<\/a>Switch Asia \u2013 is a program funded by the European Union (EU) \u2013 which promotes Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) across Asia. It works with both producers and consumers on the ground as well as at the policy-making level to formulate and implement SCP-related policies.<\/p>\n In India, the Retailers Association of India has partnered with the EU to further this cause.<\/p>\n During RAI’s Supply Chain Summit in Mumbai, on December 5 2013, STOrai spoke to Dr. Arno Schaefer, Minister Counselor, Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation to India about the program. We discussed sustainability in retail and how Switch Asia applies to India. Excerpts from the conversation:<\/p>\n RAI: What was the intent behind developing the Switch Asia Project?<\/strong> The Switch Asia Project is a demand driven program; it is not negotiated with the government or internally. We have fixed the objectives of the program as Sustainable Consumption & Production. We then called for proposals which are in line with these objectives, considered the one which fits best and implement it.<\/p>\n <\/a>The retail sector including the supply chain, i.e. from production to consumption has a crucial role to play. It is important from the point of view of economic value add, and from the employment point of view. There are issues related to transport, emission, energy use & efficiency which are linked to Sustainable Production & Consumption. These issues need to be tackled in context of a country’s retail environment.<\/p>\n Since the Indian retail environment is extremely heterogeneous with millions of participants it is an enormous challenge to improve the area, to implement technologies, create awareness, to educate and to carry out advocacy. Thus when we have the befitting application for this project, we feel it will prove to be a great initiative for umbrella organizations, for partners to address retail sector, to promote the idea of sustainability in the sector.<\/p>\n Thus Switch Asia Project for us is an entry point to promote these ideas generally.<\/p>\n RAI:\u00a0 What are your expectations and final outcome from the Switch Asia Project?<\/strong>
\nDr. A.S:<\/strong> The European Union has undertaken a number of initiatives in order to tackle the issue of climate change, general environmental protection and sustainable development. We at European Union look at Sustainability from an economic, social and environmental point of view. It is under this theme of Sustainability that we developed the Switch Asia Project.<\/p>\n
\nDr. A.S:<\/strong> The final outcome and expectation from the project you will find lies in the general objectives of European Union regarding environmental protection, sustainable production, and climate change. We intend to achieve this through the project by increasing awareness amongst the millions of stakeholders of the retail sector- first about the problems and then the possible solutions, which partly is about energy efficiency technology, and partly about better management.<\/p>\n