2. How this guide came about

In France, in 2011, the Direction Générale de la Compétitivité, de l'Industrie et des Services and the Orée environmental association set up five inter-regional ecodesign expertise networks across the country. The objectives were to:

• federate the ecodesign networks of existing stakeholders;

• harmonize eco-design skills;

• develop and disseminate eco-design initiatives and practices at national level.

The entities mobilized in the regional networks include ADEME (national and regional agencies), chambers of commerce and industry, associations, regional councils, clusters, companies, business associations, consultancies, universities, engineering schools and research laboratories.

One of these inter-regional networks,...