiences more broadly in an endeavor to scale up impacts in other regions and nationally. Please click here for more information.
March 2008
Ukrainian-American Environmental Association to Host Panel Discussion on Environmental Opportunities in Ukraine
On March 19, the Ukrainian-American Environmental Association will conduct a panel discussion on environmental opportunities in Ukraine for American businesses. Co-sponsored by the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation and The Washington Group, the panel discussion will examine investment opportunities in energy efficient and renewable energy projects in Ukraine according to the Kyoto Protocol. Panelists including Brian Castelli, CEO of the Alliance to Save Energy; John Palmisano, chairman of IE3; Rich Rosenzweig, COO of Natsource and Ken Bossong, Co-Director of the Ukrainian-American Environmental Association will review opportunities to reduce energy waste in Ukraine's major end-use energy sectors as well as the status and near-term potential for developing Ukraine's solar, wind, biomass/biofuels, small hydro, geothermal, and coal-mine methane resources. This event will be broadcast live online in English. For more information or to register to watch, online, please click here.
February 2008
TNK-BP Announces Environmentally Friendly Competition
On February 20, TNK-BP Commerce and the British Council announced a joint competition to promote "Ecologically-Friendly Horticulture in a Changing Climate Environment." The online competition (www.ukraineinbloom.net) targets amateur gardeners, professional designers and horticulture centers to display new opportunities in gardening in our changing environment, reflecting gardening's personal and societal benefits and its role in preventing global warming. Contestants will present their skills on May 18 during an "Ecologically Friendly Gardening" presentation, where guests will select the finalists. Winners will go to Great Britain for the Tatton Park Flower Show in July 2008. TNK-BP supports this ecological initiative as its priority area in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Click here for more information (in Russian).
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