The TEST approach developed by UNIDO is a need driven systematic approach integrating the preventive win-win strategy into enterprise operation. TEST is building on management of change within different levels of the management pyramid:

•  the operational level
•  the management system level and
•  the strategic level.

TEST is supporting the concept of the learning organization starting with the identification of potential leverage points and setting up the relevant baselines.TEST was already successfully applied within the Danube River Basin to seventeen industrial installations.

TEST deals with flows management and minimization of the non-product outputs. Its major focus within MED-TEST will be on improved management of water flows and related pollution loads, resulting in improved water conservation.

A TEST project is tailored to the unique conditions of the industrial sector, as well as to the institutional framework of the country where it is implemented. Introduction of the TEST integrated approach at the enterprise level follows this sequence: first, the existing situation is improved by advanced management of the existing processes. Secondly, the introduction of new cleaner technology (or if not sufficient, also of optimised end-of-pipe solutions) is considered. Finally, the lessons learned from each TEST project’s implementation is reflected in the respective company’s business strategy.

Implementation of the integrated TEST approach is based on three basic principles:

• At the level of processes, it gives priority to the preventive approach of CP (Cleaner Production – systematic preventive actions based on pollution prevention techniques within the production process) and considers the transfer of additional technologies for pollution control (end-of-pipe) only after the feasible cleaner production solutions have been explored.
• At the level of management systems, the integrated TEST approach addresses the managerial aspects of preventive environmental management. It establishes the necessary information system on relevant material, energy and related financial flows necessary for linking the strategic and operational level within an enterprise. This is done by using the basic elements of an EMS and EMA (Environmental Management Accounting).
• At the strategic level, it places environmental management within the broader strategy of environmental and corporate social business responsibilities (CSR) by leading companies towards the adoption of sustainable enterprise strategies (SES).

Figure 1 shows the TEST implementation strategy as well as the individual tools used at each stage of implementation.
See figure 1

Figure 2 shows the TEST Tool Box & the Management Pyramid