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UPthEM – Upskilling Pathways for Employability
№ 2019-1-BG01-KA204-062299

A UNEP study reveals that investing in the green economy will spur growth. Contrary to
conservative belief, the greening of economies is not generally a drag on growth but rather a
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new engine of growth and a net generator of decent jobs.
Green economy is a concept with principles embedded in the economic, social and
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environmental domains :
Type Principle
Economic • Recognizes natural capital and values
• Integrated in economic development and growth models
• Internalizes externalities
• Promotes resources and energy efficiency
• Creates decent work and green jobs
Environmental • Protects biodiversity and ecosystems
• Invests in and sustains natural capital
• Recognizes and respects planetary boundaries and ecological
limits
• Advances international environmental sustainability goals (e.g.
Millennium Development Goal no 7)
Social • Delivers poverty reduction, well-being, livelihoods, social
protection and access to essential services
• Is socially inclusive, democratic, participatory, accountable,
transparent and stable
• Is equitable, fair and just – between and within countries and
between generations

A green economy rigorously applies the triple bottom line of people, planet and profits across
all corporations at the microeconomic level and throughout
the entire economy at the macroeconomic level.

Businesses can benefit in many ways from becoming
greener/ green growth. These range from cutting your overheads to developing new income
streams, increasing your sales and improving employee engagement. The table below offers
some examples of benefits an entrepreneur can have from making a greener business. Examples
of companies improving their operations due to implementation of plans for green growth can
be found at:

http://www.psee.org.za/downloads/publications/FPP10401_PSEE_Green_your_business7.pdf

13 Towards a Green Economy: Pathways to Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication-UNEP
14 UN DESA, A Guidebook to Green Economy: Issue 2: Exploring Green Economy Principles, 2012
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The European Commission support for the production of this publication [document] does not constitute an endorsement of the contents
which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the
information contained therein.