The basic idea of ECOPROFIT® is a win-win-model, using integrated environmental technologies to strengthen businesses economically and simultaneously improve the local environment. Enterprises are enabled to cut their costs through investments into operational environmental protection and to increase their eco-efficiency.

History
ECOPROFIT®, the "ECOlogical PROject For Integrated EnvironmentalT echnology", is a program for sustainable economic development developed by the Environment Department of the City of Graz , Austria, in 1991. Among other international awards, the project received the "European Sustainable City Award 1996" and the "Dubai International Award for Best Practices to improve the Living Environment 2002". It was also a finalist in the "Bremen Partnership Award Contest 2001". Jahre 1991 im  entwickelt wurde.

The Public Private Partnership Model
An important factor in the success of ECOPROFIT® is the special way local authorities, businesses and consultants work together through common training programs and networking. This strong co-operation enables an effective flow of information and considerable synergies.

A building block for sustainable development
Operational objectives and the idea of regional environmental protection are equally important for the future diversification of the economy and a guarantee for future jobs. ECOPROFIT® consequently contains a social component. The economic, ecological and social value of ECOPROFIT® perfectly complies with the three dimensions of sustainable development.

The Best Practice Network
The establishment of an international ECOPROFIT® Network enables participating companies, consultants, local authorities and research institutions to benefit from synergies by sharing knowledge. 

Further Development
The permanent further development of the project is a central concern of the project team. As a reaction to the wishes of our project participants, special programs were developed for tourism as well as small businesses with less than 10 employees.

The ECOPROFIT® Trademark
ECOPROFIT® is an international registered and copyrighted trademark. Project managers are allowed to use the trademark and the associated program through a licence agreement.

The Costs
Project costs are usually financed through public grants and contributions from participating companies. In addition, sponsorship through EU funding programs should be considered.