Description
The purpose of the project is to set up a new "green" workshop in place of detention in Sofia for production of solar panel collectors – black, selective and vacuum-tubular and water heaters for environmentally friendly manufacturing of heat power for heating and hot water. This activity is in addition to the existing manufacturing activities for GE "Prisons Production". The good balance of quality and price would be considered as an important advantage for the success of the project and its long-term effect on the economy, employment and environment. First, because it is in line with all developed world polices, partially EU’s ones to decrease the usage of conventional energy for the account of green energy productions. Secondly, the production will be based on technology that is more eco-friendly compared to use of conventional energy. With regards to the production process there are possibilities for introduction of more environmentally friendly solutions than the ones widely used by other Bulgarian companies (best practices). And thirdly, it would be an eco/green business model, where environmental practices will be incorporated across the value chain of the products.
Summary of project results
The purpose of the project is setting up a new "green" workshop in place of detention in Sofia for production of solar panel collectors and water heaters for environmentally friendly manufacturing of heat power for heating and hot water. The usage of solar panel collectors reduces the electricity cost of households and industrial manufacturers, turning the sun energy into heating power. The following activities have been carried out during the project period: 1) Construction and renovation works in the production hall; 2) Delivery of the necessary equipment for the production of water heaters and solar panel collectors; The results of the project could be summarised as follows: - Modernizing of production hall for solar panel collectors in place of detention in Sofia and purchase of new energy efficient equipment. The workshop is equipped according to the recent environmental standards and ecological parameters. The production process is based on the principles of efficiency, recycling and almost no waste. - 130 prisoners have been trained to work with the specific production equipment. - Application for registering a trademark (SINOX) has been submitted by the Project Promoter for the new product, based on the Law on patterns and utility models registration. - Guide for "best practices" in the field of environmentally friendly technologies and solutions has been developed. The project is innovative at company level - it is a new green production process that has not only economic, but social impact (new skills for future professional realization of prisoners, low costs and bills for customers) as well as environmental impact (encouraging the use of alternative energy sources).
Summary of bilateral results
International Development Norway AS has provided mainly consultancy services and has been involved in delivering expertise on equipment and design of the production workshop as well as delivering expertise on EU regulations regarding working conditions and environmental impact. The Norwegian partner has also contributed to the project with providing training and best practices know-how.