Support for CIE’s efforts to improve environmental efficiency in the Ecuadorian productive sector

(Quito, October 27, 2011).- With the support of CAF - Latin American development bank - the International Carbon Footprint Seminar, organized by the Ecuadorian Corporation for Energy Research (CIE), was held in Quito on October 25, 26 and 27. For three days, national and international speakers looked at the global trends that companies face in the short term when selling their products on international markets. Participants also discussed processes and strategies for implementation of the carbon footprint in Latin America.

Carbon footprint is a tool for measuring pollution levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused by people or products. It measures the social responsibility of organizations and is one more element for raising awareness about more sustainable practices among citizens.

This seminar aimed to increase awareness in the region’s business sector of opportunities for implementation of the carbon footprint as a means of maintaining the competitiveness of their products.

Companies from countries around the world, especially the United States and European Union, have adopted the "carbon footprint" mechanism, which shows a commitment to promoting and developing goods and services with social and environmental responsibility.

The International Seminar is linked to the Production Transformation Programs and PLAC+E promoted by CAF, which contribute to implementing cleaner production and industrial efficiency processes, reducing the global warming problem, and promoting use of clean and alternative energy in Latin America, by developing and financing innovative projects.