ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the possibilities of getting local authorities to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) environmental improvements. It outlines the experience based on Danish industry structure, environmental legislation and specific pilot projects. The chapter shows that co-operation between local authorities and SMEs on cleaner production and environmental management creates incentives and conditions for environmental improvements. The chapter is structured in main parts: the industry sector in Denmark; the main features of Danish policy and environmental legislation; Danish case studies/projects that have been carried out with the local authority as cooperation partner for the SMEs; and the local authority as a dialogue partner. The industry sector in Denmark supports a total of 500,000 jobs, 25% of which are in trades and 75% in industries. The first Danish Environmental Protection Act in 1973 was primarily aimed at regulating the local environmental effects resulting from industries. Denmark has a clear policy for cleaner production, and initiatives have been started within the strategy.
