Problem overview:

     Awareness and visions: The Centre for Environmentally Sound Technology Transfer (CESTT) has been trying to raise awareness especially among SMEs in the area of Clean technology and Cleaner production because the country is growing through rapid economic development and China fears that without sustainable production methods, development will result in irreversible damage to the environment and natural resources.

     Meeting information requirements: Technology and techniques for reducing or eliminating pollution as well as organisational and managerial procedures are all vital to progress towards sustainable development. In this example, China presents an open door policy to facilitate the reciprocal flow of useful environmental information.

Background in summary:

     Environmentally Sound Technology - an integrated system: The environmentally sound technologies mainly refer to "process and product technologies" that generate low or no waste, for the prevention of pollution. They also cover "end of pipe technologies". However, ESTs are not just individual technologies, but integrated systems, which include know-how, procedures, goods, services, and equipment as well as organisational and managerial procedures.

     Establishment of the CESTT: As a joint initiative between the Ministry of Science and Technology of China and the Asian Development Bank, the Centre for Environmentally Sound Technology Transfer (CESTT) was created as a non-for-profit organisation in 1997 and extends its full operation in October 1998.

     The missions of CESTT: Its mission is to promote the transfer and adoption of environmentally sound technology (EST) by forming a bridge between policy makers, technology suppliers, technology developers and Chinese industry, in particular small and medium-sized enterprises.

     The internet a tool for technology transfer: An important tool for this matchmaking is the CESTT Information System for the storage and exchange of information relating to environmentally sound technologies. This database has been made available on the Internet and to local agencies to allow for better access for Chinese small and medium sized enterprises. The Information system will also facilitate the introduction of foreign suppliers to potential domestic clients.

     Raising public awareness: In order to raise awareness of the potential benefits of environmentally sound technologies, publicity is key activity - newsletters, articles in journals and television notices. Through various activities CESTT promotes the adoption of environmentally sound technologies in enterprises, thus reducing pollution while conserving resources and improving economic efficiency.

Peer Review Committee Good practice rating: (1 for the best, 5 for the lowest score)
Sustainability		Efficiency
2	Improvement in either the environment of economic condition with no harm to the other.	2	Cost efficient.
2	Sustainable over time (not one-off)	Process
Adaptability		-	Participation of the community
2	Location adaptability (can the project be done in other places?)	2	Participation of resource owners/users
2	Socio-cultural adaptability.	2	Partnerships between various actors (Governments, NGO, Academia, Private)
3	Level of development adaptability.	-	Degree of coordination and cooperation between government departments.
3	Style of government adaptability.	2	Ability to attract political interest/support
2	Degree of decentralization adaptability.	2	Procedures for feedback and review.
Comments on this example:       Poorer countries with unsophisticated technologies might not be able to receive information or adopt this practice; however, spreading news in form of hard copy could be an alternative. Sustainability of the project:      Awareness and visions: SMEs are said to be the highest source of industrial pollution because the lack the technology, know how and money for installment of cleaner technology. Although on an individual basis, they do not seem to produce a hazardous level of pollution, but when accumulated together, since there are so many of them in developing countries, they collectively contribute a great deal of pollution into the atmosphere. Therefore, it is very important to focus on these SMEs in pollution control. Adaptability of the project to other situations:       Most countries in the region would benefit from adopting a strategy aimed at explicitly seeking out information for environmentally sound technology. Web site: http://www.cestt.org.cn Process of decision making and implementation:      Meeting information requirements: Learning from other countries experience and also learning from the technology that other countries have developed is part of the information and technology transfer, which is what CESTT is doing. Sometimes, the technology is available so there is no need to make any new discoveries, it is only a matter of being able to access that information. The broader the information could be available, the more it will be accessed, and that is why CESTT has uploaded the know-how on to the internet, for the purpose of wide public access. Cost efficiency: