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The focus of this paper is to critically analyse and draw quantitative balance indicators of several projects concerning process optimization, resources, and energy recovery from dairies wastes. Analysed quantitative data were collected by auditing activities and design studies in Eastern Europe and Asia, aimed at supporting the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) for better performances and reduction of global environmental impact of their customer Companies. Suggestions for the recovery of waste in the given sector are outlined discussing results from actual case-studies for recycling dairy waste and obtaining valuable products, seeking to contribute to increase income, as well as to minimize waste generation and GHGs emissions. Results evidencing the benefits of biomass valorisation to produce energy by-products can provide practical indications for dairy plant companies that are considering the issues of economic and environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of this paper is to outline a framework for resources and energy efficiency auditing activities and present its application in field studies carried out in Italy and in Eastern Europe, to support Companies and International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in the implementation of actions to improve industrial performances and reduce global environmental impacts. Among environmental considerations, climate change mitigation and adaptation aspects are included, as well as circular economy, pollution prevention and preservation of biodiversity. Within this context, this study focuses on the peculiar case of the textile industry, which is characterized by a significant use of energy and resources, mainly water and chemicals, thus involving the respect of the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals Programme. The auditing approach is conceived as a step-by step sequence of activities, starting from the Job Assignment from the Client based on specific Terms of Reference, followed by the submission of a data collection questionnaire, tailored to the specific textile industry, site survey with company managers and concluded with the elaboration of the technical report. In order to demonstrate the capability of the approach, the applicative section of this paper will present results in terms of technical and managerial actions to reduce energy and water consumption and GHGs emissions, as well as to control water pollution and waste generation and disposal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of this paper is to draw a balance of a decade of resources and energy efficiency auditing activities and studies, carried out in Eastern Europe, Central Asia and Africa, aimed to support International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in improving their sustainability performances and in reducing the global environmental impact of their customer Companies. The auditing framework was designed as a step-by step sequence: • Job Assignment from the Bank, based on specific Terms of Reference; • Submission of a questionnaire, tailored to the particular agro-industrial sector (i.e., dairy, tomatoes processing, slaughterhouse, etc.); • Multi-disciplinary team assessment of industrial facilities, by means of an on-site survey and meetings with the managers of the agro-industrial company for the discussion of relevant issues; • Preparation of a draft report to be discussed with IFI and Company; • Preparation of a final report including remarks from IFI and Company. The paper will present the results by developing proper sustainability and safety performance indicators, in terms of energy consumption and reduction of GHG emissions reduction, as well as control of water pollution and waste generation, and their safe disposal. In designing and performing the actual auditing process, a great attention was paid to the considerations for the global environment and safety implications, especially in selecting the technologies, not limiting the efforts to the usual CAPEX and OPEX reductions and to the local impact parameters. Conclusions are drawn regarding the practical possibility of incorporating audit results in terms of environmental sustainability into the overall decision-making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]